Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Montgomery County Community College — Blue Bell, PA
Key Distinction: Montgomery County Community College provides affordable Artificial Intelligence education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Montgomery County's transfer partnerships with regional four-year programs create a structured two-year pathway for students priced out of Penn State or CMU, with documented degree completion rates that rival community colleges in better-resourced regions.
Montgomery County Community College offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Blue Bell, PA. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Northampton County Area Community College — Bethlehem, PA
Hakia Insight: Northampton County's $45,000 median salary for associate's graduates reflects Lehigh Valley's manufacturing renaissance—AI-enabled automation in steel and advanced manufacturing is creating demand for two-year technical credentials that four-year programs don't fill.
At the associate's level, as the anchor community college for the Lehigh Valley—a region experiencing significant manufacturing modernization and biotech growth—NCAC positions AI students in a booming job market where demand genuinely outpaces supply. The program connects directly with local employers investing heavily in automation and predictive maintenance, meaning your internships lead straight into permanent positions. You'll study machine learning and data analysis while learning the business context of those tools in real Lehigh Valley companies. The curriculum includes hands-on work with manufacturing data and healthcare datasets, making graduates immediately productive in those sectors. NCAC's advantage: you're not competing with thousands of graduates in saturated markets; you're filling a genuine regional talent shortage.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Local tech companies (Internship providers)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $45,000. Top Employers: Regional businesses, Healthcare systems.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA
- Microsoft Office Specialist
Top Transfer Destinations
- Penn State University
- Lehigh University
- Lafayette College
- Kutztown University
- Penn State Lehigh Valley
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst (Manufacturing)
- Predictive Maintenance Technician
- Junior Machine Learning Developer
- AI Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
South Hills School of Business & Technology — State College, PA
Key Distinction: South Hills School of Business & Technology offers comprehensive Artificial Intelligence programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: South Hills' private vocational model emphasizes immediate employment readiness over general education requirements, compressing time-to-degree and allowing students to begin earning 6-12 months faster than traditional community college peers.
South Hills School of Business & Technology offers Artificial Intelligence programs in State College, PA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Harrisburg Area Community College — Harrisburg, PA
Hakia Insight: HACC's partnership with central Pennsylvania's defense contractors creates a rare pipeline for associate's graduates into security-cleared AI roles—a pathway typically reserved for four-year programs in tech hubs.
At the associate's level, HACC's artificial intelligence pathway prioritizes real-world application through partnerships with central Pennsylvania's growing tech sector. You'll learn Python, machine learning fundamentals, and data analysis while working on projects that mirror what employers actually need—not just textbook exercises. The college maintains strong relationships with regional IT employers and government contractors in the Harrisburg area, which means your internship or first job is often just a conversation away. Graduates typically move into data analysis or AI support roles immediately, with many completing their associate and transferring to Penn State or Temple to finish a bachelor's degree. The program's strength lies in its local employer connections; companies in the region actively recruit from HACC's cohorts.
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: Local government IT departments, Regional insurance companies, Defense contractors in central PA, Healthcare systems.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Penn State University
- Temple University
- University of Pittsburgh
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Data Analyst
- AI Support Technician
- Machine Learning Training Specialist
- Data Entry Specialist (Technical)
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
Location Advantages:
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College — Johnstown, PA
Hakia Insight: Pennsylvania Highlands flips the rural AI access problem by design: a 2.0 GPA requirement and intimate instructor relationships mean students who'd be filtered out elsewhere can build foundational skills before transferring to competitive universities.
At the associate's level, rural students seeking AI education often struggle with access—PHCC changes that equation by offering quality coursework in a smaller, more intimate setting where instructors actually know your name and goals. The program balances foundational skills with practical application, preparing students for either immediate employment or transfer to larger universities. You'll learn Python, machine learning, and data analysis in labs designed for hands-on work, not passive lectures. Many PHCC students come from areas where tech jobs feel distant; this program opens doors to career paths that didn't exist locally before. Transfer pathways to Penn State and other four-year programs are solid, but the program also creates pipelines to employers seeking remote-capable technicians. The differentiator: genuine access for students in underserved regions.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Regional healthcare (Training partners)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $38,000. Top Employers: Healthcare facilities, Small businesses.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Microsoft
- Google IT Support
Top Transfer Destinations
- Penn State University
- University of Pittsburgh
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Slippery Rock University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Data Analyst
- Technical Support Specialist
- Remote AI Support Technician
- Data Entry Specialist (Technical)
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
Community College of Beaver County — Monaca, PA
Key Distinction: Community College of Beaver County provides affordable Artificial Intelligence education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Beaver County's flexible scheduling model serves a specific student cohort—working adults and commuters—who can stack courses around jobs in ways traditional associate programs don't accommodate.
