Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Missouri
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Independent Study option with CSE CS+Econ Director approval. Interdisciplinary curriculum combining CS and Economics
Hakia Insight: Washington University's CS+Economics pairing with faculty like Roman Garnett (Bayesian optimization) and Chien-Ju Ho (human-AI interaction) creates unusual depth in AI fairness and decision systems—a niche that commands premium salaries in fintech and policy roles.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Economics is an interdisciplinary program combining computer science and economics to prepare students for the intersection of technology and economic systems. Students complete 11 core courses including calculus, statistics, data structures, algorithms, and economic theory, plus 6 electives (3 from each department). The curriculum emphasizes computational platforms that mediate social and economic interactions. CS electives include artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and visualization courses. Economics electives cover behavioral economics, game theory, market design, and computational macroeconomics. Students must maintain C- or better in core courses and complete additional requirements in writing, natural sciences, and humanities. The program efficiently combines both disciplines without requiring separate majors, preparing graduates for roles at the intersection of technology and economics.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science + Economics — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- McKelvey School of Engineering Artificial Intelligence Initiative
Industry Partners
- Monsanto (now Bayer) (corporate)
- Centene (corporate)
- Express Scripts (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Department of Energy, University of Georgia.
Notable Faculty
- Roman Garnett — Machine learning, Bayesian optimization, active learning
- Chien-Ju Ho — Human-AI interaction, crowdsourcing, learning theory
Admissions
GPA Requirement: C- or better in core courses. Application Deadline: December 15.
Requirements: 11 core courses with C- or better, 6 electives (3 CS, 3 Economics), College Writing I, Technical Writing, 8 units Natural Sciences electives, 18 units Humanities and Social Sciences electives
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: St. Louis biotech and healthcare hubProximity to major pharmaceutical companiesFinancial services sector presenceAccess to national laboratories and research institutions
University of Missouri-Kansas City — Kansas City, MO
Key Distinction: ABET accreditation. Software Engineering Capstone project (COMP-SCI 451R)
Hakia Insight: UMKC's ABET accreditation plus partnerships with Cerner and the Federal Reserve means students solve real healthcare data and cybersecurity problems in capstones, giving them portfolios that bypass generic coding bootcamp credentials.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is ABET-accredited and provides 120 credit hours of study combining technical computer science education with broad general education. The curriculum includes core CS courses, mathematics through Calculus II and Linear Algebra, physics, and synthesis courses including Software Engineering Capstone (COMP-SCI 451R). Students can pursue a BS/MS option to complete both degrees in five years. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills, software development fundamentals, and real-world application of computing principles. Graduates find employment as software engineers, systems analysts, and technical staff at major companies across internet commerce, hi-tech industries, financial institutions, biomedical, defense, and engineering sectors. Current projections show demand for computer science graduates exceeding supply for years to come.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Mining, Database and Multimedia Research Group
- DANS Lab (Data-Algorithms-Network Systems-Security Laboratory)
- DIGIT Lab
- Cheng Han Lab
- Bani Lab
- Cao Lab
- Center for Excellence in AI-Empowered Spatial Computing
- Multiplatform Interactive Robotics (Miro) Lab
Industry Partners
- Cerner (corporate)
- T-Mobile (corporate)
- X (formerly Twitter) (employer)
- Federal Reserve (employer)
- Qualcomm (employer)
- US Department of Education (partner)
- University of Missouri-Columbia (collaborator)
- Harris-Stowe State University (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Antonio Byrd — Artificial intelligence in higher education
- Dr. Cheng Han — LLM Adaptability and Efficiency
- Dr. Fengpeng Sun — Climate modeling and AI applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 core high school GPA.
Requirements: Minimum grade of C- in all Computer Science, Info Tech, Math, Stat, and Physics coursework, UMKC Essentials general education requirements, Constitution course requirement, Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement Examination with 70% score
Location Advantages: Kansas City tech ecosystemProximity to healthcare and fintech companiesRegional AI startup community
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: UMSL's AI program prioritizes accessibility and immediate professional applicability, structured for working students in the St. Louis region seeking machine learning competency.
Hakia Insight: UMSL's partnerships with cybersecurity leaders (CrowdStrike, Netskope) and NSF funding create unusual pathways for undergrads into applied security AI—a specialization most bachelor's programs defer to graduate work.
