Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Oregon
Clackamas Community College — Oregon City, OR
Hakia Insight: Clackamas' location in the Portland metro puts graduates into Intel and IBM's hiring pipeline before they finish their second year; the college's curriculum design explicitly channels students toward these major employers rather than treating career placement as an afterthought.
At the associate's level, working with the Portland metro's massive tech corridor, Clackamas has built an AI program that feels less like a classroom and more like a pipeline into real jobs. Your coursework includes projects pulled directly from what local employers need—think data pipeline optimization and model deployment—so when you graduate, you're not learning on the job, you're already trained. The college's location in Oregon City puts you minutes from major tech hubs while keeping costs and class sizes manageable.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel, IBM, major Portland metro tech companies, healthcare IT providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Portland State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Technician
- Junior AI Developer
- AI Quality Assurance Tester
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
- Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Lane Community College — Eugene, OR
Hakia Insight: Lane's direct partnership with University of Oregon research labs means community college students work with real datasets and cutting-edge problems—the typical two-year AI program teaches algorithms, but Lane's students also learn how research institutions actually deploy them.
At the associate's level, lane's AI program leans heavily on Eugene's research and tech community—you'll find opportunities to work with real datasets from UO partnerships and local companies exploring machine learning applications. The curriculum balances theory with hands-on coding, so you'll graduate with a portfolio of projects that actually impress employers. Many students use the associate degree as a stepping stone to UO or OSU, where they finish bachelor's degrees with their foundational work already complete.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: University of Oregon (research partnerships), Eugene-area tech companies, healthcare and education sectors.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Oregon
- Oregon State University
- Portland State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Technician
- Junior Python Developer
- AI Research Assistant
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Location Advantages:
Rogue Community College — Grants Pass, OR
Hakia Insight: Rogue fills a genuine gap in Jackson County's job market where AI skills are in demand but four-year degree programs are scarce; graduates enter local roles immediately at companies actively hiring rather than facing the credential mismatch that often affects associate's degree holders.
At the associate's level, southern Oregon's growing tech sector means Rogue's AI program fills a real gap—the college trains students for jobs that are actively available in the Jackson County area. The program emphasizes practical machine learning and data analysis over heavy mathematics, so you can jump in even without advanced STEM background. Graduates tend to stay local, building careers with regional employers, or transfer to larger universities with solid foundational skills already in place.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Southern Oregon regional companies, healthcare systems, local government and education.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Southern Oregon University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- AI Support Technician
- Junior Data Specialist
- Machine Learning Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Location Advantages:
Clatsop Community College — Astoria, OR
Hakia Insight: Clatsop's small cohorts mean instructors catch learning gaps in real-time and adapt to individual strengths—a pedagogical advantage in technical subjects like AI where one missed foundation concept cascades through later courses, but is almost impossible to remediate in large lecture halls.
At the associate's level, clatsop's small size and location on Oregon's north coast mean intimate classes where instructors actually know your strengths and weaknesses—a huge advantage when learning technical material. The AI program emphasizes fundamentals you can apply immediately: Python, basic machine learning, cloud platforms. Many students use it as a bridge to larger universities or land jobs with the region's growing tech-forward employers in healthcare, education, and small business.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Clatsop County regional employers, healthcare and education institutions, small tech-forward businesses.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Portland State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Data Analyst
- Data Support Specialist
- Machine Learning Technician
- Help Desk Technician (tech focus)
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Blue Mountain Community College — Pendleton, OR
Hakia Insight: Blue Mountain's dual-track associate's program (AS and AAS) uniquely serves Eastern Oregon's agriculture and energy sectors, where AI adoption in precision farming and grid optimization creates immediate job placement pathways that larger programs overlook.
At the associate's level, in the high desert of Eastern Oregon, Blue Mountain's AI program serves a region where tech skills are increasingly valuable but training options are limited. The college focuses on accessible, practical education in machine learning and data fundamentals—meeting students where they are rather than assuming advanced prerequisites. Many graduates find local opportunities in agriculture, energy, and small business sectors that are adopting AI tools, while others transfer to larger universities for advanced study.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Eastern Oregon regional companies, agriculture and energy sectors, local government.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Oregon Institute of Technology
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Support Technician
- Junior Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Assistant
- AI Help Desk Support
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Oregon
Oregon State University — Corvallis, OR
Key Distinction: OSU's program stands out for intensive robotics and computer vision research with direct collaboration ties to national laboratories and DARPA-funded projects.
Hakia Insight: OSU's direct pipeline to PNNL through DARPA-funded robotics projects means undergraduates don't wait for internships—they contribute to nationally classified research while still completing their degree, a research intensity typically reserved for PhD candidates.
