November 3, 2026 | Artificial Intelligence,
News,
Natural Sciences and MathematicsBy Nicki Gorny
The University of Toledo is preparing graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy with a new online master’s degree in data science and AI.
As industries as varied as finance, engineering and healthcare adapt to new technologies that present transformational opportunities, the new degree program is designed to support both working professionals looking to advance in their careers and recent graduates looking to enter the workforce with a resume that stands out. Each student will develop the skills employers are seeking to drive decisions and advance innovation.
The online master’s degree program in data science and AI is expected to enroll its first cohort in spring 2027.
“Data science and AI are priority areas for workforce development,” said Dr. Bill Kalies, a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and director of UToledo’s School of Interdisciplinary Data Science. “The new graduate program aligns with industry trends so that graduates will be equipped to meet current workforce needs and adapt to the evolution of AI and big data technologies.”
The online master’s degree program in data science and AI is the latest to be introduced under UToledo’s School of Interdisciplinary Data Science, which the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics launched last year as a hub for data science programs and activity across the University.
These include an existing Bachelor of Science in Data Science.
The new degree program is distinct in scope for its emphasis on the integration of artificial intelligence tools into data science tasks. Students will develop their abilities to glean useful insights from vast troves of information through a curriculum grounded in the foundations of data science, machine learning and AI, all the while being challenged to utilize cloud computing platforms and generative AI tools throughout their coursework.
“UToledo is constantly evaluating its programs to ensure that they meet the needs of students and employers,” said Dr. Mitchell S. McKinney, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at UToledo. “As artificial intelligence and related technologies transform the way we work across countless industries, UToledo is well positioned to meet an increasing demand for data scientists while supporting our students to be leaders in their fields through our School of Interdisciplinary Data Science.”
In addition to machine learning and AI, the new degree program curriculum encompasses courses in cloud computing and other big data systems; mathematical and statistical foundations of data science; analysis and visual presentation of data; and programming languages that are used to navigate databases and related systems including Python, SQL and R. Courses also explore the ethical and responsible use of AI.
The program culminates in a capstone project addressing a real-world data problem.
Alongside their degree, students will have opportunities to engage with resources and pursue certifications through the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy. UToledo is the only AWS Academy member institution in Northwest Ohio and one of only four four-year public universities in Ohio.
Graduates of the program are well positioned for a variety of roles that utilize advanced analytics, machine learning and AI to drive better decisions, inform strategy and advance innovation. These include data scientists, machine learning engineers, AI engineers and data analysts.
These roles are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that data scientist employment in industries ranging from astronomy to zoology is expected to increase by more than a third between 2024 and 2034.
The bureau also calculates that data scientists earned a median salary of $112,000 in 2024.
“Employers are creating exciting new roles related to data science, and often they want employees with advanced degrees to fill them,” said Dr. Nikolas Podraza, interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. “The online master’s degree program in data science and AI is focused on the skills that will position our students for career advancement in current and emerging roles in a rapidly evolving economy.”
The new program also expands a roster of more than 50 online degree and certificate programs at UToledo. Asynchronous courses bring the same resources and faculty that are available on campus to a wider variety of students, supporting them to achieve their educational goals while navigating career and family obligations.
The online master’s degree program in data science and AI recently received state approval and is expected to enroll its first cohort in spring 2027.
The University of Toledo is a headlining sponsor and co-host of Great Lakes AI Week, which will bring togetherbusiness, technology and community leaders from across the region to explore the practical, real-world applications of AI from Tuesday, Nov. 10, to Thursday, Nov. 12. For tickets or more information, go to theevent website.