At the bachelor's level, UMSL's artificial intelligence offerings are integrated within its computer science and information systems programs, with accessible pathways for both traditional students and working professionals seeking AI competency. The program structure emphasizes machine learning fundamentals, data-driven decision-making, and practical implementation of AI systems in business and technical contexts. Rather than positioning AI as an esoteric research domain, UMSL's approach treats machine learning and intelligent systems as practical skill sets that enhance career prospects across multiple industries. The curriculum covers supervised and unsupervised learning, feature engineering, model evaluation, and deployment considerations—topics directly applicable to immediate professional challenges. Faculty bring experience in machine learning applications, data analytics, and intelligent systems design. The program serves a diverse student population and reflects UMSL's commitment to accessible, career-relevant graduate education. Students gain hands-on experience with standard machine learning tools and libraries, cloud platforms, and real datasets, preparing them for immediate contribution in professional roles. Graduates find placement as data scientists, analytics engineers, and machine learning practitioners in regional companies and increasingly in remote roles with national firms.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Laboratory of Advanced Supply Chain Analytics
Industry Partners
- CrowdStrike (sponsor)
- Netskope (sponsor)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- U.S. Department of Transportation (sponsor)
- Ameren Corporation (sponsor)
- Express Scripts Inc. (sponsor)
- U.S. Army Research Office (sponsor)
- HP Labs (sponsor)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Badri Adhikari — Computer Science
- Dr. Cezary Janikow — Computer Science
- Dr. Azim Ahmadzadeh — Computer Science Research
- Dr. Mtibaa — Networking and Security
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA/DHS National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
- AACSB
- STEM designated
Location Advantages: St. Louis regional business and technology community
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Key Distinction: University of Central Missouri differentiates itself by weaving AI fundamentals throughout its computer science curriculum rather than siloing them, producing graduates skilled in both software engineering and intelligent systems.
Hakia Insight: UCM's decision to weave AI across the entire CS curriculum rather than siloing it into electives means every graduate—regardless of specialization—understands intelligent systems, a broader competency that regional manufacturing and logistics employers explicitly demand.
At the bachelor's level, central Missouri's approach to artificial intelligence education integrates AI concepts across multiple computer science and engineering courses rather than isolating them into a standalone track. This embedded model means students encounter machine learning, data analytics, and intelligent systems as they progress through core coursework in software engineering, databases, and systems design. The program appeals to students who want foundational AI knowledge paired with broader software development skills—a combination increasingly valued by employers building end-to-end applications. Faculty research in the department touches on optimization algorithms and data analytics, providing undergraduates with opportunities to contribute to real projects. The program maintains partnerships with regional manufacturing and logistics companies that are actively adopting AI for process optimization, creating internship pathways for students interested in industrial AI applications. Graduates report strong placement rates in both traditional software engineering roles and emerging AI-focused positions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to regional manufacturing and logistics industry
Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: SLU's AI program emphasizes domain application and practical decision-support systems, particularly in healthcare and business analytics, rather than algorithm research for its own sake.
Hakia Insight: SLU's geospatial and healthcare-focused labs (Remote Sensing, Computational Spatial Demography) pair AI with domain problems rather than algorithm theory, positioning graduates for the growing category of health tech and climate tech roles that out-pay generic ML positions.
At the bachelor's level, saint Louis University's artificial intelligence program integrates AI education into computer science and data science tracks, with particular emphasis on how machine learning applies to healthcare, business analytics, and decision-support systems. The curriculum balances algorithmic foundations with practical application domains where AI is demonstrably transforming outcomes—healthcare diagnostics, clinical decision-making, financial modeling, and enterprise systems. The program benefits from SLU's identity as a research institution with strong graduate-level computer science education and a collaborative culture that draws faculty and student researchers across disciplines. Students pursuing AI specialization engage with supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and statistical methods within a context-rich framework—learning not just how algorithms work, but where they fail and why domain knowledge matters. The faculty bring expertise in machine learning applications, data mining, and intelligent systems, often grounded in research collaborations with local healthcare and financial institutions. Graduates typically move into roles requiring both technical skill and domain application understanding—data scientist positions, AI analyst roles, and machine learning engineer positions in companies where AI serves defined business or medical purposes rather than pure research. The program's value proposition centers on producing graduates who can articulate both the capabilities and limitations of AI systems to non-technical stakeholders.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Remote Sensing Lab
- Computational Spatial Demography Lab
- Geospatial Health Lab
- Research Innovation Group
Industry Partners
- Boeing (employer)
- Centene (employer)
- Citi (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Enterprise (employer)
- Express Scripts (employer)
- KPMG (employer)
- Maritz (employer)
- MasterCard (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Bayer (employer)
- World Wide Technologies (employer)
- Cortex Innovation Community (partner)
- Venture Cafe (collaborator)
- T-REX Technology Entrepreneur Center (partner)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00. Application Deadline: November 1 for January admission, June 1 for August admission.
