Online Master’s in Computer Science and AI FAQs

This program is ideal for early- to mid-career professionals seeking career advancement or skill expansion in computer science and artificial intelligence.
Applicants typically have:

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field (e.g., engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics)
• Prior exposure to programming
• Professional experience (2–5 years preferred, though not required)
• No formal background in machine learning or AI is required, though practical experience is beneficial
  

To begin your application, review our admission requirements and start your online application!

• Priority Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
• Round 1 application Deadline: May 1, 2026
• Round 2 application Deadline: July 1, 2026
• Final Application Deadline: August 9, 2026

You can only apply to one GRS program per entry term. For example, you may not apply to both the residential MS in Computer Science and the online Master’s in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence for the same entry term.

All applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts directly to the online application.

• Upload your unofficial transcripts for initial application review. Provide transcripts for each college or university attended. Transcripts must include all courses taken and final grades.
• Official transcripts are not required as part of the initial application. If you are admitted and accept the offer of admission, you will be required to send official transcripts to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from all colleges attended prior to matriculation.
  

No. Submitting a GRE score is optional. You’re welcome to include it with your application, but choosing not to submit a score will not negatively affect your application.

We require that applicants hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the U.S., it will be accepted in the admissions process. For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission.

We do not have a minimum work experience requirement for applicants to the online master’s in computer science and AI. With few exceptions, accepted students typically have at least two years of full-time, post-undergraduate professional experience. The Admissions Committee takes internships and cooperative education assignments into account, but those experiences are usually considered supplementary.

The online computer science and AI program has start dates in the fall and spring semesters each year. For students starting in the fall semester, MOD 0 will begin in early August. For students starting in the spring semester, MOD 0 will begin in early January.

Students earn a Master of Science in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from the Boston University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Students can typically complete the 30 credit curriculum in four semesters. The duration can vary depending on if you are taking courses over the summer.

Yes. Students in the online MS in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence may take up to five years to complete the program. Students will work with their academic advisor each semester to plan their enrollment, as well as any planned semesters off, to ensure timely completion of the program.

Live sessions are synchronous Zoom-facilitated learning environments with faculty, Learning Facilitators, and students all engaging in “real time” using relevant course content. These sessions are highly interactive and last approximately one to two hours.

The capstone project in the online MS in Computer Science and AI spans two semesters and contains project-driven modules focused on designing and deploying a production-ready AI system, integrating technical, ethical, and operational considerations.

The online Master’s Degree in Computer Science and AI is 100% online, and there are no in-person requirements. Students are also welcome to plan their own meetups in their respective locations. Online students may attend any on-campus events that are not restricted to a certain population.

For each module (MOD), you and your cohort will have an assigned Learning Facilitator (LF). The LF will serve as your subject matter expert for each module, and they are available to help you with all course-related material. They will communicate with you on a regular basis about your coursework, hold office hours, and be available for one-on-one meetings. When it comes to questions about your course, they are your first stop.

Your Student Success Specialist will support you from the start of your program to graduation. When it comes to your student experience, advising, and university resources, they are your first stop.

Your Success Specialist will help you navigate the program and life as an online student. They will help plan your schedule, share best practices for learning online, suggest ways to engage in the program community, and guide you to the various university resources you may need to enable your success in the online MS in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence program. Your personal Student Success Specialist will communicate with you regularly as you continue your learning journey.

The Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence program is 100% online, and any appointments or advising sessions will be conducted online. Students will have access to BU and GRS online platforms and a recruitment site (Handshake) as well as online career resources available to BU online students.

Tuition for the online Master’s in Computer Science & AI is $2,500 per module x ten 3-credit modules + one 0-credit module at $0.

Books are not included in the tuition costs, the cost for books or other course materials will be minimal to $0 in most modules. You are only billed for direct expenses (tuition and fees) charged by the university.

Federal un-subsidized loans are available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Learn more about financial aid and financing your graduate education.