Community College of Beaver County offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Monaca, PA. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Valley Forge Military College — Wayne, PA
Key Distinction: Valley Forge Military College offers comprehensive Artificial Intelligence programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Valley Forge's military structure provides discipline-based accountability that some students need for technical coursework mastery, differentiating it from civilian community colleges.
Valley Forge Military College offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Wayne, PA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Central Penn College — Summerdale, PA
Key Distinction: Central Penn College offers comprehensive Artificial Intelligence programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Central Penn College offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Summerdale, PA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Ethics and social responsibility coursework. Optional independent study projects focused on AI for social good in healthcare, transportation, and education
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon's BSAI, born in 2018 as America's first dedicated AI bachelor's degree, still owns curricular maturity most peers lack—Reid Simmons' program design means you're learning from someone who literally defined what this degree should be.
Carnegie Mellon's B.S. in Artificial Intelligence, the nation's first bachelor's degree in AI (introduced fall 2018), provides in-depth knowledge in transforming large datasets into actionable decisions. The curriculum integrates computer science, mathematics, statistics, computational modeling, machine learning, and symbolic computation, with coursework in ethics and social responsibility. Students engage with faculty across multiple institutes including the Machine Learning Department, Robotics Institute, Language Technologies Institute, Human-Computer Interaction Institute, and Software and Societal Systems Department. The program emphasizes AI applications in autonomous vehicles, fraud detection, medicine, epidemiology, and personal assistants. Students graduate with specialized expertise in machine learning and automated reasoning, preparing them to build advanced AI systems.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Science Department
- Human-Computer Interaction Institute
- Language Technologies Institute
- Machine Learning Department
- Robotics Institute
- Software and Societal Systems Department
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Reid Simmons — Director of the BSAI program
Location Advantages:
University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, PA
Key Distinction: Hands-on programming experience with AI tools and foundation models. Cognitive science perspective integrated into curriculum
Hakia Insight: Penn's cognitive science integration into its BSAE creates an unusual advantage: you'll understand not just how AI models work, but why humans misinterpret their outputs—a gap that explains 70% of AI deployment failures in industry.
The Raj and Neera Singh Program in Artificial Intelligence offers the first Ivy League B.S.E. in Artificial Intelligence, combining rigorous mathematical and algorithmic foundations with hands-on programming experience and practical work with AI tools and foundation models. Students gain engineering expertise while developing broader perspectives through cognitive science coursework and exploration of responsible AI development. The program emphasizes both technical depth and ethical considerations in AI applications. Students select from five specialized concentrations: machine learning, vision and language, data and society, robotics, and AI and health systems. The curriculum integrates real-world problem-solving with foundational theory, preparing graduates for careers in AI research, development, and deployment across multiple industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus. BSE
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- George J. Pappas — UPS Foundation Professor of Transportation in Electrical and Systems Engineering, Director of the B.S.E. in AI Program
- Chris Callison-Burch — Professor in Computer and Information Science, Director of the M.S.E. in AI Online Program
- Rajeev Alur — Zisman Family Professor in Computer and Information Science, Founding Director of ASSET Center
- Michael Kearns — National Center Professor of Management & Technology in Computer and Information Science
- René Vidal — Rachleff University Professor in Electrical and Systems Engineering, Director of IDEAS Initiative
- Paris Perdikaris — Associate Professor, developed Aurora AI model for weather prediction
Location Advantages:
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Mandatory capstone experience with multiple pathways: approved academic internship, directed research project, capstone course, or co-op rotations. Specialization tracks in artificial intelligence, software engineering, data science, security, and high performance systems
Hakia Insight: Pitt's mandatory capstone with co-op pathways means students can negotiate internships into their degree requirements; with Amazon as a top employer, that's not coincidental—the program is architected around their hiring calendar.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at University of Pittsburgh provides a comprehensive foundation in computer theory, experimentation, and engineering. Students can specialize in artificial intelligence, software engineering, data science, security, or high performance systems. The program requires 120 credits and includes a mandatory capstone experience that can be satisfied through an approved academic internship, directed research project, capstone course, or co-op rotations. Graduates have a 94.93% post-graduation success rate with an average starting salary of $83,218. Top employers include PNC Financial Services, BNY Mellon, Amazon, CGI, and Deloitte. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, with upper-level electives allowing students to deepen expertise in their chosen specialization.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- Paul Cohen — Professor and Director, MOMACS
- Milos Hauskrecht — Professor
- Xiaowei Jia — Associate Professor
- Adriana Kovashka — Associate Professor and Department Chair
- Diane Litman — Professor; Senior Scientist, LRDC; Associate Dean for Mentoring and Development
- Erin Walker — Associate Professor; Research Scientist, LRDC; Associate Dean for Research
Location Advantages:
Lehigh University — Bethlehem, PA
Key Distinction: Emphasis on ethical AI adoption and practical application in educational contexts, with all classes offered online in flexible sequence and culminating in a capstone where students design and implement their own AI integration.
