Master of Science in Generative AI

Format: Online Request Info
Application Deadlines
  • Fall 2026 Priority Deadline: April 9, 2026
  • Fall 2026 Regular Deadline: May 21, 2026

Please note there is no application fee for graduate applications submitted by the Priority Deadline.

Take the lead in transforming organizations through generative AI

The Master of Science in Generative AI at the CUNY School of Professional Studies is one of the first graduate programs in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to generative artificial intelligence, scheduled for launch in the January 2026 Spring semester.

In this new applied degree program developed by leading practitioners, students will develop an understanding of the current AI solution ecosystem and learn how to apply these technologies to create organizational value.

The program is designed for the tech-savvy executive, business transformation officer, or decision-maker who seeks to develop a broader and deeper understanding of how to solve real-world problems and automate organizational processes – beyond attaining AI literacy or becoming an AI power user – while earning a graduate academic credential rather than a certificate from a technical training program. 

Program At-a-Glance

  • 100% online, flexible for working professionals
  • 30-credit hour graduate program
  • Hands-on coursework in Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Large Language Models, prompt engineering, fine-tuning, in-content learning, retrieval-augmented generation and agentic AI
  • Faculty with deep expertise in AI research and industry application
  • Includes capstone project focused on solving real-world problems using generative AI

What Is Generative AI?

Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence models that create original content—such as text, images, audio, and code—based on training data. This includes tools like Open AI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude from Anthropic, and Google Gemini, which are used to automate processes, enhance personalization, and improve organizational performance.

Career Opportunities in Generative AI

According to LinkedIn and McKinsey, jobs in AI and machine learning are growing faster than almost any other tech field. Roles for professionals with expertise in generative AI include:

  • Business Transformation Officer
  • Program Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Solution Architect
  • Business Process Engineer
  • Prompt Engineer

According to recent data, AI-related roles command up to 77% higher salaries than comparable tech positions and are growing faster than nearly any other job category.

Sample Courses

  • Introduction to Generative AI
  • Large Language Models & MoE Architectures
  • Prompt Engineering and LangChain
  • Transformers and State-Based Models
  • Vector Datasases and RAG Systems
  • Health and Social Applications of AI
  • Intelligent Agents and Responsible AI
  • Capstone in Generative AI

View full curriculum.

Admissions Criteria

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Applicants must pass a free, online test on statistics and programming skills hosted on a web site that features instructional aides to help candidates prepare
  • Candidates with strong technical and/or quantitative backgrounds (math, physics, etc.) are encouraged to apply
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
     

Bridge Tutorial

All applicants are required to take the Bridge Tutorial, a free, self-paced, online mini-course to assess applicants’ skills required to succeed in the program.  

The course is designed so that qualified/experienced applicants can quickly/easily demonstrate their competencies by answering a set of multi-choice questions. However, those applicants who don’t pass on the first try are given a second chance, receiving feedback on their responses as well as instructional aides and tutorials on the covered subject matter. Given that tutorials on the subject matter are provided, and the assessment is not timed, it’s essentially an “open book” test. 

For questions, please email datascience@sps.cuny.edu

Application Deadlines

  • Fall 2026 Priority Deadline: April 9, 2026
  • Fall 2026 Regular Deadline: May 21, 2026
Apply Now

Recent news about Master of Science in Generative AI

CUNY Opens Spring Semester With New Graduate Programs in AI and Early Childhood

January 27, 2026

CUNY News

Two new graduate programs at CUNY SPS were highlighted in CUNY News: the Master of Science in Generative AI, and the Master of Arts in Early Childhood and Policy Leadership. As mentioned in CUNY News, both programs support critical priorities for New York State and City, and both will be fully online.

FinovateEurope is Coming Up. Here Are My Top Agenda Picks

December 05, 2025

Finovate

Dr. Arthur O'Connor, academic director of the Data Science, Generative AI, and Information Science degree programs at CUNY SPS, will be on a panel titled "AI, Everything, Everywhere, All At Once: Getting Beyond The Hype – How Financial Institutions Can Use AI To Make Money Or Save Money" in February. The panel was selected as a featured 'Top Agenda Pick' from the FinovateEurope event series in this Finovate blog piece.

BMCC Team Receives Awards for ASD Project at Advanced Tech Ed. Conference in D.C.

November 18, 2025

BMCC News

CUNY SPS student Sergey Tikhonov (BS Information Science) received an Award for Excellence at the Advanced Technological Education Conference held October 29–31 in Washington, DC. Tikhonov’s project, "Autism and Emotional Intelligence: The Promise of Web-based Software Interventions," is an interactive web application that helps children with autism recognize and manage emotions through engaging games and a parent dashboard that tracks learning progress.

10 Questions with Dr. Arthur O’Connor: Everything You Need to Know About CUNY’s New Fully Online Master’s Degree in Generative AI

October 24, 2025

CUNY Online Blog

CUNY SPS Academic Director Dr. Arthur O'Connor, who heads the School's data science, generative AI, and information science degree programs, was featured in a Q&A session for the CUNY Online Blog. In the interview, Dr. O'Connor shares insights on the new online graduate degree program in generative AI, AI career pathways, and the future of the AI-driven economy.
CUNY SPS online adult student working on a project for class

CUNY SPS Announces Slate of New Online Degree and Certificate Programs in AI, Psychology, and Business

October 07, 2025

Beginning with the Fall 2025 semester, CUNY SPS will introduce several new academic programs that respond to a rapidly changing job market and offer online students the in-demand skills necessary for their careers.