Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Artificial Intelligence
Turn AI potential into real-world results.
Build the technical AI expertise and business leadership skills needed to bridge the gap between data science and organizational strategy. Select from four focused concentrations that prepare you to implement AI across products, systems and emerging technologies.
Applied Artificial Intelligence at a Glance
Mode of Study
Online
Est. Time
16-20 Months Part-time
Start Terms
Fall I & II, Spring I & II, Summer I & II
View Application Deadlines
Credits
36
Evening Classes
Available
Accreditation
Fellowships
Not Applicable
Scholarships
Alumni Scholarship
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Applied Artificial Intelligence Master's Degree
Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence Tuition
Credits
Per Credit
Total Tuition Cost
Tuition for 2025-2026. Rates are subject to change.
Typical Tuition Savings for the M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence
In addition to the program’s already low tuition, Merrimack’s M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence offers generous alumni and merit-based scholarship opportunities.
Double Warrior Alumni Scholarships are awarded to all Merrimack College alumni, covering 33% of tuition, or $6,475, for recent graduates (25% for previously graduated alumni).
Dean Scholarships are merit-based awards offered to eligible graduate students who are not alumni of Merrimack College. These scholarships vary in amount and are awarded based on academic achievement and potential.
Visit the page below to find all up-to-date tuition and fees information.
Overview of Merrimack’s Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, and organizations need leaders who can do more than understand AI models. They need professionals who can implement AI responsibly, integrate it into products and operations, and connect technical innovation to business strategy. This degree blends technical AI expertise with product development, engineering management, and governance to prepare you to lead AI initiatives inside organizations. You can tailor your degree to your goals through one of four focused concentrations.
Stand out with an industry-aligned concentration:
Product
Technical Data Science
Business Processes
Technical Quantum Computing
Why Choose the M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence Program at Merrimack
UNMATCHED APPLIED AI FOR ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT
Merrimack’s program is deliberately designed for professionals who implement AI inside organizations, translating between technical teams and business stakeholders rather than building foundational models. This focus aligns directly with the widespread talent gap around AI implementation, governance and value communication in real workflows.
HYBRID BUSINESS–TECH CURRICULUM BALANCE
The curriculum blends core data science, SQL/Python, predictive modeling and machine learning with formal training in product development, engineering project management, systems thinking, and innovation methods. This integrated structure differentiates the program from purely technical AI degrees and from business programs that treat AI superficially.
FOUR TARGETED CONCENTRATIONS INCLUDING QUANTUM
Students choose from four concentrations: AI‑heavy, Quantum Computing, Product and Business Processes, allowing both technical and business‑oriented learners to tailor the degree to their career path. The inclusion of a quantum track positions Merrimack at the leading edge of emerging AI‑adjacent technologies, appealing to early adopters and future‑focused professionals.
DESIGNED FOR NUMERATE NON-STEM AND STEM PROFESSIONALS
The program welcomes both STEM graduates and analytically strong business professionals (e.g., finance, accounting, marketing research, HR analytics) who are comfortable with numbers and ready to code. This broadens the addressable market while maintaining a rigorous standard that screens for quantitative readiness.
STRONG GOVERNANCE, COMPLIANCE AND ETHICS CORE
A dedicated course in data governance, compliance, and ethics anchors the program’s approach to responsible AI, addressing regulatory, privacy, and risk concerns that many organizations now prioritize. This directly supports graduates in leading trustworthy AI initiatives in regulated sectors like finance, health care, and government.
Career Outlook: Where can a Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence Take You?