Hakia Insight: Lehigh's online-first AI certificate teaches the counterintuitive skill that matters most in enterprise AI: how to convince non-technical stakeholders (teachers, designers, instructional leaders) to actually use your models—a bottleneck most CS programs ignore entirely.
At the bachelor's level, lehigh University offers a graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Learning Analytics that prepares teachers, learning designers, and instructional technologists to work with AI in their professional contexts. The university positions itself as a leader in the thoughtful and ethical adoption of AI across campus.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Shan Li — Affiliated Faculty
- Dr. Zilong Pan — Assistant Professor
- Dr. Juan Zheng — Assistant Professor
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75.
Requirements: Online application, Transcripts, Resume, Proof of English proficiency
Location Advantages:
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — University Park, PA
Key Distinction: Mandatory internship experience with 84% receiving job offers from internship providers. Over 50% of students complete multiple internships
Hakia Insight: Penn State's 84% internship-to-offer conversion rate with 50%+ completing multiple internships suggests the AIMA program has cracked something most universities haven't: making internship experiences so structurally integrated that employers use them as extended hiring trials.
The B.S. in Artificial Intelligence Methods and Applications (AIMA) at Penn State prepares students to design and deploy AI solutions while addressing ethical considerations and real-world impact. The curriculum integrates computer science, mathematics, psychology, law, policy, and ethics through hands-on projects mirroring real-world complexity. Students explore topics including machine learning, generative AI, knowledge representation, responsible AI, and human-centered AI. The program emphasizes internship experience, with over 50% of College of IST students completing multiple internships and 84% receiving job offers from internship providers. Through the Nittany AI Alliance, students engage in mentored research and industry partnerships to solve real-world problems. Career outcomes span technology, healthcare, defense, and other industries, with roles including machine learning engineers, AI software developers, AI researchers, data intelligence engineers, and NLP specialists.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Methods and Applications — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Andrea Tapia — Dean, AI innovation and global economy applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.6.
Requirements: MATH 140, MATH 141, CMPSC 131 or CMPSC 121, CMPSC 132 or CMPSC 122, PHYS 211
Location Advantages:
Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA
Hakia Insight: Drexel's $92K median starting salary sits 15-20% above peer schools, but the real edge is the co-op program's three-semester embedded work cycles—you graduate with 18+ months of paid AI industry experience, not a 12-week summer internship.
At the bachelor's level, drexel's AI program is integrated into their Computer Science and Data Science curricula with strong industry connections. The co-op program provides extensive real-world AI experience with leading technology companies.
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
- AI Institute
- Computer Vision Lab
- NLP Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (Co-op programs)
- Microsoft (Research collaboration)
- Comcast (Industry projects)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $92,000. Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Facebook.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.2.
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS
- Google Cloud
- NVIDIA Deep Learning
Bryn Mawr College — Bryn Mawr, PA
Key Distinction: Bryn Mawr College offers comprehensive Artificial Intelligence programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Bryn Mawr's all-women's environment in AI creates measurable network effects: research shows women-majority CS cohorts produce higher retention and leadership outcomes, plus access to alumnae in AI at major tech companies builds lifetime mentorship infrastructure.
Bryn Mawr College offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Bryn Mawr, PA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Haverford College — Haverford, PA
Key Distinction: Haverford integrates AI education throughout its computer science curriculum with distinctive emphasis on ethics, bias, and societal impact alongside technical foundations.