At the bachelor's level, oregon State's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science houses one of the Pacific Northwest's most research-intensive AI programs, with particular strength in robotics, computer vision, and machine learning systems. The program is anchored by the OSU Robotics Research Lab and collaborations with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), giving graduate students exceptional access to cutting-edge projects in autonomous systems and AI for scientific discovery. Faculty researchers are consistently funded by NSF, DARPA, and DOE, meaning students enter a culture of rigorous, applied research from day one. The MS and PhD tracks are designed for students serious about research careers: you're expected to contribute to publications and present at top-tier conferences. Undergraduate pathways emphasize foundational CS and math before specialization, ensuring graduates can move flexibly into AI roles across academia, national labs, and industry. OSU's location in Corvallis, while quieter than Portland, offers focused academics without the distractions of a major urban center.
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
- OSU Robotics Research Lab
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Research Centers
Industry Partners
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) (government)
- Intel (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Sinisa Todorovic — Computer vision and video understanding
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (engineering programs)
Location Advantages: Access to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory collaborationsProximity to Intel and other semiconductor/AI companies in the region
Lewis & Clark College — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: Lewis & Clark uniquely combines liberal arts AI education with strong mathematical foundations, producing graduates comfortable navigating both technical and ethical complexities in AI roles.
Hakia Insight: Lewis & Clark's requirement that AI students engage philosophy and ethics coursework alongside algorithms produces graduates uniquely positioned for compliance and governance roles at companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, where ethical fluency now commands premium salaries.
At the bachelor's level, lewis & Clark offers an intimate, liberal arts-informed approach to AI and machine learning that emphasizes both mathematical rigor and humanistic context. The computer science program integrates data science and AI tracks designed for students who want to understand not just *how* to build models, but *why* certain approaches work and what their limitations are. This philosophy-meets-practice approach works especially well for undergraduates considering AI careers in policy, healthcare, finance, or mission-driven organizations. Faculty maintain active research interests and readily mentor independent projects; class sizes stay small enough that students get genuine mentorship rather than lecture-hall anonymity. The program's location in Portland connects students to a growing AI and tech startup ecosystem while maintaining the rigor and individualized attention of a 2,000-student college. Career outcomes skew toward graduates who land roles requiring both technical skill and strategic thinking—think product roles at tech companies, data roles at nonprofits, and positions in AI-adjacent fields like UX research and product management.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Portland tech and startup ecosystemAccess to mission-driven organizations exploring AI applications
Portland State University — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: Mandatory paid internships through Engineering Work Experience and Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP) with more than 50% of students participating. Collaborative student projects with organizations like Portland State Aerospace Society (launched Oregon's first cube satellite)
Hakia Insight: PSU's mandatory paid internship structure—with over 50% participation through MECOP—systematically converts classroom learning into 6-12 month paid apprenticeships at Boeing and Intel, compressing the typical 2-3 year runway to senior technical roles.
Portland State University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science blends core coursework in programming, systems, and theory with electives covering artificial intelligence, machine learning, web development, and cloud technologies. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through paid internships at major tech companies like Intel, Nike, Amazon, and Zoom, with more than half of students participating in internships via the Engineering Work Experience and Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP). Students engage in collaborative projects with student organizations like the Portland State Aerospace Society and work on real-world software solutions for community organizations. The program is ABET-accredited and located in downtown Portland within the Silicon Forest tech hub, providing direct connections to leading computing companies. Graduates achieve an 85% job placement rate with starting salaries exceeding $90,000, and pursue careers in machine learning, software engineering, cybersecurity, data analysis, and systems administration at companies including Amazon, Apple, Boeing, Intel, and Tektronix.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Apple, Boeing, Intel.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Partnerships with Oregon Health & Science University for healthcare AI projectsPortland civic tech and smart city initiativesAccess to local nonprofits and government agencies exploring AI applications
Willamette University — Salem, OR
Key Distinction: Willamette uniquely integrates ethics and policy into its undergraduate AI curriculum within a liberal arts context, producing graduates fluent in both technical and societal implications of AI.
Hakia Insight: Willamette's curriculum integration of AI policy alongside code means graduates can credibly move between technical roles and policy positions at state tech commissions—a rare dual-domain fluency that emerges from its Salem proximity and civic tech partnerships.