Median Annual Salary for Data Scientists in the United States in 2024
Number of Jobs in 2024
Job openings for Data Scientists are projected each year, over the decade
Job Growth
forecast for 2023-33, faster than the average for all occupations
23,400
Estimated 20-year ROI*
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2024
Jobs with an Applied Artificial Intelligence master’s degree
- AI Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Applied AI Specialist
- Technical Product Manager
- AI Business Analyst
- AI Systems Engineer
- AI Product Manager
- Business Intelligence Analyst
What You'll Learn in Merrimack's M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence
Choose from Four Industry-Aligned Concentrations
In Merrimack College’s M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence, you’ll tailor your degree to your specific interests and career goals by choosing from one of the following concentrations:
Product
Focuses on building and launching AI-driven products, combining technical knowledge with design thinking, innovation and agile methodologies to bring ideas to market.
This concentration has two embedded Graduate Certificates that are granted based on progress, in advance of the full degree.
- Data Science Foundations
- Product Management Complex Technological Products
Business Processes
Prepares students to integrate AI into organizational systems and operations, emphasizing project management, systems thinking and process optimization.
This concentration has two embedded Graduate Certificates that are granted based on progress, in advance of the full degree.
- Data Science Foundations
- Engineering Management Innovation Projects
Technical Data Science
Develops advanced technical skills in machine learning, cloud-based AI systems and big data to design and deploy scalable AI solutions.
This concentration has two embedded Graduate Certificates that are granted based on progress, in advance of the full degree.
- Data Science Foundations
- Applied AI
Technical Quantum Computing
Introduces emerging technologies in quantum computing and quantum machine learning, equipping students to explore next-generation computational applications.
This concentration has two embedded Graduate Certificates that are granted based on progress, in advance of the full degree.
- Data Science Foundations
- Quantum Computing
Key Courses You'll Take
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
DSE6211
Build and apply machine learning models using real-world datasets while exploring core AI techniques such as supervised and unsupervised learning, model evaluation and predictive analytics. Students gain hands-on experience using industry-relevant tools to develop, test and refine models that solve practical business and technical problems.
AI for Text and Images
DSE6212
Learn how artificial intelligence powers technologies like chatbots, recommendation systems and image recognition by working with natural language processing and computer vision tools to analyze unstructured data. Through applied projects, students explore how to extract insights from text and visual content and deploy solutions in real-world contexts.
New Product Development
EMP6001
Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence Curriculum
View Full Curriculum
Artificial Intelligence Core
The following five courses are required (20 credits):
- DSE 5001 – Introduction to Data Science and Statistics (Credits: 4)
- DSE 5002 – SQL and Python Programming (Credits: 4)
- DSE 6111 – Predictive Modeling (Credits: 4)
- DSE 6211 – Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (Credits: 4)
- BAI 5220 – Data Governance, Compliance and Ethics (Credits: 4)
AI Deployment Concentrations
Choose coursework from one of the following concentrations.
Product
Deploying AI Solutions into products and services for sale to others.
16 Credits Total
Two of the following three courses are required:
- EMP 6200 – Agile Project and Innovation Models (Credits: 2)
- EMP 6300 – Innovation Models for Technological Products (Credits: 2)
- EMP 6301 – Design Thinking (Credits: 2)
And the following four courses are required:
- EMP 6001 – New Product Development (Credits: 4)
- EMP 6002 – Principles of Product Realization (Credits: 4)
- EMP 6006 – Product Management Capstone 1 (Credits: 2)
- EMP 6007 – Product Management Capstone 2 (Credits: 2)
Business Process
Deploying AI Solutions into business processes within an organization.
16 Credits Total
Two of the following three courses are required:
- EMP 6200 – Agile Project and Innovation Models (Credits: 2)
- EMP 6300 – Innovation Models for Technological Models (Credits: 2)
- EMP 6301 – Design Thinking (Credits: 2)
And the following four courses are required:
- EMP 6901 – Engineering Project Management (Credits: 4)
- EMP 6902 – Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking (Credits: 4)
- EMP 6906 – Engineering Management Capstone 1 (Credits: 2)
- EMP 6907 – Engineering Management Capstone 2 (Credits: 2)
Tech Data Science
Deploying AI Solutions into a technical data science environment.
