Program Overview

MS in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Analytics

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Analytics prepares students for growing needs in industry for expertise in business analytics, data science, data engineering, data analyst, AI/ML engineer, BI developer, and information technology across a wide range of sectors including technology, banking, healthcare, consulting, energy, retail, entertainment, telecom, and many others. This is a STEM-designated program, which permits international students to obtain three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States.

About the Program

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics prepares students for high-demand roles in data science, analytics, and information technology across industries including tech, finance, healthcare, consulting, and more. Graduates land roles at top companies with starting salaries typically ranging from $100K–$125K, and higher on the West Coast.

Our industry-driven curriculum blends cutting-edge tech and business skills, including:

• AI and machine/deep learning
• Business analytics
• SQL & NoSQL databases
• Cloud computing & big data
• Agile methods, coding, networks, and cybersecurity

Courses are taught by a world-class faculty with PhDs from top universities. A dedicated industry advisory board ensures our program remains relevant and rigorous.

Students benefit from real-world experiences through:

• Internships and independent study options
• Practice center projects (mentored internships)
• Roles as teaching or research assistants

To boost career readiness, we also offer free bootcamps, certifications, resume and interview workshops, LinkedIn support, and career fairs.

Admissions

Admission to the MS-AIBA program is highly competitive, with only 250 students admitted annually from thousands of applicants. We accept students for both Fall and Spring, with rolling admissions that close once capacity is reached.

Applications are evaluated based on a comprehensive portfolio. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed until complete.

The admission decision usually takes 1.5 to 2 months, and visas for international students may take an additional 3 to 4 months. Our admission decisions are first come, first served, and will close whenever we reach our intake capacity for the academic year.

Faculty

The faculty includes:

• Manish Agrawal • Professor • Tampa
• Don Berndt • Associate Professor • Tampa
• Anol Bhattacherjee • Professor • Tampa
• Kaushik Dutta • Information Systems Director and Professor
• Grandon Gill • Professor and Academic Director, DBA program
• Alan R. Hevner • Distinguished University Professor and AAAS Fellow
• Wolfgang S. Jank • Anderson Professor and advisor, Center for Analytics and Creativity
• Joni L. Jones • Associate Professor • Academic Director, MS in BAIS program • Faculty Liaison, Florida Center for Cybersecurity and Academic Director • Tampa
• Sunil Mithas • Professor and World Class Scholar • Tampa
• Matthew Mullarkey • Associate Professor of Instruction and Director, DBA program
• Ronald K. Satterfield • Professor of Instruction • Academic Director, Weekend Executive MS program• Instructor • Member, Board of Directors, USF Federal Credit Union • Tampa
• Shivendu Shivendu • Associate Professor • Tampa
• Tim Smith • Professor of Instruction • St. Petersburg
• Tom Stablein • Assistant Professor of Instruction • Director, Weekend Executive MS program
• Dezhi Yin • Assistant Professor • Tampa
• Daniel Zantedeschi • Assistant Professor • Tampa
• He Zhang • Assistant Professor • Tampa
• Barbara Warner • Senior Instructor • Advisor, MS in BAIS program

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of graduate (teaching) assistantships are available starting in a student’s second semester at USF. These positions offer in-state tuition rates, health insurance, and a monthly stipend, and require up to 20 hours/week of work assisting with classes. Selection is highly competitive and based on academic performance, relevant skills, and work ethic.

Students may also apply for on-campus jobs in other departments through USF’s internal Handshake portal. These roles require specific technical skills and are only open to enrolled students.

In addition, students can pursue paid full-time or part-time internships through the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for a maximum of 12 months after completing two full semesters. CPT internships often lead to full-time roles. Students also retain their 18-month OPT eligibility after graduation.

Global Executive Program

The Global Executive Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics program is designed for full-time, working professionals worldwide. This is a fully online program with 100% live instruction that combines information systems and business analytics courses.

International Partnerships

The School of Information Systems has a number of international partnerships. Depending on the nature of the partnerships, students who have completed certain programs, or courses at the partner institution, will receive credit for courses in the MS Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics program.

Current Partnerships

• SP Jain Institute of Management & Research - Mumbai, India