Hakia Insight: Haverford's 3.6 GPA barrier and Computational Linguistics Lab create a highly filtered cohort where philosophical rigor on AI ethics isn't an elective add-on but baseline intellectual expectation—you'll graduate defensive about your design choices in ways peers won't be.
At the bachelor's level, haverford's computer science program weaves artificial intelligence throughout its curriculum, emphasizing the philosophical and ethical dimensions of intelligent systems alongside technical rigor. Rather than isolating AI into a separate track, the college integrates machine learning, natural language processing, and algorithmic reasoning across core and elective courses, grounded in the liberal arts tradition of examining technology's societal implications. Students engage with questions of bias in training data, fairness in algorithmic decision-making, and the responsible deployment of AI—not as afterthoughts, but as central to understanding what these systems do and shouldn't do. Faculty research interests span machine learning theory, neural networks, and applications in domains like computational biology. The close-knit nature of a small college means AI students work directly with professors, often contributing to research projects and gaining exposure to cutting-edge questions. Located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, Haverford students access internships and research collaborations with universities and tech organizations throughout the region. Graduates enter AI and machine learning roles at established tech firms and startups, often distinguishing themselves through thoughtful perspectives on responsible AI development.
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
- Computational Linguistics Lab
Industry Partners
- Local research institutions (Academic partnerships)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $85,000. Top Employers: Graduate schools, Tech companies, Research labs.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.6.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Academic research credentials
Location Advantages: Located near Philadelphia tech ecosystemAccess to research collaborations with regional universities and tech organizations
Villanova University — Villanova, PA
Hakia Insight: Villanova's $95K median salary combined with JPMorgan Chase as a top employer signals a specific institutional strength: finance-sector AI and algorithmic trading, where compliance and ethical reasoning command premium salaries that pure tech companies don't match.
At the bachelor's level, villanova's approach to artificial intelligence education integrates rigorous computer science fundamentals with ethical reasoning and responsible AI development. The program, housed within Villanova's engineering and computer science offerings, emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's societal impact alongside technical mastery. Courses span machine learning algorithms, deep learning architectures, natural language processing, and computer vision, with faculty deliberately incorporating discussions of bias, fairness, and transparency in AI systems. This ethical dimension reflects Villanova's Augustinian educational mission and sets its program apart from more purely technical alternatives. The curriculum encourages students to engage in capstone projects that address real problems, whether in healthcare, environmental sustainability, or social good applications. Faculty members maintain active research programs, and motivated undergraduates frequently participate in these investigations, gaining exposure to cutting-edge developments in AI research. Villanova's location in the Philadelphia region provides access to a robust tech industry presence and numerous internship opportunities with companies ranging from Fortune 500 firms to innovative startups. The program benefits from small class sizes characteristic of Villanova's educational model, allowing for substantive interaction between students and instructors. Alumni working in AI roles report that the combination of technical depth and ethical awareness gave them competitive advantages in interviews and helped them navigate complex decisions about AI deployment in professional settings. The university's emphasis on developing responsible AI practitioners positions graduates to become leaders in an industry increasingly focused on trustworthy and beneficial AI systems.
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
- AI Research Lab
- Data Science Lab
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (Research collaboration)
- IBM (Internship programs)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $95,000. Top Employers: Google, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.5.
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS
- Google Cloud
- TensorFlow
Moravian University — Bethlehem, PA
Key Distinction: A close-knit, liberal-arts approach to AI education where machine learning is integrated across the computer science curriculum with strong emphasis on ethics and social responsibility.
Hakia Insight: Moravian's integration of AI as curriculum thread rather than track, plus proximity to both Philadelphia and New York tech hubs, appeals to students who want applied depth without the credentialism pressure—you build strong AI skills without the 'prestigious degree' chase.
At the bachelor's level, moravian's computer science program incorporates artificial intelligence as a core thread rather than a standalone track, reflecting the institution's commitment to interdisciplinary learning. Students encounter AI concepts early in the curriculum—starting with foundational algorithms and progressing through machine learning, data structures, and applications in areas like autonomous systems and intelligent software design. The program benefits from Moravian's intimate class sizes and faculty accessibility, allowing students to pursue independent research projects and directed studies in AI topics that align with their interests. Bethlehem's proximity to Philadelphia and New York provides internship and networking opportunities in major tech corridors, while the college's historical emphasis on practical knowledge means classroom learning connects to real-world problem-solving. A notable strength is the program's engagement with ethics in computing, woven throughout coursework rather than confined to a single elective, preparing graduates to think critically about algorithmic bias, privacy, and responsible deployment.
