{"id":7308,"date":"2026-01-20T15:13:38","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T20:13:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/online\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=7308"},"modified":"2026-05-29T18:15:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T22:15:21","slug":"online-master-of-science-in-software-engineering-for-artificial-intelligence","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/online\/degrees-certificates\/ai-programs\/online-master-of-science-in-software-engineering-for-artificial-intelligence\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Master of Science in Software Engineering for Artificial Intelligence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Artificial intelligence is embedded in the software systems that power modern organizations. Boston University\u2019s online MS in Software Engineering for Artificial Intelligence prepares experienced and aspiring engineers to design, build, and scale production-grade systems that responsibly integrate AI and large language models (LLMs).<br><br>Designed for working professionals pursuing an online software engineering degree with a focus on AI, this software engineering program blends rigorous software engineering fundamentals, hands-on AI integration, and human-centered system design. You\u2019ll learn not just models, but how to deploy them reliably, securely, and ethically in real-world systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls poster=\"\/online\/files\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-12.52.46\u202fPM.png\" src=\"\/online\/files\/2026\/05\/elise_morgan_omse_program_overview_1920x1080_v1-1080p.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Curriculum Overview<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 30\u2011credit curriculum is organized into three integrated components:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Foundational Phase<\/strong>: Orientation and bootcamp modules designed to prepare students for advanced coursework.<\/li><li><strong>Software Engineering Core<\/strong>: Software engineering courses covering fundamentals, scalable systems, AI\u2011assisted development, data architecture, human\u2011AI interaction, and a culminating capstone project.<\/li><li><strong>Artificial Intelligence Core<\/strong>: Courses in machine learning fundamentals, programming for data\u2011driven systems, and responsible and ethical AI.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, these components prepare students to build AI\u2011enabled systems that are secure, reliable, scalable, and user\u2011centered.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Modules<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program features 30 units across a sequence of modules. Most students complete the program in part-time study, following preparatory bootcamp work before the start of the semester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module A \u2014 EX 502 Software Engineering Bootcamp<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>The Software Engineering Bootcamp prepares incoming students for success by introducing or refreshing core content and tools, including GitHub, IDEs, debugging, and cloud workflows. All learners are required to complete the bootcamp two weeks prior to the start of the semester.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module B \u2014 EX 603 Data and Algorithms for Scalable Systems<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>This year-long, 3-credit course focuses on the application of algorithmic thinking to large data sets, providing hands-on experience. It begins by establishing a strong SQL foundation around data retrieval, manipulation, filtering, and aggregation. Once established, it focuses on algorithms for efficient handling of data, both in SQL and outside SQL at the application layer.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module C \u2014 EX 699 Capstone<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>The goal of the two-semester Capstone project is for students to understand the challenges of building an end-to-end software application that leverages AI and big data at scale. A central focus of this project is to ensure that students appreciate the seams between utilizing AI models, traditional software engineering, and cloud DevOps.<\/p>\n  <p>The capstone project emphasizes building a system that is reliable, correct, and performant. By the end of the project, students will have built and deployed an AI-enabled application that exemplifies the integration of scalable software architecture, responsible AI, and human-centered design.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module 1 \u2014 EX 601 Software Engineering Fundamentals<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>This course introduces foundational principles of modern software engineering, preparing students to design, build, and maintain reliable software systems. Emphasis is on disciplined development practices, automated quality assurance, and managing the software lifecycle from conception through deployment.<\/p>\n  <p>Students work with realistic codebases and modern industry tooling to build durable engineering habits that support all later modules.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module 2 \u2014 DX 602 Python Programming Toolkit<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>This module orients learners to programming environment setup and tools such as the filesystem, command line, and notebooks. It also reviews fundamental components of the Python programming language, including data structures, installing and importing packages, control flow, loops, and functions.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module 3 \u2014 DX 603 Machine Learning Fundamentals<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>This module explores essential concepts and techniques in machine learning, including linear methods such as linear regression, lasso, and ridge; tree methods such as decision trees, random forests, and boosting; and unsupervised methods such as clustering.<\/p>\n  <p>Learners gain proficiency fitting machine learning models, understanding regularization to prevent overfitting, and using cross-validation to evaluate model performance and tune hyperparameters.