2026-2027 Graduate Catalog
College of Engineering
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Programs of Study
Master’s
Certificate
P. David Elrod, II, Dean
Richard E. Pearce, Associate Dean, College of Engineering
Steve Nordstrom, Associate Dean, School of Computing, Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering
Ken Mayer, Jr., Assistant Professor of Computing and Information Technology
College Overview
Engineers are problem solvers. Within the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering students will learn to apply their skills in science and mathematics in combination with creativity to invent, design, build, test, operate, and maintain engineering systems that meet the needs of society. In the latter half of the 20th century, engineers developed the personal computer, the space shuttle, artificial hearts, cellular phones, and many other “high-tech” products that have improved the quality of life. The opportunities to use technology for the benefit of 21st century society will be even greater.
The Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering provides students with an excellent opportunity to prepare for an exciting engineering career in an educational environment that encourages Christian character and spiritual growth. In creating this opportunity for students, Ray and Libby Jones have built upon the original goals of Lipscomb University that “such other branches of learning may be added as will promote usefulness and good citizenship among men.” In keeping with that goal, graduates of the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering will be challenged to use their engineering education for the betterment of society, their profession, and their faith community.
The Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering consists of the following academic departments: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and in our School of Computing, the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering and the Department of Cybersecurity and Information Technology. The College offers eight majors that lead to a Bachelor of Science degree from Lipscomb University. In addition to Lipscomb’s SACSCOC accreditation that covers all eight programs, three of those undergraduate engineering degrees (mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and civil engineering), are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, http://www.abet.org. The remaining five degrees (Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Interdisciplinary Engineering) each address specific needs in their associated fields.
In 2022, the university established the School of Computing within the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering. The new school offers real-world curriculum, equipment, and resources for future software developers and cyber-defenders. Applied Artificial Intelligence, Master of Science, (M.S.), and/or Certificate
Artificial Intelligence has exploded in capability and popularity in recent years, disrupting many established industries and leaving urgent knowledge and skills gaps in its wake. It is critical that professionals in the modern workforce understand modern solution trends in AI, learn and grow new skill sets in AI tools, develop competencies in industry-specific AI solutions, and develop a deeper understanding of the impact that AI has on society.
The Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program explores the foundations, languages, case studies, and ethical impacts of artificial intelligence. Discipline-specific application sequences explore AI solution trends which solve problems and explore outcomes in a variety of specific industries- healthcare, business, education, liberal arts, engineering, entertainment, and more. Finally, students cooperate to build AI projects in an innovative educational setting designed to meet the needs of particular industrial applications where AI is emerging as the preferred solution strategy.
For specific program requirements, go to:
Minimum Credits
The Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence requires completion of 30 semester hours. The Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence requires completion of 12 semester hours. This requirement does not include hours accumulated to satisfy academic deficiencies or prerequisites.
Admission
Admission to the program is based on a combination of many factors, including undergraduate and/or graduate academic record, professional experience, an interview and references. The admissions committee also considers your entrance application essay, interview, and goals statement in the admissions process.
Eligible students
Applicants must submit transcript(s) from any prior institutions clearly stating the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. Preference may be given to candidates whose transcripts include a math course of college algebra or above. Students who are simultaneously enrolled in a graduate program at another institution must provide evidence of being in good academic standing from their primary graduate program and maintain good academic standing in it as well as the MSAI program as per academic requirements of both institutions. International students should refer to the international student section of the graduate catalog.
Application Process
- Application fee. A non-refundable $50 application fee must be submitted online with credit card or by check before the application is evaluated by the admissions committee.
- Coursework in College Algebra or higher.
- Two letters of recommendation. The references selected need to be individuals who are able to comment on your academic or professional abilities as well as your interpersonal skills.
- Personal statement of goals and purpose for obtaining the degree. Consider including such information as:
- How the university can assist your personal and career goals
- Why you are seeking a degree or certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence
- Resume
- Official transcripts from each institution attended. Please allow up to 4 weeks for transcript delivery.
- Health Form. Each applicant must submit a completed health form signed by a health care provider. (To print a copy of the health form, visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/ forms.) This form must be submitted directly to Lipscomb’s Health Center.
- FERPA. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form prior to enrollment.
- An English competency exam is required for international students. (See section titled International Students for more information.)
- An interview is required for admission to the program. Interviews are conducted by invitation only. The director of the Applied Artificial Intelligence program will evaluate each application for competitiveness and request an interview with those determined to be qualified applicants.
All application items should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions no later than 90 days before the beginning of the semester or term in which the student plans to enroll.
Forms should be emailed to gradadmissions@lipscomb.edu or mailed to Graduate Studies in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204-3951.
Student Classifications
See Graduate Admissions Information section.
Transfer and Waiver of Courses
Although all graduate credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution, a maximum of six hours will be counted toward a master’s degree in the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering. The MSAI program director will evaluate the course(s) being proposed for transfer and make a determination of suitability. No course with a grade below a “B” will be considered for transfer.
Academic Standing
See the Graduate Academic Standing Policy in the Academic Information & Policies section.
Course Load
A student enrolled for six hours is considered a full-time student. A student enrolled for less than six hours is considered a part-time student. No student will be permitted to enroll for more than 12 hours per semester without special approval from the director of the graduate program.
Minimum GPA
The minimum cumulative grade-point average on all graduate education programs is 3.00 for all graduate courses taken for graduate credit while pursuing the degree. No grade below a “C” is acceptable. Such grades will not apply toward degree completion.
Graduation
See ‘Graduation’ in the Academic Information & Policies section.
Statute of Limitations
All requirements for a degree in the Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering must be completed within a five-year period from the time of initial matriculation.
Tuition and Fees
| Tuition |
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| Tuition per credit hour |
$899 |
| Tuition to audit |
50% of tuition |
| Fees |
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| Application fee |
$50 |
| Returned payment fee |
$30 |
| Graduation fee |
$275 |
| Technology fee (per semester) |
$100 |
| Payment plan enrollment fee (per semester) |
$60 |
*Program Trip Fee (see program information for details)*
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