Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Utah
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Weber State integrates AI and machine learning throughout its computer science curriculum as applied skills, preparing graduates for immediate industry roles in a region with strong demand for AI engineers.
Hakia Insight: Weber State's integration of ML across core coursework rather than isolating it in electives means graduates complete their degree with demonstrated systems-level AI thinking—a signal that differentiates them from certificate-only competitors competing for Microsoft and Google internships.
At the associate's level, weber State's computer science curriculum incorporates machine learning and AI concepts progressively across core coursework, with dedicated electives in neural networks, data mining, and applied AI systems that serve students building practical expertise without requiring a separate AI major. The program emphasizes strong fundamentals in algorithms, data structures, and software engineering, creating a foundation upon which advanced AI topics naturally build. Faculty bring industry experience from companies like Microsoft and Amazon, and they actively engage students in applied projects that mirror real workplace challenges. The proximity to Salt Lake City's thriving tech community and aerospace industry opens internship opportunities in AI applications for logistics, manufacturing optimization, and autonomous systems. Weber State's focus on accessible, outcomes-oriented education means AI preparation is tailored to launch careers quickly rather than focus on pure research.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Google.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (BS only)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City tech hubAccess to aerospace and manufacturing companiesRegional tech company internship ecosystem
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT
Key Distinction: UVU's AI program is uniquely positioned to bridge Utah Valley's booming tech ecosystem with undergraduate and graduate talent through industry-embedded project work and affordable, career-focused curriculum.
Hakia Insight: UVU's proximity to Lehi's fintech cluster (home to 1,000+ software engineers) and Adobe/Qualtrics means students complete industry-embedded projects with mentorship from their eventual employers, a pipeline advantage that justifies the affordable tuition.
At the associate's level, UVU's artificial intelligence program emphasizes practical, industry-aligned skills through a hands-on curriculum that pairs foundational machine learning theory with real-world applications in computer vision, natural language processing, and predictive analytics. The program benefits from Utah Valley's thriving tech corridor—home to software companies, fintech startups, and aerospace contractors—creating abundant internship and employment pipelines. Students work on applied projects throughout their coursework, collaborating with faculty on problems drawn directly from industry partnerships. The curriculum is designed for rapid job market entry, with particular strength in helping graduates transition into AI engineer, machine learning specialist, and data scientist roles at regional and national tech firms. UVU's emphasis on accessibility and affordability makes advanced AI education available to a broader student population than many peer institutions.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Qualtrics (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Utah Valley tech hub (Lehi, American Fork)Access to fintech and software companiesGrowing aerospace AI opportunities
Snow College — Ephraim, UT
Hakia Insight: Snow College's rural Ephraim location seems limiting until you examine employment: state IT departments and northern Utah tech companies actively hire associates because local competition is weak, creating a geographic arbitrage for career advancement.
At the associate's level, snow College integrates artificial intelligence and data science into its computer science curriculum, giving students practical experience with Python, machine learning algorithms, and business intelligence tools through project-based courses taught by faculty with industry connections. Most Snow AI students transfer to University of Utah or Utah State University's computer science programs with strong foundational coursework completed, positioning them to graduate with bachelor's degrees and compete for mid-level technical roles. The program benefits from Snow's tight-knit learning environment where students get direct mentorship and can build relationships with professors who write transfer recommendations to tier-one Utah universities.
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 Utah, Utah State University, Local Sanpete County businesses and tech services, Regional tech companies in northern Utah, State of Utah IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Utah (Computer Science, Data Science)
- Utah State University (Computer Science, Engineering)
- Brigham Young University (Computer Science)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Junior Software Developer
- Technical Support Specialist
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Business Intelligence Associate
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Utah
Western Governors University — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: WGU's competency-based, self-paced AI degrees eliminate the one-size-fits-all semester model, allowing working professionals to prove mastery on their timeline while maintaining full-time careers.
Hakia Insight: WGU's competency-based model doesn't just accommodate working professionals—it actually compresses time-to-degree; students who demonstrate mastery quickly can graduate in under two years, making this the only AI bachelor's designed for the career-changer who can't afford a traditional four-year timeline.
At the bachelor's level, WGU's competency-based AI and machine learning programs stand apart by allowing students to demonstrate mastery at their own pace rather than sitting through fixed course schedules—a model particularly valuable for working professionals pivoting into AI careers. The curriculum balances theory with practical implementation, covering neural networks, supervised and unsupervised learning, and ethics in AI, all delivered through interactive labs and capstone projects. Unlike traditional semester-bound structures, students can accelerate if they're ready or take additional time without penalty, paying a flat tuition rate regardless. The online-first design attracts a mature, career-focused cohort, creating peer networks of industry practitioners. WGU's emphasis on demonstrated competencies—rather than seat time—aligns closely with how employers evaluate AI talent, and the university has built strong employer advisory boards that continuously shape curriculum relevance.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Weber State integrates AI and machine learning throughout its computer science curriculum as applied skills, preparing graduates for immediate industry roles in a region with strong demand for AI engineers.
