At Tufts University’s School of Engineering, innovation is about creating a world that works better for everyone. This is where bold ideas take flight, where technology is used productively, and where students and faculty work together to tackle society’s toughest challenges.
This emphasis is strong across the school’s broad lineup of degree programmes. At the graduate level alone, it offers Master of Science (MS) degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biophotonics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Public Policy, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering Policy and Planning, Engineering Management, Human Factors Engineering, Human-Robot Interaction, Innovation and Management, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Offshore Wind Energy Engineering, Software Systems Development, and Technology Management and Leadership.
Each specialised pathway features expert faculty who regularly update their courses to prepare students for current and emerging developments in industry. The School of Engineering takes career preparation even further by evolving its offerings to stay at the forefront of powerful technologies. Nowhere is this commitment more evident than in its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI).This focus needs no explanation — AI is revolutionising industries and redefining human potential. But as it becomes increasingly intertwined with our daily lives, its success hinges on one critical question: Can AI adapt to the unpredictable, diverse, and dynamic nature of the real world?
The School of Engineering understands the stakes — and the opportunities. Through groundbreaking research and interdisciplinary collaboration, this “engine for good” is ensuring AI evolves as a force for good.
“We want our students to be leaders who shape the future of artificial intelligence,” says Karen Panetta, Dean of Graduate Education in the School of Engineering and a distinguished professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “Tufts University already has the resources and expertise to provide a robust learning environment in AI, and we look forward to welcoming our first cohort of [MS in Artificial Intelligence] students in Fall 2025.”
Leading the charge in ethical AI
The new draws from the university’s long history of exploring the ethical side of AI through its research centres, like the Human-Robot Interaction Lab and the Tufts CS Machine Learning Research Group. The programme was designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to design and deploy AI technologies that prioritise responsible innovation.
It offers two specialised tracks: one from the Department of Computer Science (CS) and the other from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). The CS track focuses on machine learning and AI and how they affect society. Meanwhile, the ECE track covers both fundamental and systems concepts in AI. Dual degree options enable you to earn an MS in Artificial Intelligence alongside degrees in Innovation and Management, Engineering Management, or Technology Management and Leadership.
Regardless of how you customise the programme, you’ll be based in Greater Boston, surrounded by high-tech hubs. This makes Tufts the perfect destination for those in need of an experiential education. The Graduate Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Programme makes hands-on learning possible, pairing students with established organisations to give them a better idea of what real-world engineering projects entail.
AI research with heart
Interested in research? Tufts University is all about discovery. The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education ranks it among institutions with the “Highest Research Activity.” It is also a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a select consortium of America’s leading research universities noted for their accomplishments in education, research, and innovation.
Here, you can join a research team and start building a portfolio. The university provides extensive resources for you to satisfy your curiosity alongside renowned industry experts.
As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science, Elaine Schaertl Short is a key mentor. Through her work, she is developing AI-powered assistive robotics that treat users as equal partners. Her research specifically prioritises underserved populations, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities, ensuring that technology is both inclusive and empowering.
“If engineers aren’t aware that the decisions they’re making are driven by their perspective, background, values, and experiences, then they end up thinking that the decision that they made was somehow objectively perfect, when in fact they are actually baking this particular perspective into what they’re doing,” she shares.
Indeed, AI research at Tufts University goes beyond developing smarter systems. For instance, a recent collaboration with the University of Texas at Dallas introduced a cognitive architecture framework that enables AI to thrive in unpredictable, “open-world” environments, advancing AI’s adaptability. Researchers are also addressing AI’s conversational shortcomings, working to make AI more effective and natural in dialogue.
Meanwhile, startup SeaDeep uses AI technology developed at Tufts to revolutionise underwater exploration, offering real-time insights into marine environments and contributing to global conservation efforts.
Interested in getting involved? Apply for the MS in Artificial Intelligence for Fall 2025.
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