In 2025, Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, launched the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI), a programme that trains professionals in one of today’s most in-demand fields. For Andre Verdu Ramirez, who started pursuing the degree in spring, this presented him with the opportunity not just to develop the skills to use AI effectively, but also to aid in its responsible development.
“My degree from Lewis University is an important investment in my future because AI is becoming an essential part of every industry,” he says. “I have found that the ethical and business-focused curriculum here is just as important as the technical training.”
No one can deny the way AI has drastically changed both the way companies operate and how people live. PwC projects that AI has the potential to increase global economic output by 15% over the next decade, and even then, 100% of industries are already scaling up their AI usage, including those like mining and agriculture.
The rise of AI brings about a glaring problem, as Ramirez points out: the need for ethical development. AI usage can be harmful when it perpetuates biases, whether in terms of gender or race, depending on the data or algorithm. Data security and user privacy are consistent challenges. On the user end, more people are turning to AI chatbots for therapy, which psychotherapists have vehemently warned us against.
As one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, AI skills are highly valued by employers — exactly what the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence prepares you for. Source: Lewis University
At Lewis University, these are the challenges the MSAI is designed to answer.
Since its founding in 1932, Lewis University has cemented itself as forward-thinking. Every programme is interaction-focused, globally-engaged, and industry-aligned. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are guaranteed outcomes of its education.
By living and learning in its award-winning arboretum campus, you will experience a diverse community that is always bustling with activities as well as clubs and organisations. It’s a top-tier Midwestern university that has prepared over 40,000 alumni for successful careers.
“I know that I will be able to use the skills I learn at Lewis University in a wide variety of industries, anywhere around the world,” says Ramirez. That isn’t an exaggeration. With 71% of employers preferring AI skills, according to Forbes, the MSAI will develop your proficiency in designing AI-based systems and leading AI-driven projects. It’s practical, research-based, and holistic, providing you with a strong foundation in the theory of machine learning, the application of AI in computing systems, and its ethical impacts.
Flexibility is no question. Since many master’s students tend to be working professionals, the MSAI has a hybrid delivery model. Courses are available online synchronously or asynchronously so that you can keep to your commitments. Even courses with a hands-on, on-campus component can be completed at your own pace.
“When I was looking at graduate programmes, I knew I wanted to learn how to actively build with it and apply it to real-world problems,” says Chadani Dhakani, who also began the MSAI programme in spring. “My courses at Lewis University have given me the foundation and hands-on experience to do exactly that.”
The main campus is located in Romeoville, Illinois, about 35 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. Source: Lewis University
The curriculum requires a minimum of 34 completed credit hours, six of which are dedicated to two foundation courses: “Programming Fundamentals” and “Mathematics for Data Scientists.” Twenty-five credit hours are to fulfil your core courses, while three are allocated to an elective of your choice — the selections are wide-ranging, from “Data Mining and Analytics” to “Natural Language Processing.” Whichever you choose, you’ll encounter real-world examples and skill-building practices.
All of this culminates in the practical capstone experience, which makes up the final three credit hours of the programme. You’ll apply theory to practice, using all you’ve learned to solve a real AI-related problem, producing a research paper and presentation.
To prepare for your future career, there are many opportunities beyond the classroom which you can seize. Lewis University’s Career Services will always be there to help you in your search for internships to expand your skill set, whether that involves resume writing, preparing for interviews, building your elevator pitch, or other areas of support.
With Lewis University’s extensive industry connections, more than 300 employers recruit its graduates annually — providing seemingly countless opportunities to network.
“I am now starting an exciting internship at a Chicago-based logistics company,” says Dhakani. “I am working with the data science team to deploy a machine learning model that optimises multiple supply chains they manage.”
