CU Boulder announces AI master’s degree on Coursera for under $16,000 — no application required

By Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer, Coursera

I’m excited to announce a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MS-AI) from the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), marking the university’s fifth degree on Coursera.

As demand for AI talent grows, this degree enables anyone to build their AI expertise while earning a credential that stands out in a competitive job market. Nearly one in four U.S. tech jobs require AI skills, and those roles pay up to 25% more.

“In a world increasingly run by intelligent systems, expertise in AI will be the difference between keeping up and leading the way. A master’s in artificial intelligence will empower students to design ethical, responsible machine learning solutions that scale across platforms — from healthcare and finance to social media and robotics. It’s more than technical skill; it’s a commitment to shaping AI that amplifies human potential,” said Kevin Gifford, CU Boulder’s Faculty Director for the MS-AI/MS-CS programs on Coursera.  

Built for working adults, the MS-AI maximizes accessibility, flexibility, and job-relevant learning:

Accessible

• This program is designed for anyone with a strong background in computer science — no bachelor’s degree, prerequisites, or application required. Learners gain admission by enrolling and earning a B or better in a three-course pathway in machine learning or statistical learning.
• The degree is $15,750, with all of CU Boulder’s degrees on Coursera priced at about $20,000 or less.

Flexible

• Learners can start at any time by enrolling in CU Boulder’s Computing, Ethics, and Society Specialization*, earn a graduate certificate along the way, and complete the program in 12 months or up to eight years. 
• Courses are asynchronous, with opportunities to connect during live sessions and office hours.

Job-relevant learning

• The interdisciplinary curriculum combines computer science, data science, engineering, and ethics — blending technical depth with social responsibility.
• Through theory and real-world application, students explore core AI concepts, including neural networks, deep learning, and reinforcement learning, while building the mathematical foundation needed to design and optimize scalable machine learning models.
• Graduates will qualify for roles like Chief AI Officer, AI Manager, or AI Engineer and can build specialized skills with electives in natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics.

We’re honored to partner with CU Boulder, the pioneers of performance-based admission degrees on Coursera, to remove barriers and expand access for those eager to shape the future of technology.

Enrollment for the MS-AI opens August 20, with classes beginning August 25. Learn more or get started at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/ms-artificial-intelligence-boulder.

*To earn credit, learners must complete additional graded assignments, which are available after paying tuition.

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