AI Master's Programs Jump 167% to 310 Across 304 U.S. Colleges
Why does the surge matter? Because a handful of institutions are reshaping the academic pipeline at a speed that outpaces most workforce forecasts. While the tech chatter often focuses on graduate‑level research labs, the bulk of new curricula are appearing in classrooms that cater to undergraduates, many of them fresh out of high school.
But here's the reality: more than three hundred U.S. colleges have added AI‑focused tracks in just a few years, and the total catalog now tops five hundred programs. That expansion translates into a broader talent pool, yet it also raises questions about consistency, faculty readiness, and whether employers will recognize the varied credentials.
The numbers suggest a market response to industry demand, but the rapid growth could strain resources and dilute standards. As schools race to label themselves AI‑ready, the data points below illustrate just how fast the academic landscape is shifting.
Within 304 colleges and universities in the USA, the report identifies 503 AI and AI-related degree programs. Master's degrees in AI have leapt from 116 in 2022 to 310 in 2025 -- a 167% increase in three years. Undergraduate offerings in AI have jumped to 193 degrees, more than doubling in one year (2024 to 2025).
The surprising fact is where this growth is being generated. The South is the top regional provider of AI programs in the nation, accounting for 38.4% of all degrees, followed by the Midwest (23.9%), Northeast (22.7%), and West (15.1%). AI higher education has become a nationwide priority, stretching well beyond traditional tech corridors like Silicon Valley and NYC/Boston.
In 2025, Texas was the #1 state for AI degrees, hosting 39 programs across 21 universities, driven by a mix of R1 research activity and strong state-level funding for applied AI.
What does a 167 percent jump in AI master’s programs really mean for the talent pipeline? The 2025 AI Degree Report shows 310 master’s degrees across 304 U.S. colleges, up from 116 in 2022, and 193 undergraduate AI degrees, more than double the previous year.
Yet the report offers no data on graduate employment or industry absorption rates, leaving that link uncertain. Because AI programs now appear on almost every university website, the sheer volume—503 AI‑related degrees in total—suggests institutions are responding to perceived demand. However, without insight into enrollment numbers or curriculum depth, it’s hard to gauge whether the growth reflects substantive expertise or merely branding.
The visualizations map where schools are adding programs, but they do not explain regional labor market needs. In short, the expansion is clear; its impact on the AI workforce remains to be clarified.
Further Reading
Common Questions Answered
What is the percentage increase in AI master's programs from 2022 to 2025?
AI master's programs grew by 167% between 2022 and 2025, rising from 116 to 310 programs. This rapid expansion reflects a three‑year surge across 304 U.S. colleges.
How many total AI‑related degree programs are now offered across U.S. colleges?
The 2025 AI Degree Report identifies 503 AI and AI‑related degree programs nationwide. These include 310 master's degrees and 193 undergraduate degrees, indicating broad curriculum growth.
Which U.S. region provides the highest share of AI programs, and what is its proportion?
The South is the leading regional provider of AI programs, accounting for 38.4% of all AI degrees. This makes the Southern states the biggest contributors to the national AI education pipeline.
What trend is observed in undergraduate AI offerings between 2024 and 2025?
Undergraduate AI offerings more than doubled from 2024 to 2025, increasing to 193 degrees. This sharp rise complements the larger growth seen in master's programs and expands the talent pipeline at the bachelor's level.