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

Why earn your Master of Science degree in Generative AI online at CUNY SPS?

The MS in Generative AI at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) prepares professionals to understand, evaluate, and apply rapidly evolving artificial intelligence technologies to real-world organizational challenges.

As the first master’s program of its kind offered at CUNY and one of the first graduate programs in the U.S. dedicated specifically to generative AI, this applied degree goes beyond basic AI literacy. Students develop a deeper understanding of how generative AI systems work and how technologies such as large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, intelligent agents, and machine learning can be used to automate processes, solve problems, and create organizational value.

About This Program

• Format: Online and asynchronous
• Credits: 30 total
• Time to Completion: Varies depending on course load
• Start Terms: Fall or Spring
• Tuition: Part-time students – NYS residents: $470 per credit
• Capstone: Applied project focused on solving real-world problems using generative AI

Why This Program

• Go beyond using AI tools to understand how generative AI technologies work and how they can be integrated into organizational processes
• Explore machine learning, neural networks, large language models, prompt engineering, fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation, and agentic AI
• Develop practical strategies for applying AI to real-world business and organizational challenges
• Learn how to identify opportunities for automation, process improvement, and organizational transformation
• Explore the responsible and ethical use of rapidly evolving AI technologies
• Complete a hands-on capstone project focused on solving a real-world problem using generative AI
• Learn from faculty with expertise in both AI research and industry application
• Fully online format provides flexibility for working professionals and organizational leaders

Who Is This Program For?

The MS in Generative AI is designed for tech-savvy professionals, executives, business transformation leaders, product and program managers, and organizational decision-makers who want to develop a deeper understanding of generative AI and its potential applications.

The program is a strong fit for professionals who want to move beyond basic AI literacy or the use of individual AI tools and learn how to evaluate technologies, redesign workflows, automate organizational processes, and lead AI-enabled transformation.

Skills You’ll Gain

Students will develop skills and knowledge in areas including:

• Understand the current generative AI technology ecosystem
• Explain how large language models and other generative AI systems function
• Apply machine learning and neural network concepts
• Understand how data is tokenized and how embeddings represent knowledge and meaning
• Develop effective prompt-engineering strategies
• Explore model fine-tuning and advanced methods for adapting AI systems
• Build and evaluate retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems
• Understand vector databases and their role in generative AI applications
• Develop and work with intelligent and agentic AI systems
• Identify opportunities to automate organizational workflows and processes
• Evaluate AI solutions for practical organizational use
• Apply responsible AI principles to the development and deployment of AI solutions

Sample Career Outcomes

Graduates may apply their generative AI expertise in roles such as:

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

Because the program focuses on applying generative AI across organizational settings, the skills developed may also complement leadership, technology, operations, product, strategy, and innovation roles across a wide range of industries.

Program FAQ and Admissions Information

What are the admission requirements for the MS in Generative AI?

Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Complete the required Bridge Tutorial, a free online assessment of mathematics and statistics skills

Candidates with strong technical and/or quantitative backgrounds, including mathematics and physics, are encouraged to apply.

What is the Generative AI Bridge Tutorial?

All applicants are required to complete a free, self-paced online Bridge Tutorial designed to assess the foundational skills needed to succeed in the program.

Applicants with strong existing skills may be able to demonstrate their competencies quickly. Those who do not pass on the first attempt receive feedback and access to instructional materials before receiving another opportunity to complete the assessment.

The assessment is untimed and is designed not only to evaluate readiness, but also to help applicants strengthen areas where additional preparation may be needed.

Do I need a technical or quantitative background?

Applicants with strong technical and quantitative backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The curriculum includes advanced topics in artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, large language models, and related technologies, so students should be prepared for graduate-level technical study.

The required Bridge Tutorial helps assess whether applicants have the foundational mathematics and statistics skills needed to succeed in the program.

Is this program intended for software engineers or AI researchers?

Not exclusively. The program was designed particularly for the tech-savvy executive, business transformation professional, or organizational decision-maker who wants to understand AI at a deeper level and apply it strategically.

While students engage with the technical foundations of generative AI, the program emphasizes using those technologies to solve real-world problems, improve workflows, automate processes, and create organizational value.

What topics will I study?

Students explore topics including:

• Machine Learning
• Neural Networks
• Large Language Models
• Mixture-of-Experts architectures
• Prompt Engineering
• Fine-Tuning
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation
• Vector Databases
• Intelligent and Agentic AI
• Responsible AI
• Health and Social Applications of AI
• Applied Generative AI

The curriculum culminates in a capstone focused on applying generative AI to a real-world challenge.

What are some of the courses in the program?

Current course offerings include:

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

Will I complete hands-on projects?

Yes. The MS in Generative AI is an applied program focused on using AI technologies to address practical organizational challenges. Coursework provides opportunities to work with contemporary generative AI concepts and technologies, and the program culminates in an applied capstone project.

What is the capstone experience?

The program includes a capstone focused on solving a real-world problem using generative AI. Students have the opportunity to integrate concepts developed throughout the program and apply them to a practical challenge.

How is this degree different from an AI certificate or short-term training program?

The MS in Generative AI is a 30-credit graduate academic degree, rather than a short-term technical training or professional certificate.

The program is designed to move beyond learning how to use individual AI products. Students develop a broader understanding of the technologies underlying generative AI and examine how these technologies can be evaluated and applied to organizational problems, processes, and strategy.

What are the MS in Generative AI application deadlines and how do I apply?

Spring 2027 Priority Deadline: November 5, 2026
Spring 2027 Regular Deadline: December 3, 2026

Applications submitted by the Priority Deadline do not require the $75 graduate application fee.

Apply Now

General FAQ

Is the MS in Generative AI fully online?

Yes. The program is delivered 100 percent online.

Are courses asynchronous and what does that mean?

Yes. The program's flexible online format does not require students to attend live Zoom sessions, log in at a particular time, or attend class at a set time. Students complete their work according to course schedules and deadlines.

Is this program designed for working professionals?

Yes. The MS in Generative AI was specifically developed for professionals and organizational leaders who want to build advanced AI knowledge while continuing their careers. Its fully online format makes it possible to balance graduate study with professional and personal responsibilities.

How do I request information about the program or contact admissions?

You can request program information through the Request Info form or contact CUNY SPS Admissions:

Text: (646) 517-7876
Email: admissions@sps.cuny.edu
Phone: (646) 664-8544

For program-specific questions, students can contact AnneMarie Machado at AnneMarie.Machado@cuny.edu.

When can I start?

Applications are accepted for either a Fall or Spring semester start.

How long does it take to earn the MS in Generative AI?

The degree requires 30 credits.

Is the MS in Generative AI fully online?

Yes. The program is delivered 100 percent online.

Is financial aid available?

Graduate financial aid options may be available to eligible students. Learn more about financial aid.

Are there scholarships that I can apply for?

CUNY SPS students may be eligible for School-based, CUNY-wide, external, and veteran scholarship opportunities. Learn more about scholarships.

What support services are available for students?

Students have access to academic advising, career services, professional development resources, counseling, disability services, veteran services, writing and tutoring support, library resources, and other CUNY SPS student services.

How do I learn more about student life?

Students can explore CUNY SPS student life, clubs and organizations, events, and opportunities to connect with the School community.

Is CUNY SPS accredited?

Yes. CUNY SPS is part of the accredited City University of New York system.