At the bachelor's level, willamette's AI program emphasizes ethical AI development and responsible innovation within a liberal arts framework. The curriculum integrates philosophy, ethics, and policy alongside technical machine learning coursework, preparing students to think critically about AI's societal impact. This dual emphasis is rare at the undergraduate level—students don't just learn to build AI systems; they're trained to ask hard questions about fairness, bias, and real-world deployment challenges. The program benefits from Willamette's location in Salem's growing tech corridor and maintains partnerships with regional organizations exploring AI governance. Faculty bring applied experience from industry and research, mentoring capstone projects that often address genuine community problems. Graduates report strong placement in tech companies, startups, and civic tech roles, particularly those seeking AI professionals who understand both the technical and human dimensions of their work.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Salem technology hub proximityAccess to regional civic tech and governance initiatives
University of Portland — Portland, OR
Hakia Insight: University of Portland's dual BS/BA structure allows students to pair AI depth with theology or business minors, producing a differentiated profile for mission-driven tech roles in healthcare and nonprofit sectors where technical + values alignment drives hiring.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Linfield University — McMinnville, OR
Key Distinction: Linfield embeds AI within a liberal arts framework that emphasizes ethics, domain expertise, and societal context alongside technical depth.
Hakia Insight: Linfield's placement of AI coursework within a mandatory liberal arts core (not as a standalone technical track) produces graduates with provable cross-domain literacy—a structural advantage for roles in healthcare AI and biotech where domain expertise screens out pure algorithms specialists.
At the bachelor's level, linfield University's computer science program reflects the institution's commitment to liberal arts rigor, combining AI and machine learning coursework with breadth across mathematics, ethics, and domain applications. The curriculum encourages students to see artificial intelligence not as isolated algorithms but as a tool embedded in broader contexts—whether business, healthcare, scientific research, or social systems. Upper-level electives cover neural networks, data mining, and natural language processing alongside courses in technology ethics and computing history, producing graduates who understand both the power and limitations of AI systems. Faculty research and senior capstone projects often involve real partners in the Pacific Northwest, from healthcare organizations to environmental nonprofits, ensuring students grapple with authentic constraints and societal implications. Linfield graduates pursue advanced degrees at top universities and launch careers as AI engineers, data scientists, and research scientists, with particular strength in healthcare and nonprofit technology sectors.
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 Portland metro area healthcare and nonprofit technology sectors
Pacific University — Forest Grove, OR
Key Distinction: Prioritizes industry-aligned curriculum and immediate technical readiness over pure research depth, with faculty bringing substantial private-sector experience.
Hakia Insight: Pacific University's Media Matters Lab and Dr. Kleinknecht's focus on AI literacy and serious games creates an unusually direct pipeline to EdTech and game studios—sectors where AI+UX design fluency is scarce but in high demand.
At the bachelor's level, pacific University's approach to AI sits within a broader computer science degree that emphasizes practical application and industry relevance. The program includes data science, machine learning, and software engineering coursework designed to prepare students for immediate technical roles upon graduation. Faculty bring industry experience alongside academic credentials, and the curriculum reflects current market demand for professionals who can work across data pipelines, model development, and production systems. Students engage with real-world datasets and tools used in industry, reducing the learning curve for internships and first jobs. The university maintains relationships with tech companies in the Portland area, creating structured pathways for student employment. Career trajectories lean toward data science, analytics, and engineering roles at established companies and growing startups. Pacific's strength lies in bridging the gap between classroom theory and workplace practice—graduates tend to be productive contributors from day one.
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
Industry Partners
- Oregon MESA (collaborator)
- Local schools (collaborator)
- Pixel Arts Personnel (collaborator)
- After-school programs (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Erica Kleinknecht — Cognitive-developmental psychology, AI literacy, media design, and serious games
Location Advantages: Located in Forest Grove, Oregon with easy access to Portland tech corridor
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Oregon
Oregon State University — Corvallis, OR
Key Distinction: Thesis and coursework-based track options available. Graduate assistantships with tuition support and stipends available through School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Hakia Insight: OSU's master's program funds thesis-track students through EECS assistantships while offering a non-thesis path for working professionals, allowing mid-career engineers to either pivot into research (with stipend support) or accelerate into management without thesis overhead.
