Virginia’s First Public Master’s Program in AI to Be Offered by GMU
George Mason University Launches Virginia’s First Public Master’s Program in Artificial Intelligence
George Mason University (GMU) is set to introduce a Master of Science degree in artificial intelligence (AI) starting in the fall of 2025. This program marks a significant milestone as it is the first public master’s degree in AI available in Virginia.
Program Approval and Objectives
The State Council of Higher Education has officially approved the new program. GMU announced that this initiative aims to provide students with a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum that combines foundational AI theory with practical applications. The program is designed to prepare the next generation of AI professionals, ensuring they have the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving field.
Key Components of the Curriculum
The curriculum for the Master of Science in AI includes a variety of essential courses:
- Machine Learning Foundations and Practice
- Planning and Decision-Making for Intelligent Agents
- Deep Learning Fundamentals
In addition, students will have the opportunity to specialize in one of four focus areas:
- AI Policies, Ethics, and Society
- Advanced AI Techniques
- Scalable and Secure AI Infrastructures
- User-Inspired AI Solutions
The program aims to be comprehensive, preparing students not only on the technical aspects of AI but also on the ethical and societal implications of the technology.
Leadership and Expertise
Amarda Shehu, the university’s inaugural vice president and chief AI officer, leads the program. She is also the associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Computing and a professor in the computer science department. Shehu emphasized the importance of the program, stating that as AI continues to impact various sectors including work and governance, the degree represents a commitment to equipping students with both technical skills and ethical grounding.
Graduate Outcomes
Upon graduation, students will be equipped to manage the complete machine learning operations lifecycle. They will gain experience in integrating open-source AI frameworks and developing secure, scalable AI solutions. The program will also focus on teaching graduates how to work effectively in cross-functional teams and communicate complex AI concepts to a variety of audiences.
Regional Context
Prior to GMU launching this program, the closest master’s degree in AI was offered by Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. This new addition at GMU not only fills a gap in Virginia’s education landscape but also strengthens the region’s capacity to produce skilled AI professionals.
More Information
For those interested in learning more about this pioneering program, GMU has set up an inquiry form available online. This allows prospective students to request additional information and stay updated on the program’s developments.
As GMU embarks on this innovative offering, it addresses the growing demand for expertise in artificial intelligence, ensuring that graduates are ready to tackle challenges in an increasingly tech-driven world. The program stands as a promising opportunity for students eager to engage with AI’s practical and ethical dimensions while enhancing their career prospects in this dynamic field.