Hakia Insight: Weber State's location adjacent to Utah's aerospace corridor means AI graduates don't compete in a generic tech labor market—they enter roles where machine learning solves real manufacturing optimization and autonomous systems problems for companies like Boeing and Autolus.
At the bachelor's level, weber State's computer science curriculum incorporates machine learning and AI concepts progressively across core coursework, with dedicated electives in neural networks, data mining, and applied AI systems that serve students building practical expertise without requiring a separate AI major. The program emphasizes strong fundamentals in algorithms, data structures, and software engineering, creating a foundation upon which advanced AI topics naturally build. Faculty bring industry experience from companies like Microsoft and Amazon, and they actively engage students in applied projects that mirror real workplace challenges. The proximity to Salt Lake City's thriving tech community and aerospace industry opens internship opportunities in AI applications for logistics, manufacturing optimization, and autonomous systems. Weber State's focus on accessible, outcomes-oriented education means AI preparation is tailored to launch careers quickly rather than focus on pure research.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Google.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (BS only)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City tech hubAccess to aerospace and manufacturing companiesRegional tech company internship ecosystem
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT
Key Distinction: Machine learning capstone project. Undergraduate research opportunity
Hakia Insight: BYU's dual research labs (Computer Vision and NLP) aren't just prestige; undergraduates co-author on faculty publications at venues like ACL and CVPR, giving job candidates a rare portfolio advantage that distinguishes them in hiring rounds at Google and Amazon.
BYU's Bachelor of Science in Machine Learning combines computer science, mathematics, and statistics to prepare students for careers in this rapidly growing field. The curriculum covers computer science fundamentals, mathematics, statistics, and specialized coursework in machine learning including conventional algorithms, databases, deep learning, regression, probability, natural language processing, calculus, and optimization. Students complete a machine learning capstone project or undergraduate research experience. The program prepares graduates for competitive positions at leading technology companies and provides excellent preparation for graduate work in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Graduates gain skills in data curation and maintenance, model building, data analysis, and ethical application of machine learning across various industries including self-driving cars, facial recognition, fraud detection, medical imaging, and cybersecurity.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Machine Learning — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Vision Lab
- Natural Language Processing Lab
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Eric Ringger — Natural language processing and machine learning
- Christophe Giraud-Carrier — Machine learning and meta-learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Provo tech corridorAccess to Adobe, Amazon, and other tech giants in regionGrowing AI startup ecosystem in Utah Valley
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT
Key Distinction: UVU's AI program is uniquely positioned to bridge Utah Valley's booming tech ecosystem with undergraduate and graduate talent through industry-embedded project work and affordable, career-focused curriculum.
Hakia Insight: UVU's partnership with Qualtrics—a $12B enterprise software company headquartered 10 miles away—creates a direct pipeline where AI capstone projects often become internal research initiatives, turning coursework into paid opportunities.
At the bachelor's level, UVU's artificial intelligence program emphasizes practical, industry-aligned skills through a hands-on curriculum that pairs foundational machine learning theory with real-world applications in computer vision, natural language processing, and predictive analytics. The program benefits from Utah Valley's thriving tech corridor—home to software companies, fintech startups, and aerospace contractors—creating abundant internship and employment pipelines. Students work on applied projects throughout their coursework, collaborating with faculty on problems drawn directly from industry partnerships. The curriculum is designed for rapid job market entry, with particular strength in helping graduates transition into AI engineer, machine learning specialist, and data scientist roles at regional and national tech firms. UVU's emphasis on accessibility and affordability makes advanced AI education available to a broader student population than many peer institutions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Qualtrics (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Utah Valley tech hub (Lehi, American Fork)Access to fintech and software companiesGrowing aerospace AI opportunities
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: University of Utah's AI program is defined by its research-active faculty ecosystem and consistent publication record at top-tier machine learning conferences.
Hakia Insight: The University of Utah's faculty publish consistently at top-tier ML conferences (NeurIPS, ICML), which means undergraduates gain access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and co-authorship opportunities that most bachelor's programs reserve for graduate students.
At the bachelor's level, the University of Utah's School of Computing positions its AI program within a robust research infrastructure anchored by the university's founding commitment to computational science. The MS in Computer Science with a machine learning specialization gives students direct access to faculty conducting cutting-edge research in deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing—research that often translates into industry collaborations with major tech companies and startups. What sets this program apart is the density of AI-focused faculty and the frequency with which graduate students contribute to papers accepted at top conferences (NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR). The university's location in Salt Lake City, coupled with its emerging reputation as a regional AI hub, means students benefit from proximity to growing AI teams at companies like Adobe, Goldman Sachs, and local tech firms. The program structure emphasizes both breadth (courses spanning reinforcement learning, computer vision, NLP, and robotics) and depth through research-driven thesis work. Undergraduate students can pursue the computer science major with electives in AI, though the graduate program attracts most of the specialized AI talent. The placement rate for MS graduates is notably strong, with most securing positions at tier-one tech companies within three months of graduation.
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
- University of Utah Graphics Lab
- School of Computing AI Research Group
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Goldman Sachs (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, Amazon, Goldman Sachs.
Notable Faculty
- Olin Shivers — Programming languages and AI applications
- Rajeev Balasubramonian — Computer architecture and machine learning systems
Location Advantages: Salt Lake City emerging tech hubProximity to Adobe Engineering CenterGrowing startup ecosystem in Utah
Southern Utah University — Cedar City, UT
Key Distinction: Southern Utah University provides an accessible, affordable entry point into computer science with introductory-to-intermediate AI coursework suited for first-generation technical students.
Hakia Insight: Southern Utah University's explicit focus on first-generation technical students means the AI curriculum scaffolds fundamentals without gatekeeping advanced topics—a pedagogical approach that often produces more confident practitioners than schools that assume prior computing experience.
At the bachelor's level, southern Utah University's computer science program introduces AI and machine learning concepts as part of a comprehensive technical curriculum designed to serve students in the Southern Utah region and beyond. The program emphasizes foundational computer science competencies with elective depth in emerging areas including machine learning and data analysis. While the institution does not maintain specialized AI research centers, faculty incorporate AI applications into capstone projects and upper-level courses, providing students with practical exposure to algorithms, neural networks, and data-driven problem solving. The program's strength lies in its accessibility and affordability for students who may be first-generation or cost-conscious, combined with a supportive classroom environment that reduces barriers to entry in technical fields. Graduates typically pursue careers as software developers, systems administrators, or data analysts in regional companies and government agencies, with some going on to graduate programs at larger research universities. The program serves as an effective launching point for students seeking to develop AI competencies and then specialize in graduate study or on-the-job training.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Serves Southern Utah region
Utah Tech University — Saint George, UT
Key Distinction: Utah Tech's AI offerings serve students seeking direct, practice-focused preparation for industry roles with personalized mentorship from faculty.
Hakia Insight: Utah Tech's faculty include Dr. Yuanfei Sun, whose active research in multimodal learning and biomacromolecule generation directly feeds into electives, ensuring students learn cutting-edge techniques in application rather than textbook versions.
At the bachelor's level, utah Tech's computer science program has recently expanded its AI course offerings as part of a strategic investment in applied computing tracks that serve regional industry demands. The institution emphasizes practical, hands-on AI applications aligned with careers in software development, systems engineering, and data-driven problem solving. While the program does not yet operate dedicated AI research centers comparable to larger research universities, students benefit from a growing cohort of faculty trained in machine learning and access to capstone projects that engage real-world data. The program is particularly strong for students seeking to transition into AI roles without the research thesis requirement, making it an efficient pathway for those targeting industry positions quickly. Partnerships with local companies provide internship and project opportunities in areas like business intelligence and predictive analytics. The smaller class sizes and accessible faculty create a collaborative learning environment that many students find conducive to mastering AI fundamentals before specializing in graduate study or early-career roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- local tech companies in Southern Utah (corporate)
- Microsoft (partner)
- Google (partner)
- Zoom (partner)
- OpenAI (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Yuanfei Sun — Machine learning and optimization methods for multimodal learning and biomacromolecule generation
- Dr. Aaron Davis — STEM Program Design and Curricular Innovation
Location Advantages: Access to scenic southern Utah landscapes for outdoor activities
Westminster University — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Westminster's AI curriculum uniquely emphasizes ethical considerations and business applications alongside technical machine learning fundamentals.
Hakia Insight: Westminster's emphasis on ethics and business applications reflects a curriculum design that prepares graduates for the expanding role of AI governance—a skillset that increasingly commands premium salaries in Fortune 500 compliance and responsible AI teams.
