Master's in Artificial Intelligence Programs in North Carolina

Inc. magazine claims that Raleigh is the “Tech Industry’s Best Kept Secret”—and that in a state already ranked 7th in the country for tech employment (with women accounting for 35% of those workers).

Duke University offers most of the state’s master’s and PhD programs, with North Carolina A&T State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill rounding out the state’s other artificial intelligence and machine learning programs. If you’re interested in studying AI, then the beautiful State of North Carolina may have the right option for you!

The Promising Artificial Intelligence Landscape in North Carolina

The AI landscape in North Carolina is booming. With special incentives and programs, North Carolina has emerged as a significant hub for AI and machine learning innovation. For example, the North Carolina Department of Commerce has launched several initiatives— including tax incentives, grants, and workforce training—to attract and retain AI talent and companies.

In 2021, Apple brought its headquarters to the Tar Heel State after being offered over $800 million in tax incentives. Although controversial, this shows a willingness on the part of the state to fork over serious cash to lead tech innovation.

FujiFilm Diosynth Biotechnologies recently broke ground on a $2 billion cell culture facility to engineer the future of medicine. To do this, they’ve partnered with North Carolina State University to facilitate research and sustainability processes. The partnership makes possible the use of AI and machine learning for advancements in biotech.

North Carolina is also home to the NSF AI Institute for Engaged Learning, part of a $20 million federal initiative to facilitate STEM teaching and learning. The institute conducts education research to develop narrative-centered learning environments that use machine learning, computer vision, conversational agents, and immersive storytelling.

Like other states, North Carolina offers grants and tax incentives for innovative tech companies. Data center tax exceptions, for instance, are given for purchasing data centers, software, and even the electricity used to run them.

North Carolina continues to invest in developing the workforce, especially in the technology sector. Not only is the state experiencing unprecedented growth, they consistently value inclusion. North Carolina is #2 in the nation for female representation in technology, consisting of 35.3% of the workforce.

Artificial Intelligence Education in North Carolina

North Carolina is at the cutting edge of AI research and education. Here are some fantastic things its universities offer.

AI Research at NC Universities

Duke University received $12 million to develop artificial intelligence tools for detecting autism during infancy, helping “reduce known disparities in access to early diagnosis and intervention.” AI will use video footage to detect behavioral markers that may serve as early indicators. The findings will be used to help providers more effectively screen and diagnose autism.

The University of North Carolina developed a deep learning model that accurately assesses gestational age using an ultrasound device, which can help expand obstetrical ultrasound access to low-income areas.

UNC School of Law is researching the nature of the “black box” effect on automated hiring methodologies. By creating an “auditing imperative,” which advocates that organizations should be able to justify the design and integration of machine learning models, they hope to eliminate hiring disparities and employment discrimination.

AI Graduate Programs

NC State University offers a great Master’s Track in Data Science, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of data analytics and acquire the ability to extract meaning from data. This program offers courses in advanced algorithms, machine learning, and statistical and computational molecular biology.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is America’s largest historically black college and home to the respected MS in Data Science and Engineering. Here you’ll have access to state-of-the-art labs and supercomputers to research bioinformatics, machine learning, intelligent transformation, and AR.

Duke has unique graduate programs in addition to flexible certificate programs. One graduate program, in particular, is the Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation Master of Engineering. This curriculum combines technical skills, business acumen, and product development to teach students how to pioneer innovative software products.

You can also pursue a Master of Science at Duke and choose from a handful of great concentrations like “Autonomous, Intelligent Systems, and Machines,” or “Multi-scale, Advanced, and Bio-inspired Materials.” At Duke, you can even design your own educational pathway.