Master of Engineering Degree with an AI and ML focus: What is it?

Technology is evolving at an exciting pace, and at the forefront of this revolution is artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). As the demand for skilled professionals in these domains continues to soar, pursuing a Master of Engineering (MEng) with a focus in AI and Machine Learning has become an enticing prospect for those looking to advance their careers and delve into the cutting-edge realms of technology.

MEng Degree Overview

A MEng degree is designed to strengthen and expand the technical and practical skills engineers need to advance their career. Engineers use scientific and mathematical principles to create, advance, and sustain systems, structures, and processes within many industries. Pursuing a graduate degree can be a viable and valuable option for engineers of all specializations.

AI and ML are transformative technologies that are reshaping industries and creating new possibilities across various sectors. MEng programs specializing in AI and ML offer students a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of these technologies.

Program Benefits

A Master of Engineering degree specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to thrive in the forefront of technological innovation. MEng students will benefit from the following:

• A specialized knowledge and understanding the fundamentals of AI and ML, plus develop an expertise in theories, techniques, and tools.
• A curriculum that gives students the opportunity to build on their strong engineering foundation and dive headfirst into the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence.
• The ability to learn from distinguished faculty who are leading experts in the field, actively working and researching in these disciplines.
• The opportunity to introduce project ideas that simulate practical AI applications, explore engineering management, and industry-specific problem-solving.

Skills Earned

MEng programs that specialize in AI and ML will provide students a foundational understanding these domains, plus learn the relevant tools to apply these skills to solving complex problems. Here are a few key skills that engineers can expect to learn in an AI-specific MEng program:

• Foundations of AI and ML: Students receive a hands-on experience with various AI tools including search, reinforcement learning, probabilistic models, and game theory. They will also learn how to apply ML techniques to real-world applications and evaluate their performance.
• Mathematical Foundations for AI: Students will receive a refreshed understanding of mathematical and statistical topics relevant to AI, plus a proficiency in Python.
• Natural Language Processing: Students will develop knowledge in background theory and engineering techniques for natural language processing (NLP), as well as gain the skills to enable computers to interact with humans using NLP.
• Deep Neural Networks (DNN): Students will learn the application and understanding of DNN in pattern recognition and AI, as well as the ability to classify various types of input data, including images, video, speech, and text.
• Legal and Ethical Proficiency: Students will receive an overview of the legal system and its application to engineering, plus receive a familiarity with intellectual property law, contract principles, and environmental law.
• Engineering Management and Innovation: Students will be introduced to project management and tools and methods used for innovation.

The University of Illinois Chicago’s online Master of Engineering (MEng) with a focus area in AI and Machine Learning curriculum also includes the areas of leadership development. Students will explore topics such as project management and innovation that ensure they are focusing on human-centric solutions.

Career Outlook for MEng graduates

Artificial intelligence careers have a promising job outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032 with an average of 377,500 job openings each year. Additionally, U.S.-based generative AI job postings witnessed a 20% increase in May 2023, emphasizing the escalating opportunities in this field.

According to Glassdoor, Indeed, and PayScale, roles and salaries within the AI industry for MEng graduates include:

• Natural Language Processing Engineer: $111,000 average salary
• Data Scientist: $125,000 average salary
• AI Research Scientist: $130,000 average salary
• AI Product Manager: $135,000 average salary
• Machine Learning Engineer: $160,000 average salary

Time and cost of a MEng degree

The duration of a MEng program varies from one to three years, contingent on whether an individual opts for part-time or full-time enrollment. Accelerated programs, available at some universities, compress coursework into a shorter timeframe for expedited completion. Alternatively, asynchronous online engineering programs offer flexibility in scheduling, making them an ideal option for working professionals or individuals who have additional responsibilities.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a master’s degree is $66,340. UIC is committed to affordability. The online MEng program at UIC offers a tuition rate of $32,256.

Enroll in a Master of Engineering program

Engineers aspiring to advance their careers in the realm of artificial intelligence and machine learning should strongly consider pursuing a graduate degree. UIC’s online Master of Engineering with a focus area in AI and Machine Learning program is a professional, non-thesis graduate degree comprised of nine courses in the areas of leadership development and AI/ML. This 100% online asynchronous program encompasses the fundamental math of AI and ML, plus AI and ML theories, techniques, and tools. Full-time students can complete the entire program in as few as 12 months.

Take the next step in your career today and talk to an enrollment specialist to learn more about UIC’s online MEng program.