At the bachelor's level, westminster's computer science program integrates artificial intelligence and data science topics throughout its curriculum, reflecting the institution's commitment to preparing undergraduates for modern technical careers. The program is structured around a liberal arts foundation that encourages students to view AI within broader ethical, social, and business contexts—a distinctive emphasis that appeals to students seeking technical depth without sacrificing humanistic understanding. Core computer science courses include machine learning and data analysis modules, while upper-level electives allow specialization in AI applications relevant to business, healthcare, or engineering. The program benefits from Westminster's small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships, which facilitate mentored research projects and internship placements. Most students pursue the BS rather than advanced degrees, with career outcomes focused on software development roles at mid-sized companies and startups throughout the Mountain West. The institution's location in Salt Lake City provides access to a growing regional tech job market, though students often disperse to larger tech hubs upon graduation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Salt Lake City location
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Utah
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: Cohort model where students remain together throughout entire program. Fall and spring semesters only
Hakia Insight: The MEAE's cohort model and fall/spring-only schedule creates an unusually tight peer network (rare in CS programs) where game AI specialists remain connected for years—valuable for a field where breakthrough work often emerges from sustained collaboration.
The Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering (MEAE) is a specialized 2-year cohort program focused on game development across five tracks: Game Arts, Game Design, Game Engineering, Game Production, and Technical Art. Students remain in the same cohort throughout the program, taking fall and spring semester courses only. The curriculum combines track-specific specialization courses with shared academic and studio classes including Theories of Games and Play, Rapid Prototyping, Game Studio, and Advanced Game Studio 1 and 2. The Game Engineering track specifically covers technical aspects including game engines, graphics, and artificial intelligence, requiring an undergraduate degree in computer science or similar background with game development experience. The program emphasizes hands-on studio work and industry-relevant skills development.
Programs Offered
- Master of Entertainment Arts and Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MEAE
Research Labs and Institutes
- University of Utah Graphics Lab
- School of Computing AI Research Group
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Goldman Sachs (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Olin Shivers — Programming languages and AI applications
- Rajeev Balasubramonian — Computer architecture and machine learning systems
Location Advantages: Salt Lake City emerging tech hubProximity to Adobe Engineering CenterGrowing startup ecosystem in Utah
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. project track option: thesis focuses on research contribution (multi-semester, 24 credits) while project completes capstone in single semester (30 credits). Project option (CS 698R) allows faster completion for working professionals
Hakia Insight: BYU's single-semester project track (CS 698R) compresses the capstone into one intensive push, allowing working engineers to ship a production AI system while maintaining their day job—a structure that more closely mirrors how industry actually operates.
BYU's MS in Computer Science with an Artificial Intelligence focus offers flexibility for working professionals through both thesis and project tracks. The thesis option requires 24 credits (8 courses plus 6+ thesis credits) and suits candidates pursuing research-focused careers, while the project option requires 30 credits (11 courses including a capstone CS 698R) and can be completed in a single semester, ideal for those prioritizing rapid degree completion. Both tracks mandate coursework from three of four breadth groups, with at least 4 courses at the 500/600 level. Students maintain a required 3.0 GPA and must complete the degree within three years. The program emphasizes leading-edge research participation, technical writing, and industrial-scale software development. No embedded professional certifications or assistantship stipends are specified in available materials. Career outcomes focus on research and development roles in AI, though specific salary data and placement rates are not documented.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence focus) — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Vision Lab
- Natural Language Processing Lab
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Eric Ringger — Natural language processing and machine learning
- Christophe Giraud-Carrier — Machine learning and meta-learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Provo tech corridorAccess to Adobe, Amazon, and other tech giants in regionGrowing AI startup ecosystem in Utah Valley
Weber State University — Ogden, UT
Key Distinction: Weber State integrates AI and machine learning throughout its computer science curriculum as applied skills, preparing graduates for immediate industry roles in a region with strong demand for AI engineers.
Hakia Insight: Weber State's master's program graduates feed directly into Microsoft and Google's Utah offices, where they're not relocating but advancing within regional teams already familiar with their work—a rare advantage for a non-flagship state school.
At the master's level, weber State's computer science curriculum incorporates machine learning and AI concepts progressively across core coursework, with dedicated electives in neural networks, data mining, and applied AI systems that serve students building practical expertise without requiring a separate AI major. The program emphasizes strong fundamentals in algorithms, data structures, and software engineering, creating a foundation upon which advanced AI topics naturally build. Faculty bring industry experience from companies like Microsoft and Amazon, and they actively engage students in applied projects that mirror real workplace challenges. The proximity to Salt Lake City's thriving tech community and aerospace industry opens internship opportunities in AI applications for logistics, manufacturing optimization, and autonomous systems. Weber State's focus on accessible, outcomes-oriented education means AI preparation is tailored to launch careers quickly rather than focus on pure research.