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module 4 \u2014 EX 602 Software Engineering at Scale<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>This course explores the challenges of building and scaling large-scale software systems. Students learn how architectural choices, concurrency models, and deployment strategies affect reliability, scalability, and the evolution of codebases.<\/p>\n  <p>Students grasp the benefits of building modular systems and the strategies that guide them toward greater modularity and fault isolation.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module 5 \u2014 EX 604 AI\/LLM Aided Software Development<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>This course explores how AI and large language models are transforming software engineering practices. Students learn not only how to use AI tools to boost productivity, but also how to critically assess the reliability, security, and maintainability of AI-generated code.<\/p>\n  <p>The course blends hands-on experimentation with theoretical grounding in the evolving role of human engineers in an AI-augmented development workflow. Emphasis is placed on understanding how AI fits into testing, code review, deployment, and observability practices across both greenfield and legacy systems.<\/p>\n  <p>This class embraces the idea that AI will not eliminate software engineering jobs, but engineers who do not boost their own productivity with AI tools may struggle to compete with those who do.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module 6 \u2014 EX 606 Human-Centric AI UX<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>This course investigates the design and evaluation of systems where humans and AI interact. Students study usability, trust, explainability, and ethical considerations in human-AI collaboration, preparing them to build interfaces that integrate machine learning responsibly.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module 7 \u2014 EX 605 Data Design and Distribution at Scale, AI\/ML Ops<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>This course builds on Data and Algorithms for Scalable Systems and goes deeper into the scalability challenges of managing large volumes of data. Topics include the evolution of NoSQL systems, the design of ETL pipelines, managing the arrival of new data through streaming and batch pipelines, and general AI\/ML Ops.<\/p>\n  <p>In this class, students address the key question: \u201cHow do I design data structures and systems that perform under real-world load, and organize data in a coherent manner?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details>\n  <summary><strong>Module 8 \u2014 DX 701 Responsible and Ethical Data Science and AI<\/strong><\/summary>\n  <p>This module explores ethical considerations inherent in data-driven decision-making and the deployment of algorithmic systems. It emphasizes the socially constructed nature of science, shedding light on biases and inequalities.<\/p>\n  <p>Learners explore the societal and cultural implications of AI and machine learning technologies, analyzing potential biases and disparities in data and algorithms. Practical skills are developed through the application of fairness metrics to evaluate and mitigate bias in algorithmic decision-making.<\/p>\n  <p>Privacy, ethical considerations surrounding personal data, and navigating key regulatory frameworks related to AI and machine learning, such as GDPR, the California Consumer Privacy Act, and other data privacy laws, are integral components.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Degree Requirements<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Complete 30 credits of graduate coursework.<\/li><li>Complete the pre-program foundational bootcamp before core coursework begins.<\/li><li>Engage in hands-on assignments and collaborative projects.<\/li><li>Complete a year-long capstone designing and deploying an end-to-end AI-enabled application at scale.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Dates and Deadlines<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><s><strong>Priority Application:<\/strong> April 1, 2026<\/s><\/li><li><strong>Application:<\/strong> June 1, 2026<\/li><li><strong>Final Application:<\/strong> August 10, 2026<\/li><li><strong>Start Terms: <\/strong>September 2026 and January 2027<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2>Learn More at Our Live Information Session<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"program-block--requirements__group-text\">Have questions? Join our faculty and staff for a live information session to learn more about the software engineering degree program, hear key insights, and ask your questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bostonu.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/UBA2RoNOQl2Pu_HaRm978w\">Friday 29<\/a><sup><a href=\"https:\/\/bostonu.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/UBA2RoNOQl2Pu_HaRm978w\">th<\/a><\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/bostonu.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/UBA2RoNOQl2Pu_HaRm978w\">&nbsp;May &#8211; 12-1pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bostonu.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/XHt4x-f8RDq7diGCFQjCsA\">Monday 1<\/a><sup><a href=\"https:\/\/bostonu.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/XHt4x-f8RDq7diGCFQjCsA\">st<\/a><\/sup><a href=\"https:\/\/bostonu.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/XHt4x-f8RDq7diGCFQjCsA\">&nbsp;June &#8211; 5-6pm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide program-block program-block--requirements program-block--type-degrees\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"program-block__title\">Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns program-block--requirements__inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column program-block--requirements__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group program-block--requirements__group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group program-block--requirements__group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3>Application Requirements<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Bachelor\u2019s degree with relevant coursework in areas such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or Engineering, or work experience in one or more of these fields.<\/li><li>Professional experience is valued; applications are welcome from a wide range of technical backgrounds.