Build AI applications that solve real problems. Duke’s unique, immersive Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation Master of Engineering (AIPI MEng) program will prepare you with strong technical AI skills complemented by hands-on practical experience. AI product innovation is one of the foundational elements of our masters in applied AI program. You’ll also take business courses and complete a capstone project to build your leadership portfolio.
The hallmark of Duke’s AIPI program is hands-on learning. From your first semester, you work with real datasets, real users and real engineering pipelines to design, build and deploy artificial intelligence systems under real-world constraints.
Instead of focusing only on theory, you’ll spend your time mastering applied AI topics, including supervised learning, deep learning, data engineering and model deployment pipelines. You’ll also learn how to pilot an AI product from concept to launch. By graduation, you’ll have a portfolio that you can present to prospective employers, setting you apart from other recent grads.
Why Duke for a Masters in Applied AI for Product Innovation?
The Duke MEng in AI for Product Innovation is one of the top applied AI/ML graduate programs in the world. We’ve created an immersive environment where you can learn artificial intelligence, machine learning and product innovation skills and prepare yourself for a future-ready career. Consider these key advantages of earning a masters in applied AI at Duke.
In Duke’s Master of Engineering in AI for Product Innovation, you don’t just learn models—you learn how to turn them into market-ready products. You’ll blend AI, full-stack software, product strategy and responsible innovation, drawing on resources across Duke Engineering, Duke Law and Fuqua. As part of the Institute for Enterprise Engineering, you’ll plug into a broader ecosystem of computing, cybersecurity, fintech and engineering management—ideal preparation to lead AI initiatives, not just contribute to them.
From your first semester, you’ll work on projects that look like real jobs, not homework. Courses are built around shipping working prototypes, deploying models and creating a portfolio that proves what you can do. A dedicated Machine Learning focus trains you to design, test, deploy and monitor AI systems at scale. You’ll learn directly from industry practitioners, complete an internship or project and tackle a semester-long capstone with an external sponsor—so by graduation, you’ve already done the work you want to be hired for.
AIPI is intentionally small and collaborative, bringing together students from computer science, engineering, data and domain backgrounds. You’ll receive close mentorship from accomplished faculty and collaborate with peers who know your goals and push your thinking.
Choose the format that fits your life—12- or 16-month on-campus or a 24-month part-time online option, with additional 4+1 and MD+MEng pathways. A pre-program online Python and data science bootcamp helps less traditional or non-CS students ramp up with confidence.
Duke AIPI graduates are landing roles—and paychecks—that reflect the demand for applied AI talent. The program reports a 100% placement rate within 6 months of graduation and a median starting salary of $118,000 for recent grads.
You’ll be prepared for some of the most sought-after roles in tech and beyond, including:
Machine Learning Engineer/Senior ML Engineer
AI Engineer
Data Scientist/Senior Data Scientist
Graduates join organizations that are shaping how AI is used in the real world—at companies like OpenAI, Target’s AI Lab, Eli Lilly, Grubhub, Samsung, IBM, DoorDash, Fidelity, Intuit and Autodesk, across industries from tech and health care to energy, finance and retail. With dedicated engineering career services, employer events and a global Duke alumni network, you’ll have structured support to move into your next AI role.
Hear From Our Students
Our graduates are the best testament to the quality and real-world applicability of Duke’s applied AI program.
I came across the Duke AI program and was blown away looking at how it’s structured and the courses that are available. It’s a perfect match with the pulse of the industry.
Mrinoy BanerjeeAI for Product Innovation MEng, 2024
I was looking at a lot of top schools when applying to graduate school, but I applied to the Master of Engineering in AI for Product Innovation at Duke because it was more of an applied AI program and very hands-on. Currently, I’m a software engineer at Yale. The project I’m working on now has machine learning components in the background that I understand because of my MEng degree.
João CardosoAI for Product Innovation MEng, 2024
FAQ for the AI for Product Innovation (AIPI) MEng
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to help you decide whether the AIPI MEng is right for you.
The AIPI program is a professional master’s degree that teaches you how to design and build applied artificial intelligence systems. Coursework and labs focus on the deployment and innovation side of AI through a combination of product development principles, machine learning methodologies and software engineering.
Duke’s masters in applied AI program consists of 30 credit hours, which you can complete on campus in just 12 to 16 months full time. As you gain valuable experience in AI and machine learning, you’ll also build a project portfolio as part of your capstone.
For busier students, Duke offers a four-semester online graduate program that you can complete in 24 months while attending part time. This is a great option for working professionals who already hold a related degree but would like to learn new machine learning and artificial intelligence skills.
Most students come from engineering, math, computer science or related technical fields. If you have strong programming experience and quantitative skills, you can thrive in the AIPI program. We also offer a pre-program online Python and data science bootcamp to help less traditional or non-CS students ramp up with confidence.
Duke’s Master of Engineering in AI for Product Innovation is built around one goal: helping you create ethical AI-powered products. From day one, you’ll work on real projects that blend machine learning, MLOps, evaluation and product design so you graduate with a portfolio that employers can see and test.
And Duke ensures you know how to build AI systems that are safe, reliable and ethical. Faculty weave topics like bias, privacy, explainability and regulation into the technical curriculum, so you’re prepared to deploy AI that people can actually trust and use.
Ready to Advance Your Career in Applied AI?
The masters in applied AI for product innovation at the Duke Pratt School of Engineering positions you to step into a career of the future. You’ll learn valuable skills in artificial intelligence applications while making industry connections that will help you take that next leap. Ready to learn more? Apply today or contact our admissions team.
The Graduate Student Programs & Services team provides a uniquely embedded support system that empowers master’s and PhD students from around the globe to thrive academically, professionally and personally.
A Duke Engineering and Duke School of Medicine collaboration led to the founding of Inquisite, a company built on the conviction that technology, especially AI, has the potential to help accelerate scientific progress for a better world.
Engineering Master’s students: Attend Career Online Drop-In Hours to connect with a Career Coach for quick questions and feedback on your application documents.
Engineering Master’s students: Attend Career Online Drop-In Hours to connect with a Career Coach for quick questions and feedback on your application documents.
Engineering Master’s students: Attend Career Online Drop-In Hours to connect with a Career Coach for quick questions and feedback on your application documents.