Requirements:
Location Advantages: St. Louis regional healthcare and financial services sectorProximity to enterprise technology companies
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri State's approach makes AI accessible and rigorous simultaneously, embedding machine learning throughout the computer science curriculum rather than compartmentalizing it into specialized tracks.
Hakia Insight: Missouri State embeds machine learning throughout its core curriculum rather than relegating it to electives, ensuring even non-AI-track graduates graduate with applied ML competency—a differentiator in regional hiring where specialized AI hires are still rare.
At the bachelor's level, missouri State's computer science program weaves machine learning and AI fundamentals throughout its core curriculum, positioning students to understand intelligent systems from theoretical and practical angles. The program emphasizes accessibility—making AI concepts teachable to students from varied technical backgrounds—while maintaining rigor in algorithms, data structures, and mathematical foundations. Faculty research in areas like machine learning applications and computational intelligence informs coursework, giving students exposure to faculty-led projects and independent study opportunities. The university's investment in computing infrastructure supports hands-on lab work with industry-standard tools and frameworks. Located in Springfield, Missouri State serves as a regional education hub, with growing connections to St. Louis and Kansas City tech sectors providing internship and career pathways. Graduates often transition into roles spanning data analysis, software engineering with ML components, and specialized AI positions at regional technology companies and larger employers expanding their analytics capabilities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Springfield and regional Missouri tech employment markets
Missouri Valley College — Marshall, MO
Hakia Insight: Insufficient data to generate a distinctive insight for Missouri Valley College.
At the bachelor's level, the content provided does not contain sufficient information about Missouri Valley College's Artificial Intelligence program to determine what makes it stand out.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Webster University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Webster's AI program combines technical depth with global accessibility and organizational change management, differentiating itself through flexible delivery and ethics-integrated curriculum.
Hakia Insight: Webster's 100+ international campuses create an unusual advantage: AI ethics and applied projects grounded in genuinely diverse regulatory and cultural contexts (not simulated case studies), directly preparing graduates for multinational tech roles.
At the bachelor's level, webster's artificial intelligence program emphasizes applied AI within a globally distributed learning network, leveraging the university's 100+ international campuses as a distinctive pedagogical advantage. The curriculum balances machine learning fundamentals with practical deployment scenarios, integrating case studies from real-world business transformations across finance, healthcare, and supply chain sectors. Students engage with contemporary AI ethics frameworks and responsible AI governance—topics often sidelined in technical-heavy programs—preparing graduates not just to build models but to navigate the organizational and societal implications of their work. The program's strength lies in its accessibility through flexible delivery formats, making advanced AI education available to working professionals who need to upskill without leaving their careers. Faculty bring industry experience from roles at major tech firms and consulting houses, and the curriculum incorporates guest lectures and real projects from partner organizations. Graduates report strong placement in mid-to-senior AI roles at enterprises undergoing digital transformation, where Webster alumni often become internal AI champions driving adoption across business units.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Global network of 100+ international campuses providing real-world AI applications across diverse markets
Missouri Western State University — Saint Joseph, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri Western's AI curriculum is embedded in applied engineering for industrial and agricultural sectors, with direct internship pipelines into Midwest manufacturing and supply chain companies.
Hakia Insight: Missouri Western's location in Saint Joseph puts students within recruiting distance of John Deere, Cargill, and automotive suppliers who actively hire for supply chain AI—meaning internships and job offers often arrive before graduation rather than after.
