Engineering Science (AI and Data Innovation) MS
The Engineering Science MS with a focus on AI and Data Innovation bridges the power of artificial intelligence and data science to prepare the next generation of engineers, innovators and problem solvers.
Students will get a balanced foundation across statistical learning, machine learning, data analytics, and applied AI to equip them with the skills to design, develop, and apply intelligent systems that transform data into actionable insights.
The curriculum blends engineering principles with computational techniques, preparing graduates to address complex challenges across industries such as health care, finance, energy, and technology. Students will gain expertise in machine learning, data analytics, natural language processing, computer vision, and AI-driving decision systems, while building a strong foundation in engineering problem-solving.
Graduates of the Engineering Science MS (AI and Data Innovation) will be prepared to:
- Develop strong computational and analytical foundations in statistics, probability, and data-driven modeling.
- Master cutting-edge AI methods in machine learning for real-world application.
- Engineer scalable systems to handle complex, high-volume data using data-intensive computing.
- Apply data science methods to solve interdisciplinary engineering problems.
- Engage in real-world, experiential learning that connects classroom knowledge to professional practice through a capstone project, which can be an internship in industry or applied campus research.
Program Directors
Mingchen Gao
317 Davis Hall
mgao8@buffalo.edu
Johannes Hachmann
612 Furnas Hall
engsci@buffalo.edu
Why Combine AI and Data Science?
Industry reports show that roles requiring both AI and data science expertise are growing faster than any other engineering discipline.
- The U.S. BLS projects a 34% employment growth for data scientists from 2024-2034; Computer and information research scientists (for AI-adjacent R&D roles) projects a 20% increase in the same timeframe.
- The World Economic Forum Future Jobs of 2023 identifies AI and ML specialists and data analysts/scientists among the fastest growing roles through 2027.
- Lightcast labor-market analyses show rapid growth in posts requiring AI skills.
Students who complete their degree with a focus in AI and Data Innovation will be positioned to lead in emerging fields such as:
- AI Systems Engineering
- Data Science and Analytics
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Computer Vision and Intelligence Automation
This program is STEM approved, allowing international students the opportunity to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
To apply, it is recommended that students hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences or a related field. Students should have a solid mathematical and programming background as indicated by formal coursework and/or a comprehensive online (MOOC) study.
Undergraduate Grade Point Average:
Equivalent of a B average or better in a recognized undergraduate program.
Math:
Calculus, Multivariate Calculus, Linear Algebra (e.g., UB course MTH 309), Statistics, Basic Statistics and Probability
Computer Science:
Programming (at least one language – C/C++/Python/Java), Data Structures (e.g., UB Course CSE 113)
Application Materials:
Students can apply online. New applicants must create an account. If you have applied in the past, you will be asked to log in to your existing account to start a new application.
The application includes sections that will ask you to provide us with personal/biographical information, contact information, citizenship details, your past or current college/university, and degree details. You will be able to enter the names and contact information of your recommenders and upload supporting materials to your application. You may upload supporting documents while completing the application form or after you have submitted your application in your Application Status Portal.
You do not need official transcripts or test scores to apply. Unofficial copies are sufficient for application review, but students are encouraged to provide official copies if they have them.
A non-refundable fee of $100 is required to apply for Spring 2025 or later terms. The application fee for Fall 2024 is $85. After you submit your application form, you can pay the application fee online in your Application Status Portal with a credit card or e-check.
Copies of transcript(s) for all post-secondary schoolwork must be uploaded with your application for initial review. Upon an offer of admission, accepted applicants will be required to submit official transcripts and proof of degree(s).
Please upload a brief personal statement describing your educational objectives, your academic experience, and why you're interested in the program. There is no required length or word limit for the statement.
Letters of recommendation are not required to apply to this program, but are recommended. Letters are automatically requested when you enter recommenders' names and email addresses in your application. While we will accept letters from professional sources, we strongly prefer letters from professors acquainted with your academic interests, achievements, and abilities.
