Program Overview

Overview of the Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation

The Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation at Duke University is recognized as one of the top applied AI/ML graduate programs in the world. This program is designed to develop strong technical skills in AI and machine learning, coupled with a deep understanding of how to design and build AI-powered software products.

Program Details

• Program Duration: The program can be completed in 12 or 16 months on campus, or 24 months online part-time.
• Curriculum: The core curriculum was developed in collaboration with the industry and covers the theory and application of AI and machine learning, with a heavy emphasis on hands-on learning via real-world problems and projects.
• Industry-Connected Curriculum: Students have two opportunities to work directly with industry leaders during the program: through the semester-long industry project and their summer internship.
• Flexibility and Options: The program offers flexibility in terms of duration and format, with options for on-campus and online study.

Program Structure

• 12-Month Accelerated Option: This option is significantly more affordable than a traditional master’s program, with tuition paid for only two full semesters plus three summer session credits.
• 16-Month Standard Track: This option allows students to pursue the degree over three full semesters plus the summer session, with the opportunity to take additional electives and specialize.
• 4+1: BSE + Master’s Option for Duke Undergraduates: Duke undergraduate students can complete an undergraduate degree and this master’s degree in just five years, with a scholarship opportunity covering 20 percent of the costs.
• MD + MEng in AIPI Dual Degree: Medical students at Duke can complete this degree during their third year, with a scholarship opportunity covering 20 percent of the costs.

Curriculum Schedules

The core of the curriculum follows a cohort-based course sequence. The schedules for the different program options are as follows:

• On-Campus Accelerated Option: 12 Months
  • Summer: Pre-requisite Python & Data Science Math Bootcamp
  • Fall: AIPI 510: Sourcing Data for Analytics, AIPI 520: Modeling Process & Algorithms
  • Spring: MENG 540: Management of High-tech Industries, AIPI 540: Deep Learning Applications
  • Summer: AIPI 560: Legal, Societal & Ethical Implications of AI, AIPI 561: Operationalizing AI (MLOps)
• On-Campus Standard Track: 16 Months
  • Summer: Pre-requisite Python & Data Science Math Bootcamp
  • Fall 1: AIPI 510: Sourcing Data for Analytics, AIPI 520: Modeling Process & Algorithms
  • Spring: AIPI 540: Deep Learning Applications, AIPI 549: Industry Capstone Project
  • Summer: AIPI 560: Legal, Societal & Ethical Implications of AI, AIPI 561: Operationalizing AI (MLOps)
  • Fall 2: AIPI Departmental Elective, Technical Elective 2
• Part-Time Online: 24 Months
  • Pre-Program: Pre-requisite Python & Data Science Math Bootcamp
  • Year 1: AIPI 510: Sourcing Data for Analytics, AIPI 520: Modeling Process & Algorithms, AIPI 540: Deep Learning Applications
  • Year 2: AIPI Departmental Elective, AIPI 549: Industry Capstone Project, AIPI 560: Legal, Societal & Ethical Implications of AI

Degree Requirements

• Pre-Program Bootcamp: Summer Online Python & Data Science Math Boot Camp
• 10 Courses: Four technical AI/ML courses, three product development courses, and three technical electives
• 2 Industry Experiences: Industry project and summer internship or industry project
• Additional Requirements: Industry seminars, Career Strategy and Design workshop for on-campus students, and two required residencies on the Duke campus for online students

Compare Online and On-Campus

The choice of online or on-campus is up to the student, with all students taking the same courses, learning from the same faculty, and earning the same Duke degree.