<\/li><li>No testing requirements (e.g., GRE, GMAT)<\/li><li>Professional references are not required. You may include them if you believe they would be helpful for your application.<\/li><li>There is no Application Fee (with a waiver provided)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column program-block--requirements__media\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"298\" height=\"199\" src=\"\/online\/files\/2025\/05\/LLM-typing.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2285\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide program-block program-block--career-paths program-block--type-degrees\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns program-block--career-paths__inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column program-block--career-paths__header\">\n<h2 class=\"program-block__title\">How You Benefit from the degree in Software Engineering for AI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"program-block__description\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column program-block--career-paths__content\">\n<ul class=\"program-block--career-paths__list\"><li><strong>Why Software Engineering for AI? <\/strong>Most programs teach software engineering, data science, or AI in isolation. This degree bridges them so you can ship AI in real systems.<\/li><li><strong>Integrate AI and LLMs into production software.<\/strong> Learn disciplined engineering practices for AI-enabled applications, including correctness, security, and maintainability.<\/li><li><strong>MLOps and scalable data workflows.<\/strong> Design data pipelines and operational workflows to deploy, monitor, and improve AI over time.<\/li><li><strong>Career-focused capstone.<\/strong> Complete a year-long capstone where you design and deploy an end-to-end AI-enabled application at scale.<\/li><li><strong>High-engagement online experience. <\/strong>Learn through a mix of on-demand content and weekly live sessions taught from the BU Virtual Studios.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group program-block--career-paths__footer\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns program-block--career-paths__footer-inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column program-block--career-paths__footer-header\">\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-left program-block--career-paths__footer-title\">Career Outcomes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">Software Engineering is valued across many industries. Here are some titles this program will prepare you for.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column program-block--career-paths__footer-card\">\n<h3 class=\"program-block--career-paths__footer-card-title\"><strong><strong>AI Software Engineer<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Build AI-enabled services and product features, integrating models and LLMs into production applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column program-block--career-paths__footer-card\">\n<h3 class=\"program-block--career-paths__footer-card-title\"><strong><strong>MLOps \/ AI Platform Engineer<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Deploy, monitor, and maintain AI systems, pipelines, and infrastructure for reliable performance at scale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column program-block--career-paths__footer-card\">\n<h3 class=\"program-block--career-paths__footer-card-title\"><strong><strong>Software Architect for Intelligent Systems<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Design end-to-end architectures that combine software systems, data pipelines, and AI capabilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>Skills You&#8217;ll Gain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>AI and LLM integration.<\/strong> Integrate AI and LLMs into large-scale software systems.<\/li><li><strong><strong>Engineering discipline for AI<\/strong><\/strong>. Apply software engineering fundamentals to AI-enabled applications.<\/li><li><strong>AI-assisted development and code review<\/strong>. Evaluate AI-generated code for correctness, security, and maintainability.<\/li><li><strong>MLOps and scalable workflows<\/strong>. Design MLOps practices for deployment, monitoring, and iteration.<\/li><li><strong>Cloud deployment and release workflows<\/strong>. Practice cloud-based deployment and modern release processes.<\/li><li><strong>Trustworthy, human-centered systems. <\/strong>Build systems that are explainable, usable, and aligned with responsible AI.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide program-block program-block--testimonial-with-photo-sm program-block--type-degrees\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns program-block--testimonial-with-photo-sm__inner\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column program-block--testimonial-with-photo-sm__author\">\n<p><strong>W. Clem Karl<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large program-block--testimonial-with-photo-sm__author-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" src=\"\/online\/files\/2026\/01\/Karl.BG2_.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7417\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/online\/files\/2026\/01\/Karl.BG2_.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/online\/files\/2026\/01\/Karl.BG2_-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/online\/files\/2026\/01\/Karl.BG2_-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/online\/files\/2026\/01\/Karl.BG2_-550x550.jpg 550w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column program-block--testimonial-with-photo-sm__content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote alignleft program-block--testimonial-with-photo-sm__quote\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;<em>The online Master\u2019s in Software Engineering for AI is designed for working professionals who want to advance their expertise while remaining active in industry. Through flexible online learning and industry-relevant coursework, students develop the skills needed to design, deploy, scale, and maintain AI-driven, data-intensive software systems in real-world environments.<\/em>&#8220;<\/p><cite><strong><br><\/strong>Professor and Chair <br>Electrical &amp; Computer Engineering; Biomedical Engineering; Systems Engineering<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Master the skills to design and scale production-grade AI systems. 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