16 Credits Total
The following four courses are required:
- DSE 6212 – AI for Text and Images (Credits: 4)
- DSE 6214 – Cloud Based AI Systems (Credits: 4)
- DSE 6220 – Big Data: Hadoop and Spark (Credits: 4)
- DSE 6311 – Data Science Capstone (Credits: 4)
Tech Quantum Computing
Deploying AI Solutions into a technical quantum computing environment.
16 Credits Total
The following four courses are required:
- DSE 6115 – Quantum Computing Applications (Credits: 4)
- DSE 6116 – Quantum Machine Learning (Credits: 4)
- DSE 6117 – Quantum Communication and Networks (Credits: 4)
- DSE 6311 – Data Science Capstone (Credits: 4)
Skills You'll Learn
In Merrimack’s online Applied Artificial Intelligence master’s program, you’ll technical expertise and strategic skills needed to be able to:
Apply machine learning and AI techniques to solve real-world problems
Analyze and interpret complex data using Python, SQL, and statistical methods
Develop and deploy AI solutions using cloud-based and big data technologies
Work with text and image data using natural language processing and computer vision
Design and manage AI-driven products using agile and innovation frameworks
Integrate AI into business processes to improve efficiency and decision-making
Applied Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificates
Each of the concentrations in our M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence may also be taken as a separate 12-credit certificate. Not only are they a great way to build your skills and credentials, they are also “stackable” – the credits you earn in the certificate program can be transferred directly into the engineering management master’s program! The cost per credit is the same as in the M.S.E.M. degree. View the expandables below for the curriculum requirements for each.
- Innovation Models for Tech Products (2 cr.)
- Agile Project and Innovation Models (2 cr.)
- Design Thinking (2 cr.)
Plus:
- Engineering Project Management (4 cr.)
- Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking (4 cr.)
- Design for Six Sigma (2 cr.)
- Lean Engineering Management (2 cr.)
- Engineering Project Management (4 cr.)
- Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking (4 cr.)
- Life Sciences Innovation Models (2 cr.)
- Regulatory, Reimbursement and IP Consideration in Life Sciences (2 cr.)
- Engineering Project Management (4 cr.)
- Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking (4 cr.)
- New Product Development (4 cr.)
- Engineering Project Management (4 cr.)
- Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking (4 cr.)
Innovation Projects
- Innovation Models for Tech Products (2 cr.)
- Agile Project and Innovation Models (2 cr.)
- Design Thinking (2 cr.)
Plus:
- Engineering Project Management (4 cr.)
- Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking (4 cr.)
Lean Six Sigma
- Design for Six Sigma (2 cr.)
- Lean Engineering Management (2 cr.)
- Engineering Project Management (4 cr.)
- Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking (4 cr.)
Life Sciences
- Life Sciences Innovation Models (2 cr.)
- Regulatory, Reimbursement and IP Consideration in Life Sciences (2 cr.)
- Engineering Project Management (4 cr.)
- Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking (4 cr.)
New Product Development
- New Product Development (4 cr.)
- Engineering Project Management (4 cr.)
- Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking (4 cr.)
Featured Faculty
Jeff Hovis
Program Director and Assistant Professor of Practice
Jeff Hovis is Program Director and Assistant Professor of Practice at Merrimack College. As a Managing Principal at Product Genesis, he helps Global 1000 companies develop strategic innovation and product roadmaps. Previously, he was SVP and General Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Jeff holds a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. His thought leadership has been published in industry journals such as ISPIM Innovation Insights and the TATA Journal of Management.
Arthur Brooks, D.M.
Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Arthur H. Brooks is a leader in systems engineering and digital transformation with over 25 years of experience in aerospace and defense. He is recognized for his expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), innovation strategy, and leading large technical teams across sectors. In addition to his published research and national presentations, Dr. Brooks holds advanced degrees in Systems Engineering, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, and Computer Studies. An active INCOSE member and adjunct professor, he continues to shape the field through research, standards development, and mentorship.
