Duration: Four long semesters, usually Fall/Spring. Thesis research can also be conducted over the summer semesters, but regular course offerings are limited in the summer.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the discipline that designs and implements computer programs and systems with cognitive abilities similar to those of humans and other intelligent biological systems – neural networks, ant colonies, immune systems, evolutionary systems, etc. Machine Learning (ML) is the subfield of AI dedicated to algorithms that can improve their performance automatically by extracting information from large data sets, with or without human input. The Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) is designed to prepare students for career advancement, or for further studies at the doctoral level. The program has two options, thesis and professional (non-thesis), each offered either completely online or face-to-face at the Stephenville campus.
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It is a research-based program of study, requiring students to complete independent work that culminates in several projects, and, in one of the options, a thesis project. Admission to the program requires a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, AIML, or a related discipline from an accredited institution. Students not meeting this requirement will be considered for admission on an individual basis and may be admitted subject to the completion of appropriate undergraduate leveling courses to remove any deficiencies in preparation; in this case the department will recommend leveling courses, depending on the student's transcript. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better and make grades of C or better in all courses on the degree plan. No undergraduate courses can be counted towards this Master’s degree. A maximum of 12 graduate credit hours may be transferred.
Numerous recent studies of AI/ML use-cases concluded that companies are using AI/ML in a wide variety of applications, including healthcare, agriculture, warehouse automation, finance, insurance, real estate, customer service, entertainment, cybersecurity, manufacturing, etc. Graduates of this program will be competitive in many areas of industry, government, education and the military.
Jobs that heavily involve AI and ML are predicted to grow 76% in the next decade. The global compound annual growth rate of the AI/ML industry is about 39%, and its value is anticipated to reach over $200 billion by 2029. According to data from multiple online employment companies (Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, etc.), the yearly pay for jobs requiring a Master’s in AIML is currently between $120k and $170k. If benefits are included (bonuses, health insurance, stock options, etc.), then total compensation is well over $200k.
The program was launched in spring 2025 and it is housed in Tarleton’s Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering (CSEE). As of the fall semester of 2025, the student to faculty ratio of the CSEE department is under 20:1 overall and 10:1 in the graduate programs.
Graduate students in the program can be employed in various roles in the department, including graduate lab assistant (GLA), graduate research assistant (GRA), grader, teaching assistant (TA) and student worker in general.
Learning Outcomes
The Master’s program in AI/ML is designed to emphasize core technical expertise, research skills, and professional competencies. Students in the program acquire the ability to design, implement, and evaluate AI/ML solutions, conduct original research, and navigate the ethical, business, and societal dimensions of deploying and managing AI/ML systems.