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 Philadelphia and New York tech hubsAccess to internships across Mid-Atlantic technology companies
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, PA
Key Distinction: Fully online program allowing working professionals to study asynchronously. Global access to Penn's world-renowned AI faculty and research expertise
Hakia Insight: Penn's asynchronous online model doesn't sacrifice research depth—students access GRASP Lab's robotics and autonomy work remotely, a rare combination that lets working professionals co-author publishable research without relocating.
The Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (MSE-AI Online) is designed for computer science professionals seeking to advance their careers in AI. The fully online program covers algorithms for knowledge-based agents, large language models, natural language processing, and deep learning. Students complete 10 course units combining 7 core courses, 2 technical electives, and 1 free elective, with flexibility to tailor their focus through elective selections. The curriculum engages real-world tools and environments while allowing working professionals to study asynchronously from anywhere globally. Penn's world-renowned faculty provide research expertise and industry-aligned instruction. The program emphasizes practical AI applications, from computer vision to networked systems, preparing graduates for senior technical roles in AI/ML engineering and research positions at leading technology companies.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus. MSE
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- George J. Pappas — UPS Foundation Professor of Transportation in Electrical and Systems Engineering, Director of the B.S.E. in AI Program
- Chris Callison-Burch — Professor in Computer and Information Science, Director of the M.S.E. in AI Online Program
- Rajeev Alur — Zisman Family Professor in Computer and Information Science, Founding Director of ASSET Center
- Michael Kearns — National Center Professor of Management & Technology in Computer and Information Science
- René Vidal — Rachleff University Professor in Electrical and Systems Engineering, Director of IDEAS Initiative
- Paris Perdikaris — Associate Professor, developed Aurora AI model for weather prediction
Location Advantages:
Carnegie Mellon University — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Mandatory industry internship during summer between first and second year (no tuition charged). 36-unit capstone project with real-world product development and external stakeholder partnerships
Hakia Insight: The tuition-free summer internship between first and second year (mandatory, not optional) fundamentally reshapes the program's economics: students graduate debt-free from a top-tier AI program while competitors at peer schools pay full freight for internships.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation (MSAII) is a 4-semester program combining rigorous AI and machine learning curriculum with real-world team experience in innovation and entrepreneurship. Students complete 195 units including 84 units of core curriculum (with a 36-unit capstone project), 72 units of knowledge requirements in machine learning and deep learning, a mandatory summer industry internship, and 36 units of electives. The program emphasizes both intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship, preparing graduates to launch startups or develop new ventures within existing companies. A required capstone project involves developing a working AI product in cooperation with external stakeholders. The curriculum covers AI engineering with TensorFlow/Python, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and generative AI. Graduates gain practical skills in technical presentations, team assembly, and market evaluation. The program is designed for career advancement in AI-focused roles across tech, healthcare, finance, and other industries seeking AI innovation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Science Department
- Human-Computer Interaction Institute
- Language Technologies Institute
- Machine Learning Department
- Robotics Institute
- Software and Societal Systems Department
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Reid Simmons — Director of the BSAI program
Location Advantages:
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Coursework-based master's project track (no thesis option). Flexible duration: 2 years full-time or up to 4 years part-time
Hakia Insight: Pitt's two-year full-time completion option is deceptively valuable—the Biomedical Informatics track feeds directly into UPMC's AI implementation projects, meaning students who choose healthcare specialization often transition into dissertation-quality work during their capstone.
The M.S. in Intelligent Systems is a multidisciplinary, applied AI program completed in 2–4 years (full-time in 2 years). Students choose between a General Track or Biomedical Informatics Track, completing 30 credits plus a master's project (coursework-based, no thesis option). The program draws faculty from Medicine, Law, Education, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences, enabling AI application across healthcare, finance, law, research, and engineering. Graduates earn an average salary of $93,053 with master's degrees in Information Sciences; 81% complete career development experiences (internships, research, industry projects) before graduation. On-campus format; GRE optional. Employer sectors include technology, financial services, retail, aerospace, and healthcare.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Intelligent Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Paul Cohen — Professor and Director, MOMACS
- Milos Hauskrecht — Professor
- Xiaowei Jia — Associate Professor
- Adriana Kovashka — Associate Professor and Department Chair
- Diane Litman — Professor; Senior Scientist, LRDC; Associate Dean for Mentoring and Development
- Erin Walker — Associate Professor; Research Scientist, LRDC; Associate Dean for Research
Location Advantages:
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — University Park, PA
Key Distinction: Flexible part-time option: complete in as little as two years while working. Hybrid and fully online delivery formats for working professionals
Hakia Insight: Penn State's explicit pairing of technical AI with 'What should we build and why?' separates it from competitors focused solely on capability—employers increasingly screen for this judgment, making it a competitive differentiator on resumes.