At the bachelor's level, missouri Western integrates AI education into a broader computer science and engineering curriculum that prioritizes hands-on capstone projects and industry partnerships rooted in the Midwest manufacturing and logistics sectors. The program doesn't isolate AI as a standalone track; instead, it weaves machine learning, data science, and automation throughout coursework, preparing students to solve concrete problems in regional industries—automotive suppliers, agricultural technology, and industrial automation companies that actively recruit graduates. The institution's location in Saint Joseph positions students near major supply chain hubs and emerging smart manufacturing initiatives, creating pipeline internship opportunities that many competitors can't match. Faculty maintain active connections to industry advisory boards, ensuring the curriculum stays aligned with employer needs for AI-proficient engineers who understand both algorithms and real operational constraints. What distinguishes this program is its unabashed focus on applied AI for industrial contexts rather than research or cutting-edge theory—graduates typically move into roles where they're architecting machine learning solutions for production environments, predictive maintenance systems, or logistics optimization within weeks of hire.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Saint Joseph, MO proximity to automotive suppliers, agricultural technology companies, and Midwest manufacturing hubs
College of the Ozarks — Point Lookout, MO
Key Distinction: College of the Ozarks offers comprehensive Artificial Intelligence programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: College of the Ozarks' tuition-free model (students work on-campus to cover costs) makes an AI degree financially accessible without debt, a rare advantage in a field where peer institutions average $40K+ annually.
College of the Ozarks offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Point Lookout, MO. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Missouri
University of Missouri-Kansas City — Kansas City, MO
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. Non-Thesis (Course) track options available. Full-time and part-time enrollment options
Hakia Insight: UMKC's partnership with Cerner—one of the world's largest health IT vendors—creates direct pathways into healthcare AI roles, where the demand for machine learning talent outpaces general tech and compensation premiums are substantial.
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) at UMKC is a 30-credit graduate program offering both thesis and non-thesis (coursework) tracks to accommodate full-time and part-time students. The program features five emphasis areas including Artificial Intelligence, with flexible scheduling for working professionals. Students complete 24 credits in CS courses and 6 credits from related disciplines. The thesis option includes a 6-credit research component, while the course option consists of 10 courses. The program prepares graduates for corporate research, product development, management, and doctoral studies, positioning them as technology leaders and innovators. No GRE required. Students are encouraged to concentrate in one emphasis area with at least 12 credits to meet specific employer skill requirements in specialized technology sectors.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Mining, Database and Multimedia Research Group
- DANS Lab (Data-Algorithms-Network Systems-Security Laboratory)
- DIGIT Lab
- Cheng Han Lab
- Bani Lab
- Cao Lab
- Center for Excellence in AI-Empowered Spatial Computing
- Multiplatform Interactive Robotics (Miro) Lab
Industry Partners
- Cerner (corporate)
- T-Mobile (corporate)
- X (formerly Twitter) (employer)
- Federal Reserve (employer)
- Qualcomm (employer)
- US Department of Education (partner)
- University of Missouri-Columbia (collaborator)
- Harris-Stowe State University (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Antonio Byrd — Artificial intelligence in higher education
- Dr. Cheng Han — LLM Adaptability and Efficiency
- Dr. Fengpeng Sun — Climate modeling and AI applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 core high school GPA.
Requirements: Minimum 24 credit hours in CS courses (8 courses), 6 credit hours from related disciplines (2 courses), Three core courses selected from: Network Architecture, Advanced Operating Systems, Advanced Software Engineering, Introduction to Machine Learning, or Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Emphasis area coursework (minimum 12 credits recommended in one emphasis area), Thesis (6 credits) for thesis track, or additional coursework for non-thesis track, Maintain minimum GPA per School of Graduate Studies requirements
Location Advantages: Kansas City tech ecosystemProximity to healthcare and fintech companiesRegional AI startup community
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis track options: Master Research (thesis, 6 credits) or Independent Study (non-thesis coursework). Interdisciplinary faculty mentorship from Biomedical Engineering, Electrical & Systems Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, and School of Medicine
Hakia Insight: Washington University's Imaging Science program is the only degree listed that explicitly trains students in deep learning for medical imaging and biomedical applications, positioning graduates for the higher-margin intersection of healthcare and AI rather than commodity software roles.
Washington University's Master of Science in Imaging Science is an interdisciplinary 30-credit program designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise in imaging technologies, deep learning, and artificial intelligence. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis (coursework) tracks, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Students choose between independent study (non-thesis) or master research (thesis track, 6 credits). The curriculum emphasizes practical application skills grounded in physical and mathematical engineering principles, with core requirements in mathematics/physics of imaging, computational imaging, and imaging applications. Faculty mentorship spans multiple departments including Biomedical Engineering, Electrical & Systems Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, and the School of Medicine. Graduates advance to doctoral studies or industry roles in imaging systems, sensors, algorithm development, and AI-driven applications. WashU's long-standing leadership in imaging science research provides access to hundreds of expert faculty and cutting-edge research opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Imaging Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- McKelvey School of Engineering Artificial Intelligence Initiative
Industry Partners
- Monsanto (now Bayer) (corporate)
- Centene (corporate)
- Express Scripts (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Department of Energy, University of Georgia.
