Master’s in Applied AI Application Requirements

The program admits full-time students for entrance in the autumn quarter annually. The application portal* for 2027 entrance will open in September.

Only completed applications are sent for committee review.

*The application portal may close early if the cohort is filled.

Next Application Deadlines:

• Autumn 2027
  • November 9, 2026 – First Priority Application Deadline
  • December 7, 2026 – Second Priority Application Deadline
  • January 26, 2027 – Final Application Deadline

Letters of Recommendation

The MS in Applied AI program requires two letters of recommendation. One letter should come from a professional reference, such as a current or former supervisor, manager, or internship supervisor, who can speak to your skills and experience in a professional setting. The second should come from an academic instructor who can speak to your academic preparation and ability to succeed in a rigorous technical graduate program.

Choose recommenders who know your work well and can provide specific examples of your skills, contributions, and accomplishments.

Letters from family members, friends, or peers are not accepted.

Candidate Statement

The candidate statement is a key part of your application. The admissions committee pays careful attention to how you understand and present your aims and qualifications. The application will include a prompt with detailed instructions on the information the program is looking for in your candidate statement.

Best practices to keep in mind as you write:

• Do not restate your resume.
• Your statement should not exceed 700 words.

Resume/CV

The Master’s in Applied AI admissions committee will review your resume. We encourage you to take the time to carefully update the resume you submit to us.

Important to Include:

• Work experience, including internships and part-time positions in the analytics/data science space
• Major accomplishments and awards
• Educational background, including areas of study
• Professional conferences attended

Publications (Optional)
Applicants may include relevant publications as part of their application. If applicable, include publications that help demonstrate your technical, academic, or research experience.

The application includes two short video prompts that give you an opportunity to introduce yourself and share additional context about your interests, experiences, and fit for the MS in Applied AI program.

A response to both video prompts is required. Each response should be approximately 90 seconds in length.

International Students

• The full-time, in-person program is visa-eligible.

English Language Requirement

Applicants to the Master’s in Applied AI program who do not meet the English Language Proficiency criteria must submit proof of English language proficiency.

Minimum scores for the Master’s in Applied AI program: TOEFL: 102 (prior requirement) or 5 (current requirement; no subscore requirement); IELTS, 7 (no subscore requirement).

Please review our waiver policy here.

Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended

When applying to the program, only your unofficial transcripts are required. If you are admitted into the program, then official transcripts must be sent to the following (note a bachelor’s degree is required to apply to the program):

Please have your institution send your e-transcripts directly to:

appliedai-admissions@uchicago.edu.

If your institution cannot send your documents electronically, please have them send your transcripts to the following mailing address.

Please note, if documents are being mailed, we must receive them in their original, school-sealed envelope. If your documents are not received in a school-sealed envelope, they will be considered unofficial. Additionally, if your transcript does not list degree conferral information (degree earned and date of conferral), we will also need to receive an attested copy of your degree certificate.

Application Fee

There is a $90 non-refundable application fee. For questions regarding an application fee waiver, please refer to the Physical Sciences Division fee waiver policy.

Jose Alvarado –  Applied AI
Associate Director of Enrollment Management

Jose Alvarado supports prospective students throughout the admissions process for the In-Person Master of Science in Applied AI program.

Learn more about Jose

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