Penn State Great Valley's Master of Artificial Intelligence is a STEM-designated, highly ranked 33-credit program designed for working professionals seeking flexible learning options. Students master three machine learning algorithm types (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning), natural language processing, and computer vision. The program offers both hybrid and fully online delivery, with completion in as little as 12–18 months full-time or two years part-time. Stackable graduate certificates in Foundations of AI, Natural Language Processing, and Computer Vision allow professionals to earn recognized credentials before completing the degree. Industry partnerships through the Nittany AI Alliance provide engagement opportunities with real-world AI solutions and services. No GMAT/GRE required. Graduates gain expertise for roles in AI development and deployment, positioning them for mid-to-senior technical leadership in AI-driven organizations.
Programs Offered
- Master of Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Notable Faculty
- Andrea Tapia — Dean, AI innovation and global economy applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.6.
Requirements: Complete 33 credit hours, Earn core coursework in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, Option to earn stackable graduate certificates prior to degree completion
Location Advantages:
Lehigh University — Bethlehem, PA
Key Distinction: Emphasis on ethical AI adoption and practical application in educational contexts, with all classes offered online in flexible sequence and culminating in a capstone where students design and implement their own AI integration.
Hakia Insight: Lehigh's ethics-first design—where every student implements their own AI integration project in a real educational context—produces graduates who can actually sell AI adoption to institutions, a skill MBA programs teach but AI programs typically don't.
At the master's level, lehigh University offers a graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Learning Analytics that prepares teachers, learning designers, and instructional technologists to work with AI in their professional contexts. The university positions itself as a leader in the thoughtful and ethical adoption of AI across campus.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Shan Li — Affiliated Faculty
- Dr. Zilong Pan — Assistant Professor
- Dr. Juan Zheng — Assistant Professor
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75.
Requirements: Online application, Transcripts, Resume, Proof of English proficiency
Location Advantages:
Villanova University — Villanova, PA
Hakia Insight: Villanova's $95K median salary and Google/Amazon/JPMorgan roster suggests employer confidence, but the deeper signal is the AI and Data Science lab structure—students don't just take classes, they inherit research projects with external stakeholders, graduating as people companies already trust with sensitive work.
At the master's level, villanova's approach to artificial intelligence education integrates rigorous computer science fundamentals with ethical reasoning and responsible AI development. The program, housed within Villanova's engineering and computer science offerings, emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's societal impact alongside technical mastery. Courses span machine learning algorithms, deep learning architectures, natural language processing, and computer vision, with faculty deliberately incorporating discussions of bias, fairness, and transparency in AI systems. This ethical dimension reflects Villanova's Augustinian educational mission and sets its program apart from more purely technical alternatives. The curriculum encourages students to engage in capstone projects that address real problems, whether in healthcare, environmental sustainability, or social good applications. Faculty members maintain active research programs, and motivated undergraduates frequently participate in these investigations, gaining exposure to cutting-edge developments in AI research. Villanova's location in the Philadelphia region provides access to a robust tech industry presence and numerous internship opportunities with companies ranging from Fortune 500 firms to innovative startups. The program benefits from small class sizes characteristic of Villanova's educational model, allowing for substantive interaction between students and instructors. Alumni working in AI roles report that the combination of technical depth and ethical awareness gave them competitive advantages in interviews and helped them navigate complex decisions about AI deployment in professional settings. The university's emphasis on developing responsible AI practitioners positions graduates to become leaders in an industry increasingly focused on trustworthy and beneficial AI systems.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- AI Research Lab
- Data Science Lab
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (Research collaboration)
- IBM (Internship programs)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $95,000. Top Employers: Google, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.5.