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
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Google.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (BS only)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Salt Lake City tech hubAccess to aerospace and manufacturing companiesRegional tech company internship ecosystem
Utah Valley University — Orem, UT
Key Distinction: Flexible online and in-person learning options designed for full-time working professionals. Applied AI Capstone Project with real-world application deployment
Hakia Insight: The MSAAI's capstone requirement for real-world deployment (not simulated projects) means graduates submit portfolios with live AI systems, a concrete differentiator when competing against programs that stop at proof-of-concept.
The Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (MSAAI) at Utah Valley University is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals seeking to strategically apply AI technologies in business. The curriculum combines foundational and advanced coursework in AI strategy, data management, machine learning, and ethical AI implementation, culminating in an Applied AI Capstone Project with real-world applications. The program offers flexible online and in-person learning options to accommodate full-time professionals. Students complete 20 credits at UVU with the option to transfer up to 10 credits from other accredited institutions. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in AI-driven innovation across industries, including positions such as architectural and engineering managers (median $165,370), natural sciences managers (median $157,740), and project management specialists (median $98,580). The program emphasizes ethical AI practices, data strategy, and cross-functional team leadership for mid-career advancement.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Qualtrics (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Utah Valley tech hub (Lehi, American Fork)Access to fintech and software companiesGrowing aerospace AI opportunities
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Utah
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT
Key Distinction: 14 AI track faculty members with expertise spanning machine learning, robotics, NLP, computer vision, and reasoning. Multidisciplinary AI research covering perception, learning, reasoning, communication, and autonomous systems
Hakia Insight: With 14 dedicated AI track faculty and explicit multidisciplinary research spanning robotics, NLP, and computer vision, University of Utah PhD graduates avoid the common trap of hyper-specialization—they can credibly claim systems-level AI expertise across multiple domains.
The School of Computing offers PhD degrees through two programs: Computer Science and Computing (with specialized tracks). The Artificial Intelligence track, directed by Ana Marasović, encompasses theory and methods underlying intelligent behavior with faculty expertise in machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, computer vision, and reasoning systems. The program trains students to advance, apply, and govern AI technology through multidisciplinary research covering perception, learning, reasoning, communication, and autonomous systems. Track faculty include 14 members spanning diverse AI specializations from deep learning to cognitive robotics. Students can choose between the flexible Computer Science program focusing on theory, systems, and hardware fundamentals, or the specialized Computing program with the AI track. The program is administered by the Director of Graduate Studies with support from associate directors and graduate advisors organized alphabetically by student surnames.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computing - Artificial Intelligence Track — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- University of Utah Graphics Lab
- School of Computing AI Research Group
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Goldman Sachs (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, Amazon, Goldman Sachs.
Notable Faculty
- Olin Shivers — Programming languages and AI applications
- Rajeev Balasubramonian — Computer architecture and machine learning systems
Location Advantages: Salt Lake City emerging tech hubProximity to Adobe Engineering CenterGrowing startup ecosystem in Utah
Brigham Young University — Provo, UT
Key Distinction: BYU combines rigorous AI research training with undergraduate research opportunities, producing graduates who are equally prepared for PhD programs or senior technical roles at leading tech companies.
Hakia Insight: BYU's integration of undergraduate research opportunities into doctoral training creates an unusual pipeline where PhD students mentor bachelor's cohorts on active projects, a model that accelerates PhD progress while building the mentorship skills that industry leadership increasingly demands.
At the doctoral level, BYU's artificial intelligence research and coursework integrate cutting-edge machine learning theory with applications across robotics, computer vision, and natural language understanding, anchored by faculty with strong publication records and ongoing sponsored research. The university supports multiple AI-focused research clusters where undergraduates and graduate students contribute to peer-reviewed work, providing research experience that significantly strengthens PhD and top-tier industry applications. BYU's AI curriculum emphasizes mathematical rigor—particularly linear algebra, probability, and optimization—preparing students for both academic pursuits and advanced industry roles. The university's location in the Provo tech ecosystem and connections to companies like Adobe, Amazon, and Google create internship and hiring pipelines, while the honors program and thesis option serve students targeting advanced degrees or research-intensive careers. Faculty mentorship is a hallmark, with professors actively recruiting talented students into research collaborations from their first year.
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 Vision Lab
- Natural Language Processing Lab
Industry Partners
- Adobe (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Eric Ringger — Natural language processing and machine learning
- Christophe Giraud-Carrier — Machine learning and meta-learning
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Provo tech corridorAccess to Adobe, Amazon, and other tech giants in regionGrowing AI startup ecosystem in Utah Valley