GRE scores are optional but recommended for this program. If you would like to take the GRE, you can arrange to take it through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Official scores should come directly from ETS.
Note: the University at Buffalo Institutional Code is 2925.
Upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to your application. Your resume or CV should include details about your education, employment, and internship history. Pertinent research experience should be included as well.
International applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency. The chart below outlines acceptable test types and the university's minimum score required for admission. All applicants whose native language is not English will be required to provide proof of English proficiency.
Copies may be submitted for initial review. Official scores must be sent directly to UB from the testing agency.
| Test Type | University Minimum Score | To Order... |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores) TOEFL Home Edition | 79 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| TOEFL Essentials | 8.5 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| TOEFL ITP Plus | 550 | Use Institution Code 2925 |
| IELTS and IELTS Indicator | 6.5 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| 55 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) | 185 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | 185 | Select "University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY)" |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 120 | ADA Department of Testing will report your official scores to central application services |
Exam results must be dated within two years from your proposed date of admission and remain valid upon entering the term for which you applied.
It is strongly recommended to make test arrangements early in the year so sufficient time can be allowed for the results to be reported before application deadlines.
Exemptions to English Language Proficiency requirements can be found on The Graduate School website.
Please upload a brief personal statement describing your educational objectives, your academic experience, and why you're interested in the program. There is no required length or word limit for the statement.
Application Deadlines
We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, but encourage all prospective students to submit their applications by the deadlines noted below.
Spring enrollment:
Apply by October 1
Fall enrollment:
Apply by February 15
Please do not mail application materials. All items should be submitted electronically with your online application. Please log in to your Application Status Portal frequently to ensure that all of their supporting documents have been received.
This 30-credit hour program offers both fall and spring intake. UB will accept its inaugural cohort for Spring 2026 and expects to graduate this group in June 2027.
Students will take a combination of core classes (18 credits), electives (9 credits) and a capstone experience (3 credits) for a total of 30 credits to earn the degree.
Students have the opportunity to complete an internship in industry or an applied research project with faculty for their final capstone experience. Alternatively, students can take an additional elective to increase their technical skills while enrolled in EAS 559 Engineering Capstone in their final semester to meet their final capstone requirement.
Practicum Track
Complete a full-time internship for academic credit to fulfill your culminating experience. The track is available to students enrolling at UB in Spring 2026 or later.
Core Courses (18 credits)
A mix of foundational topics drawn equally from AI and data science:
- EAS 501 – Numerical Math for Computing and Data Science (3 cr)
- EAS 508 – Statistical Learning and Data Mining I (3 cr)
- EAS 502 – Probability Theory (3 cr)
- EAS 574 – Intro to Machine Learning (3 cr)
- EAS 510 - Basics of AI (3 cr)
- EAS 587 – Data Intensive Computing (3 cr)
Electives (9 credits)
Allowing students to deepen expertise in data analytics or AI applications:
- CSE 555 – Pattern Recognition (3 cr)
- CSE 601 – Data Mining and Bioinformatics (3 cr)
- CSE 674 – Advanced Machine Learning (3 cr)
- CSE 676 – Deep Learning (3 cr)
- CSE 573 – Computer Vision and Image Processing (3 cr)
- CSE 635 – Natural Language Processing and Text Mining (3 cr)
- CSE 567 – Computational Linguistics (3 cr)
- EAS 509 - Statistical Learning for Data Mining 2 (3 cr)
- CDA 500 - Special Topics (1-3 cr)
Culminating Experience
- EAS 560/563: Internship or Project (3 cr)
- CDA 500: Experiential Projects (3 cr)
Or
- 4th elective and EAS 559 capstone (0-CR)
Questions?
For degree-specific related questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator at engsci@buffalo.edu.
For admissions-related questions, plesae contact easgrad-enroll@buffalo.edu.