Oregon State's Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence is designed for working professionals and career-changers from any discipline seeking to enter the AI field. The program offers both thesis and coursework-based tracks, with flexible scheduling options including part-time enrollment. Graduate assistantships are available through the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, providing tuition support and stipends. The program emphasizes practical AI applications across science, engineering, and humanities, preparing graduates for advancement into senior technical and research roles. Participants benefit from Oregon State's long history of AI excellence and connections to industry leaders. The program participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program, offering reduced tuition to students from 18 western states. Typical mid-career advancement includes roles in AI research, machine learning engineering, and technical leadership positions with significant salary growth beyond bachelor's-level compensation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- OSU Robotics Research Lab
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Research Centers
Industry Partners
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) (government)
- Intel (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Sinisa Todorovic — Computer vision and video understanding
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (engineering programs)
Location Advantages: Access to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory collaborationsProximity to Intel and other semiconductor/AI companies in the region
Portland State University — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: Thesis vs non-thesis track options available. Flexible part-time scheduling for working professionals
Hakia Insight: PSU's 45-credit M.S. with split thesis/non-thesis tracks and rolling admissions (Fall, Winter, Spring) is specifically built for Intel and Google engineers already in Portland who can't relocate—the program's flexibility directly converts local industry talent into degree-holders without pausing careers.
PSU's Computer Science M.S. program is strategically designed for working professionals in Portland's 'Silicon Forest' tech ecosystem. The 45-credit program offers flexible scheduling with Fall, Winter, and Spring start options, making it ideal for part-time students and working professionals. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, with the thesis option providing research experience that can incorporate industry internships for credit. The program emphasizes real-world application through local tech company partnerships with Google, Amazon, and Intel, providing networking and career advancement opportunities. Located in downtown Portland, the program offers exceptional convenience for working professionals. Students receive dedicated staff advisor support throughout their program and can specialize in high-demand areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data science. The curriculum is designed to advance careers in one of the most in-demand and highest-paying professions, with graduates frequently securing high-impact positions in Portland's thriving technology scene and beyond.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel, Google, Amazon.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Partnerships with Oregon Health & Science University for healthcare AI projectsPortland civic tech and smart city initiativesAccess to local nonprofits and government agencies exploring AI applications
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Oregon
Oregon State University — Corvallis, OR
Key Distinction: OSU's program stands out for intensive robotics and computer vision research with direct collaboration ties to national laboratories and DARPA-funded projects.
Hakia Insight: OSU's doctoral robotics program positions PhDs to bridge the PNNL-to-Intel pipeline, where DARPA collaboration experience becomes a credential that's nearly unavailable outside national lab consortiums and accelerates placement into senior research roles.
At the doctoral level, oregon State's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science houses one of the Pacific Northwest's most research-intensive AI programs, with particular strength in robotics, computer vision, and machine learning systems. The program is anchored by the OSU Robotics Research Lab and collaborations with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), giving graduate students exceptional access to cutting-edge projects in autonomous systems and AI for scientific discovery. Faculty researchers are consistently funded by NSF, DARPA, and DOE, meaning students enter a culture of rigorous, applied research from day one. The MS and PhD tracks are designed for students serious about research careers: you're expected to contribute to publications and present at top-tier conferences. Undergraduate pathways emphasize foundational CS and math before specialization, ensuring graduates can move flexibly into AI roles across academia, national labs, and industry. OSU's location in Corvallis, while quieter than Portland, offers focused academics without the distractions of a major urban center.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- OSU Robotics Research Lab
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Research Centers
Industry Partners
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) (government)
- Intel (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Sinisa Todorovic — Computer vision and video understanding
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (engineering programs)
Location Advantages: Access to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory collaborationsProximity to Intel and other semiconductor/AI companies in the region
Portland State University — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: Faculty advisor assigned upon admission. Advisory committee of 4 faculty members assigned first term
Hakia Insight: PSU's immediate assignment of both faculty advisor and 4-person advisory committee upon admission—rare even among R1 institutions—eliminates the typical 6-12 month doctoral 'wandering period' and accelerates research productivity and time-to-degree.
The PhD in Computer Science at Portland State University is a research-focused doctoral program requiring 90 graduate credits including 18 core credits and 27 dissertation research credits. Students typically complete the degree in 4-6 years of full-time work, with shorter completion possible for those entering with a Master's degree. The program includes a Research Proficiency Examination as the comprehensive exam requirement, generally completed by the end of the second year. Students are assigned a faculty advisor and three additional committee members during their first term for academic guidance and progress monitoring. After passing comprehensive exams, a dissertation committee oversees the original research dissertation. The program offers research tracks in artificial intelligence & machine learning, databases, languages & programming, security, software engineering, systems & networking, theory, and visual computing. No specific funding package details, publication requirements, or post-graduation placement statistics are provided in the available content.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Industry Partners
- Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) (nonprofit)
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission
Location Advantages: Partnerships with Oregon Health & Science University for healthcare AI projectsPortland civic tech and smart city initiativesAccess to local nonprofits and government agencies exploring AI applications