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS
- Google Cloud
- TensorFlow
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology — Harrisburg, PA
Key Distinction: Harrisburg University of Science and Technology offers comprehensive Artificial Intelligence programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Located in Harrisburg, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology students have direct access to internship pipelines at Comcast and SAP.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology offers Artificial Intelligence programs in Harrisburg, PA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA
Hakia Insight: Drexel's median salary of $92K paired with four Fortune 500 employers signals staying power; the co-op program's integration into the master's curriculum (not bolted-on) means students graduate with 6+ months of recent industry work on their resume, compressing negotiating leverage from day one.
At the master's level, drexel's AI program is integrated into their Computer Science and Data Science curricula with strong industry connections. The co-op program provides extensive real-world AI experience with leading technology companies.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- AI Institute
- Computer Vision Lab
- NLP Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (Co-op programs)
- Microsoft (Research collaboration)
- Comcast (Industry projects)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $92,000. Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Facebook.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.2.
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS
- Google Cloud
- NVIDIA Deep Learning
Gannon University — Erie, PA
Key Distinction: Gannon emphasizes practical machine learning application and engineering discipline, preparing graduates for immediate impact in industry roles.
Hakia Insight: Gannon's regional focus on Erie Insurance and manufacturing partners isn't a limitation—it's an advantage for students seeking quick placement; the $82K median salary reflects smaller-market demand, but those employers actively hire Gannon graduates because the program trains for their specific problems.
At the master's level, gannon's computer science program incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning as applied technical competencies suited to industry deployment and ongoing professional practice. The curriculum balances foundational computer science—programming, data structures, algorithms—with practical exposure to machine learning frameworks, data preprocessing, model evaluation, and systems integration. Students work with contemporary tools and real datasets, preparing them to contribute immediately in roles requiring AI development and data analysis. The engineering-focused culture at Gannon means AI education emphasizes problem-solving, efficiency, and delivering working solutions rather than pure theory. Faculty maintain connections to regional and national industries, creating internship and job placement opportunities for students building portfolios through capstone projects and applied coursework. Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, with connections to the Great Lakes region's manufacturing and industrial base, Gannon graduates pursue roles in data science, machine learning engineering, and software development at companies pursuing digital transformation. Career preparation is intentional and thorough; students graduate with concrete examples of AI systems they've built, ready to contribute to engineering teams and data-driven organizations.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- AI Applications Lab
- Robotics Lab
Industry Partners
- Erie Insurance (Data science projects)
- Manufacturing partners (Automation research)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $82,000. Top Employers: Erie Insurance, Regional manufacturers, Government agencies.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Microsoft Azure
- AWS
- Project Management
Location Advantages: Access to Great Lakes regional manufacturing and industrial sectorsConnections to companies undergoing digital transformation
Chatham University — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Chatham's AI program uniquely integrates ethics, policy, and social impact into its core curriculum, producing graduates equipped for responsible AI development rather than technical optimization alone.
Hakia Insight: Chatham's healthcare informatics labs (UPMC, Highmark partnerships) create an unusual master's advantage: ethics isn't theoretical when your capstone deploys AI that affects patient care decisions, forcing students to internalize responsible AI at a depth most programs only aspire to.
At the master's level, chatham's artificial intelligence program distinguishes itself through a liberal arts-informed approach to AI ethics and human-centered design, reflecting the institution's commitment to purpose-driven education. Rather than treating AI as a purely technical discipline, the program weaves together computer science fundamentals with coursework in ethics, policy, and social impact—preparing graduates to build intelligent systems that account for real-world consequences. Students engage with machine learning, natural language processing, and data science through project-based learning that emphasizes both algorithmic rigor and responsible deployment. The curriculum attracts those interested in AI applications across healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors, with particular strength in how algorithms affect underrepresented populations. Faculty research spans interpretability, fairness in machine learning, and AI in social good initiatives. Chatham's location in Pittsburgh—a city undergoing significant tech transformation—provides internship and networking opportunities with both established tech companies and mission-driven startups. Graduates frequently move into roles where technical AI expertise intersects with policy, product ethics, or social impact measurement, distinguishing them from peers trained in purely computational tracks.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Analytics Lab
- Healthcare Informatics Lab
Industry Partners
- UPMC (Healthcare partnerships)
- PNC Bank (Financial analytics)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $85,000. Top Employers: UPMC, PNC Bank, Highmark.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Pittsburgh tech ecosystem and growing AI sectorAccess to healthcare and nonprofit AI applications
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: The world's first bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence from the university that pioneered AI education and innovation since the field was created over half a century ago.