Notable Faculty
- Roman Garnett — Machine learning, Bayesian optimization, active learning
- Chien-Ju Ho — Human-AI interaction, crowdsourcing, learning theory
Admissions
GPA Requirement: C- or better in core courses. Application Deadline: December 15.
Requirements: 30 graduate credits minimum, Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better, 13 credit hours from core curriculum (2 mathematics/physics courses, 1 computation course, 1 application course, 1 seminar), Up to 6 credits from 4000-level courses; remaining 24 credits must be 5000-level or above, All courses taken for grade (not Pass/No Pass)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: St. Louis biotech and healthcare hubProximity to major pharmaceutical companiesFinancial services sector presenceAccess to national laboratories and research institutions
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Key Distinction: University of Central Missouri differentiates itself by weaving AI fundamentals throughout its computer science curriculum rather than siloing them, producing graduates skilled in both software engineering and intelligent systems.
Hakia Insight: Rather than treating AI as a bolt-on specialization, University of Central Missouri embeds intelligent systems thinking into every computer science course, producing graduates who understand *when* to apply AI—a judgment gap that separates senior engineers from junior coders.
At the master's level, central Missouri's approach to artificial intelligence education integrates AI concepts across multiple computer science and engineering courses rather than isolating them into a standalone track. This embedded model means students encounter machine learning, data analytics, and intelligent systems as they progress through core coursework in software engineering, databases, and systems design. The program appeals to students who want foundational AI knowledge paired with broader software development skills—a combination increasingly valued by employers building end-to-end applications. Faculty research in the department touches on optimization algorithms and data analytics, providing undergraduates with opportunities to contribute to real projects. The program maintains partnerships with regional manufacturing and logistics companies that are actively adopting AI for process optimization, creating internship pathways for students interested in industrial AI applications. Graduates report strong placement rates in both traditional software engineering roles and emerging AI-focused positions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to regional manufacturing and logistics industry
Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis track options: choose CSCI 5990 Thesis Research (6 credits) or Non-Thesis Option with CSCI 5961 Capstone Project (3 credits). Graduate assistantships available with full or partial tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipend for living expenses
Hakia Insight: Saint Louis University's graduate assistantships cover full tuition plus living stipend—a financial model that lets working professionals pursue the degree without employer sponsorship, differentiating it from peers requiring significant out-of-pocket cost.
Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence prepares working professionals to apply AI and machine learning methods ethically and efficiently across specialized domains including autonomous systems, bioinformatics, data science, health outcomes, image processing, and natural language processing. The 30-37 credit program offers flexibility through thesis or non-thesis tracks: students may pursue CSCI 5990 Thesis Research (6 credits) or complete a Non-Thesis Option with CSCI 5961 Artificial Intelligence Capstone Project (3 credits) plus an additional Principles/Applications course. Graduate assistantships are available, including full or partial tuition coverage, health insurance, and living stipends in exchange for teaching or research contributions. Located in St. Louis's Midtown area near the Cortex Innovation Community, students access internship and employment opportunities with Fortune 500 companies (Boeing, Microsoft, Deloitte, Centene, MasterCard) and startups. Data scientist roles rank #3 on Glassdoor's Best Jobs and #8 on U.S. News rankings, with strong mid-career earning potential and top 20 projected job growth through 2032. The program emphasizes ethical AI development and societal impact alongside technical depth.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Remote Sensing Lab
- Computational Spatial Demography Lab
- Geospatial Health Lab
- Research Innovation Group
Industry Partners
- Boeing (employer)
- Centene (employer)
- Citi (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Enterprise (employer)
- Express Scripts (employer)
- KPMG (employer)
- Maritz (employer)
- MasterCard (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Bayer (employer)
- World Wide Technologies (employer)
- Cortex Innovation Community (partner)
- Venture Cafe (collaborator)
- T-REX Technology Entrepreneur Center (partner)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Boeing, Microsoft.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.00. Application Deadline: November 1 for January admission, June 1 for August admission.