Roberto Santos, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Practice, Management
Dr. Roberto Santos is an Assistant Professor of Practice in Management at Merrimack College. He has 18 years of industry experience as a project engineer and holds 23 U.S. patents. His research focuses on technological innovation, venture financing, and global strategy, with work published in books and business journals. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration, an M.S. in Technology Commercialization, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
Colin Wasiloff, Eng.D.
Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Colin Wasiloff is a seasoned engineering leader and data expert currently serving as Chief Data and Analytics Officer and Vice Chair of the Army Process Improvement Advisory Council (APIAC). He holds a Doctor of Engineering from Southern Methodist University, with additional credentials in Engineering Management, Physics, and postdoctoral studies in statistics. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and U.S. Army Commendation Medal recipient, Dr. Wasiloff supports innovation in the Army’s ground vehicle community. He also brings extensive academic experience, having designed and taught courses in Engineering Management, Systems Design, and Analytics.
H. David Sheets, Ph.D.
Instructional Professor of Data Science
Dr. David Sheets is a physicist-turned-data scientist with expertise in forensic analysis, biology, and art conservation. He has published widely across disciplines and co-authored a leading textbook in geometric morphometrics. His current research focuses on forensic firearms and handwriting examiner performance, as well as analyzing surface textures in art objects. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Buffalo and a B.S. in Physics from SUNY Fredonia.
Gain Personalized Support from Our Success Coaches
Our Success Coaches are very important to your overall student experience. Throughout your time working towards your degree, your assigned Success Coach will help address many of the questions you may have outside the classroom. In doing so, they will help free more of your time to concentrate on mastering the content that is so important to your program progression.
Once you are accepted into your graduate program, your Success Coach will contact you via your student email. You will engage with your Success Coach from the time you are admitted until you graduate, allowing you to have a consistent point of contact as you work to achieve your goals. Many of our students and alumni appreciate the impact that their Success Coach had in their graduate journey.
At Merrimack College, you’re going to get all of the support that you would need to be successful. [...] Once the program starts, you are linked with a success coach who checks in with you regularly.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Merrimack College offers generous scholarships for M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence students:
- Dean Scholarship: Determined by academic merit and financial need. Students are automatically considered for a Dean Scholarship upon applying.
- Double Warrior Alumni Scholarship: Available to all Merrimack graduates. Students enrolling immediately after senior undergraduate year automatically receive a 33% discount, and 25% thereafter. Please note that Double Warrior alumni scholarships cannot be combined with Dean Scholarships.
Financial aid in the form of federal aid, private loans and payment plans are also options available for graduate students. Click the link below to learn more about our scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Application Information for the M.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence
It’s easy to apply online! Simply create your account by registering a username and password. This will allow you to start an application, save and log back in at any time to complete it before submission.
A Completed Application Includes:
- Online application
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resumé
- Interview OR personal statement
- Contact information for one reference OR one letter of recommendation
Important Information:
- If you do not have a background in a STEM field, an admissions interview may be required to determine your suitability for the program.
- No application fee or GRE requirement.
- Optional: Submit test scores to enhance or support your academic background.
Graduate Community and Student Support
As a graduate student at Merrimack College, you are welcome to visit campus and explore our resources to help you optimize your educational journey.
Our graduate students benefit from:
A dedicated success coach to support you throughout the program
A warm, inviting place to meet and network with faculty and peers face-to-face
All resources in our campus library to aid in your studying and research
Access to Merrimack's IT Help Desk
Availability of counseling and wellness services
Want to Learn More about the Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence?
Contact the Program Director, Jeff Hovis!
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way! Please feel free to contact our Graduate Admission team or join us at an upcoming event if you have any questions regarding scholarships, financial aid, or the application process.
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Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (#8)
- Regional Universities North (#38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#20)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#16)
- Best Value Schools (#52)
