New master’s in artificial intelligence engineering offered at WashU
Program will prepare graduates for careers that require proficiency in engineering AI systems
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought an urgent need for proficiency in not just using, but also developing and improving, AI systems.
Beginning in fall 2027, a new master’s in artificial intelligence engineering, offered by the Department of Computer Science & Engineering in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, will uniquely position graduate students to compete for high-demand positions that require proficiency in engineering AI systems.
The program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the computational techniques and systems involved in engineering the systems needed to use AI. Students will learn to understand the dependencies of AI systems and agents on the data used to train them, how to design solutions capable of best leveraging available computational resources, and how to select the most appropriate solution for different types of problems in addition to learning how to operate those solutions effectively and efficiently.
“Our intent is to educate students to meet the fast-growing industry demand for professionals capable not just of using AI but of customizing it to meet specific goals and problem constraints, and to be aware of its limitations and dependencies,” said Jonathan Shidal, senior lecturer in computer science & engineering and program director.
The program is intended for students with sufficient computing background as a foundation for the more advanced skills needed to adapt, implement, extend, optimize and troubleshoot AI systems, both in terms of the algorithms on which those systems rely and of the computing infrastructure needed to run them.
The master’s degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, with 18 credit hours of core requirements and 12 credit hours of electives. Students must maintain an average grade of B- (GPA 2.7) for all 30 credit hours.
Applications will be accepted beginning Sept. 1, 2026.