Requirements: Grade of C- or higher in all courses to satisfy degree requirements, Grade of B- or higher to use course as prerequisite for another, Maintain cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses, Complete either Thesis Option (CSCI 5990, 6 credits) or Non-Thesis Option (CSCI 5961 Capstone, 3 credits + additional course, 3 credits), Complete AI Foundations courses (0-7 credits for non-CS degree holders), Complete required core courses: Principles of Software Development, Computing and Society, Introduction to AI, Introduction to Machine Learning, Complete at least one AI Principles course, Complete at least one AI Applications course, Complete 6 credits of AI electives, Complete exit survey during final semester
Location Advantages: St. Louis regional healthcare and financial services sectorProximity to enterprise technology companies
Northwest Missouri State University — Maryville, MO
Key Distinction: Northwest Missouri State's AI program stands out for its emphasis on applied machine learning and data science within a mentorship-rich, small-class environment.
Hakia Insight: Northwest Missouri State's small-cohort model means you're not competing with 300+ classmates for faculty attention or lab placements; in a field where research experience directly converts to job offers, this scarcity of bottlenecks compounds over two years.
At the master's level, northwest Missouri State's artificial intelligence program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning within a tight-knit computer science environment. The curriculum prioritizes machine learning applications and data science techniques, structured around real-world problem-solving from the first semester. Students engage with AI through courses in neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision while simultaneously building portfolio projects that demonstrate competency to employers. The program benefits from close faculty mentorship—class sizes remain manageable, allowing professors to guide students through capstone projects that often involve local and regional industry challenges. Internship opportunities connect students with companies throughout the Midwest seeking AI talent, and many graduates move into data science and machine learning engineering roles immediately after graduation. The location in northwest Missouri, while rural, has become increasingly attractive to distributed tech teams and provides unique networking advantages within the regional tech ecosystem.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri State's approach makes AI accessible and rigorous simultaneously, embedding machine learning throughout the computer science curriculum rather than compartmentalizing it into specialized tracks.
Hakia Insight: Missouri State integrates machine learning into foundational courses rather than reserving it for electives, ensuring every graduate—regardless of specialization—can read an algorithm and evaluate its trade-offs, a baseline competency most programs don't guarantee.
At the master's level, missouri State's computer science program weaves machine learning and AI fundamentals throughout its core curriculum, positioning students to understand intelligent systems from theoretical and practical angles. The program emphasizes accessibility—making AI concepts teachable to students from varied technical backgrounds—while maintaining rigor in algorithms, data structures, and mathematical foundations. Faculty research in areas like machine learning applications and computational intelligence informs coursework, giving students exposure to faculty-led projects and independent study opportunities. The university's investment in computing infrastructure supports hands-on lab work with industry-standard tools and frameworks. Located in Springfield, Missouri State serves as a regional education hub, with growing connections to St. Louis and Kansas City tech sectors providing internship and career pathways. Graduates often transition into roles spanning data analysis, software engineering with ML components, and specialized AI positions at regional technology companies and larger employers expanding their analytics capabilities.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Springfield and regional Missouri tech employment markets
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Three customizable track options: Traditional, Certificate (5 specializations including AI), and Professional. Hands-on, project-driven coursework emphasizing skills employers seek
Hakia Insight: UMSL's Certificate track option (5-course AI specialization within the broader CS master's) lets you earn a credential and degree simultaneously in 18 months, compressing what normally takes 24+ months at competitor schools.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at UMSL offers three flexible tracks: Traditional (comprehensive applications-based study), Certificate (focused specialization in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Internet and Web, or Mobile Apps), and Professional (for those with 3+ years computing experience). The 30-credit program blends innovative research with hands-on projects, preparing graduates for senior-level roles. Graduates advance to positions such as AI Specialist, CTO, and Software Engineering Director. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research scientists earn a median salary of $136,620 with projected 23% employment growth by 2032. UMSL offers small class sizes (capped at 25), expert faculty with industry experience, and career services support. The program emphasizes practical skills through experiential learning, positioning graduates for significant career advancement and higher compensation in the rapidly growing tech field.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Laboratory of Advanced Supply Chain Analytics
Industry Partners
- CrowdStrike (sponsor)
- Netskope (sponsor)
- National Science Foundation (sponsor)
- U.S. Department of Transportation (sponsor)
- Ameren Corporation (sponsor)
- Express Scripts Inc. (sponsor)
- U.S. Army Research Office (sponsor)
- HP Labs (sponsor)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Badri Adhikari — Computer Science
- Dr. Cezary Janikow — Computer Science
- Dr. Azim Ahmadzadeh — Computer Science Research
- Dr. Mtibaa — Networking and Security
Accreditations and Certifications
- NSA/DHS National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
- AACSB
- STEM designated
Location Advantages: St. Louis regional business and technology community