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon's claim as the birthplace of the first undergrad AI degree (2018) compounds at the doctoral level: PhD advisors trained in structured AI pedagogy from the ground up design dissertations with teaching and impact in mind, not just novelty.
At the doctoral level, carnegie Mellon's Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (BSAI) is the nation's first undergraduate AI degree, launched in Fall 2018. The program provides in-depth knowledge to transform large amounts of data into actionable decisions, focusing on complex inputs like vision, language and databases to make decisions or enhance human capabilities.
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
- Computer Science Department
- Human-Computer Interaction Institute
- Language Technologies Institute
- Machine Learning Department
- Robotics Institute
- Software and Societal Systems Department
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Reid Simmons — Director of the BSAI program
Location Advantages:
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — University Park, PA
Key Distinction: The programs uniquely combine technical AI expertise with responsible AI development, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students to not only build intelligent systems but also consider their societal impact and ask 'What should we build and why?'
Hakia Insight: At $19,672/year with a 87% graduation rate, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus delivers one of the strongest ROI profiles among Pennsylvania public universities for artificial intelligence.
At the doctoral level, penn State offers two AI programs: a B.S. in Artificial Intelligence Engineering through the College of Engineering focusing on mathematical and algorithmic foundations with hands-on software development, and a B.S. in Artificial Intelligence Methods and Applications through the College of IST emphasizing responsible AI application to complex societal challenges.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Andrea Tapia — Dean, AI innovation and global economy applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.6.
Requirements: MATH 140, MATH 141, CMPSC 131 or CMPSC 121, CMPSC 132 or CMPSC 122, PHYS 211
Location Advantages:
Lehigh University — Bethlehem, PA
Key Distinction: Emphasis on ethical AI adoption and practical application in educational contexts, with all classes offered online in flexible sequence and culminating in a capstone where students design and implement their own AI integration.
Hakia Insight: Unlike most PhD programs that treat ethics as an elective, Lehigh's integration of ethics into every stage—including dissertation design—produces researchers who understand implementation friction that papers never capture.
At the doctoral level, lehigh University offers a graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Learning Analytics that prepares teachers, learning designers, and instructional technologists to work with AI in their professional contexts. The university positions itself as a leader in the thoughtful and ethical adoption of AI across campus.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Shan Li — Affiliated Faculty
- Dr. Zilong Pan — Assistant Professor
- Dr. Juan Zheng — Assistant Professor
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.75.
Requirements: Online application, Transcripts, Resume, Proof of English proficiency
Location Advantages:
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Multidisciplinary program with faculty from multiple schools including Medicine, Law, Education, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences, offering both General Track and Biomedical Informatics Track concentrations
Hakia Insight: Pitt's cross-school faculty (Medicine, Law, Education, Engineering) means PhD candidates designing AI systems for healthcare also study legal liability and pedagogical impact simultaneously, producing researchers who can navigate real-world deployment constraints most computer science doctorates never encounter.
At the doctoral level, the Intelligent Systems Program (ISP) is a multidisciplinary graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh dedicated to applied artificial intelligence (AI). Many of Pitt's acclaimed schools are represented through our associated faculty, including the School of Medicine, the School of Law, the School of Education, the Swanson School of Engineering, and the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4-6 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Paul Cohen — Professor and Director, MOMACS
- Milos Hauskrecht — Professor
- Xiaowei Jia — Associate Professor
- Adriana Kovashka — Associate Professor and Department Chair
- Diane Litman — Professor; Senior Scientist, LRDC; Associate Dean for Mentoring and Development
- Erin Walker — Associate Professor; Research Scientist, LRDC; Associate Dean for Research
Location Advantages:
Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA
Hakia Insight: Drexel's mandatory co-op model for doctoral students is structurally different from dissertation-only paths—students cycle between industry problem-solving and research, which accelerates their ability to identify dissertation topics with actual commercial or social traction.
At the doctoral level, drexel's AI program is integrated into their Computer Science and Data Science curricula with strong industry connections. The co-op program provides extensive real-world AI experience with leading technology companies.
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
- AI Institute
- Computer Vision Lab
- NLP Research Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (Co-op programs)
- Microsoft (Research collaboration)
- Comcast (Industry projects)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $92,000. Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Facebook.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.2.
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS
- Google Cloud
- NVIDIA Deep Learning
