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Artificial Intelligence

Image
Computer chip.
Degree Type
M.S.
Minor
Ph.D.
Location
Corvallis Campus
Table of contents

Description

Artificial intelligence encompasses the theory and application of computer systems designed to make decisions and perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.

People who work with artificial intelligence can be found in a multitude of fields, including automation, manufacturing, transportation, health care, security, academia, and many others.

As a student in Oregon State’s new graduate programs in AI, you will work closely with faculty who are leaders in the field. You’ll conduct advanced research; develop innovative new techniques and applications; and receive a rigorous education in AI and its social impact.

AI is making important contributions to numerous areas of intellectual, commercial, and artistic endeavor. To encompass this diversity, our program creates a direct pathway for motivated and capable students from any discipline to enter the field of AI and make their own lasting mark.

AI Faculty AI Seminars AI Newsletter

 

Graduate Information

Requirements

The graduate program in artificial intelligence offers Ph.D., M.S., and MEng degrees and graduate minors in AI. The graduate program is supported by research faculty members in the schools of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Mechanical,Industrial, and Manufacuring Engineering who work in all core areas of AI including machine learning, knowledge representation, reasoning under uncertainty, sequential decision making, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics.

The AI program is interdisciplinary and trains Ph.D. and masters degree students in the core topics of AI and offers a large set of electives that gives them opportunities to specialize in different sub-areas and applications of AI. The program is open to students from any undergraduate discipline with appropriate mathematical and programming background and accommodates flexible curricular paths. The types of different degrees offered are described below.

Ph.D.
The Ph.D. degrees are aimed to students who will be taking faculty positions in academia, research positions in industry and government labs, and entrepreneurship for leading start-up companies.

M.S. (Thesis option)
This is most appropriate for research-oriented students aiming to get a research position in the industry or move on to a Ph.D. at a later time.

M.S. (Project option)
The industry-oriented students will do a significant software project under the guidance of an advisor and get an M.S. degree with project option. This is most appropriate  for students who aim to get a software development job in the AI industry.

MEng
The MEng. degree is also industry oriented, except that it is more focused on course work. This degree requires a 3-credit Capstone project which will give them significant real world project experience.

Degree Requirements

Refer to the graduate handbook for the courses and credits required to obtain Ph.D., M.S., and MEng degrees.

Graduate Minor
A graduate minor in AI is intended for students in other degree programs to helps them acquire skills to apply AI methods in their discipline. The graduate minor requires 15 credits for Masters students and 18 credits for Ph.D. students including 12 credits from the designated core AI courses in both cases.

Contact eecs.gradinfo@oregonstate.edu.

M.S. and Ph.D. Admission Requirements - Artificial Intelligence

Note: These requirements are in addition to those listed in the Graduate School's application pages.

All documents must be in PDF format and under 10 MB in size.

In order for your application to be complete, the following information must be submitted in the online application:

  1. Fee: as determined by the Graduate School. EECS does not provide application fee waivers.
  2. Recommendation Letters: You must provide the names and email addresses of three professional references as part of the online application. The references will be emailed instructions on how to submit their letters.
    1. Three letters of professional reference are required from former professors or employers familiar with the applicant's technical ability. Particularly valuable are letters that assess the applicant's preparation and ability to complete a research project. Applicants with a master's degree should include the major professor as one reference. Letters must be submitted electronically as part of the online application.
  3. Statement of Objectives: Please upload as a PDF to your online application.
    1. Applicants must include a description of their objectives in pursuing an advanced degree. This should be a brief (one page) summary of the applicant's career goals, research interests, and pertinent experience. This information is submitted as part of the OSU online application.
  4. Resume/CV: Please upload a current copy as a PDF to your online application.
  5. Academic History: You must enter the information of your current university/degree/major (if attending) and any past university/degree/major.
    1. Prior Degree: Applicants must have or complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university before the start of the term. International students must have completed the equivalent of a four-year US baccalaureate degree.
    2. Unofficial Transcripts: Applicants must upload unofficial copies of transcripts. Web printouts and kiosk copies are not accepted. Current and former Oregon State University students are not required to provide OSU transcripts.
  6. Grade Point Average (GPA): You must self-report your overall GPA. The School of EECS requires a minimum “B” average (3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale) on the last two years of undergraduate work and any work completed thereafter.
    1. Effective July 1, 2008 for Fall 2009 admission or later, if the student has completed his or her baccalaureate degree in a country that is a signatory of the Bologna Declaration, then
      1. A baccalaureate degree of at least three years duration with a B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) in the last two years, plus all subsequent graded course work;
        OR
      2. A baccalaureate degree of at least three years duration with a two-year (equivalent to 45-quarter credits) graduate degree.
  7. GRE: GRE scores are not required for admission, but applicants may include GRE scores with their application.
  8. TOEFL/IELTS: Please refer to the language requirements required by the Graduate School.

Official documentation information can be found on the Graduate School’s website.

Contact eecs.gradinfo@oregonstate.edu.

M.S. and Ph.D. Programs

  • Start: Fall 2023
    Ph.D. application deadline: December 1, 2022
    M.S. application deadline: January 1, 2023
  • Applications are not reviewed until after the application deadline.
  • All applicants are considered for EECS and university scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships.
  • Applicants will be notified of admission decisions by mid-March.
  • If accepted by EECS, the Graduate School will notify the applicant of additional documentation needed for full admission, such as official transcripts, test scores, or financial documentation.
  • Need additional information? Contact eecs.gradinfo@oregonstate.edu.

Apply Now

The Accelerated Master’s Platform (AMP) allows students to apply to the graduate program at the end of their junior year and, if accepted, matriculate into the master’s program immediately after graduation. With careful planning, including taking graduate classes in their senior year, students can then complete a master’s degree within one year after finishing their bachelor’s. Students admitted to the co-degree program must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better throughout their undergraduate and master’s degree programs, or they will be subject to dismissal from the AMP.

More information


Colin Shea-Blymyer is a doctoral student in computer science and artificial intelligence. He is developing a formal framework of reasoning for autonomous systems that includes social and ethical obligations. Colin is advised by Houssam Abbas, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering.