Best AI Degree Programs in Virginia: 2026 Rankings
87 AI and machine learning programs at 25 schools in Virginia.
Updated
The strongest AI programs in Virginia on this list are led by Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, and George Mason University. Schools are ordered using our ranking for Virginia, drawn from 87 programs at 25 schools.
Best AI programs in Virginia
Rank
School
Location
1
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
2
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
3
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
4
University of Virginia Darden
Charlottesville, VA
5
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
6
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VA
7
Hampton University
Hampton, VA
8
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
9
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA
10
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
11
University of the Potomac
Vienna, Virginia | Washington, District of Columbia
12
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
13
Roanoke College
Salem, VA
14
Strayer University
Arlington, VA
15
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VA
16
Brightpoint Community College
Chester, VA
17
Radford University
Radford, VA
18
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA
19
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, VA
20
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA
School names are plain text in the table. Profiles and write-ups are below when available.
How we ranked this list
We order schools on this page using our ranking method, with more weight on affordability (30%), student outcomes (25%), curriculum (25%). Figures draw from published school tuition and U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Schools cannot pay for a higher rank. About 90% of programs on this list have full scoring data. Read the full ranking methodology.
Top schools in Virginia
Each school lists a quick overview (program, estimated cost, format) plus a short program summary with links to official school pages and related program paths. Tuition figures are published estimates—confirm current totals on the school’s program page before you apply.
1
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Computer Science · BS (AI/ML Focus via Electives & Research)
Best for: CS students specializing in AI/ML within a bachelor's
Accreditation: SACSCOC
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-R, CAE-CD)
Program summary
Virginia Tech sits in Blacksburg. This is a specialization on a larger program, not a standalone AI diploma; the parent major still drives required courses and campus-visit rules. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw.
Best for: In-state data professionals adding an AI/ML concentration
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CO, CAE-CD, CAE-R)
Program summary
Students looking at Norfolk will find Old Dominion University on this list. This is a specialization on a larger program, not a standalone AI diploma; the parent major still drives required courses and campus-visit rules. AI/ML is a concentration on a data science or analytics bachelor's—not a standalone AI degree.
Best for: CS students specializing in AI/ML within an MSCS
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD, CAE-R)
Program summary
This is a CS master’s with an AI/ML lane—compare specialization coursework against a dedicated AI M.S. if you want the diploma title to say artificial intelligence.
Best for: Managers who want AI literacy inside an MBA
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Students looking at Charlottesville will find University of Virginia Darden on this list. The AI content is framed for managers—strategy, tooling literacy, and applied use cases—more than research-heavy CS theory. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw. AI is an MBA concentration—not a standalone AI master's.
Bachelor's in Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: On campus
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: Data professionals adding an AI/ML concentration
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-R)
Program summary
Students looking at Williamsburg will find William & Mary on this list. It’s built as a dedicated undergraduate AI major—confirm direct-admit rules and whether students can transfer in after a general first year. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw. AI/ML is a concentration on a data science or analytics bachelor's—not a standalone AI degree.
MS in Computer Science — Artificial Intelligence / Computational Intelligence / Robotics Track
Overview
Availability: Varies
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: CS students specializing in AI/ML within an MSCS (Hampton University)
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Hampton University's program is the one profiled here. This is a specialization on a larger program, not a standalone AI diploma; the parent major still drives required courses and campus-visit rules.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery (Northern Virginia Community College)
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Students looking at Annandale will find Northern Virginia Community College on this list. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw. This is a broader degree, not a standalone AI program.
Best for: Data professionals adding an AI/ML concentration (Applied AI degree)
Program summary
Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw. AI/ML is a concentration on a data science or analytics bachelor's—not a standalone AI degree.
M.A. in Organizational Leadership — Artificial Intelligence and Organizational Leadership
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: Working adults comparing this online AI/ML path on cost and fit
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Students looking at Virginia Beach will find Regent University on this list. Named as an AI or ML degree—use the course list to separate theory-heavy terms from tool-focused applied semesters. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives.
On this state ranking, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, and George Mason University appear near the top. We list 25 schools offering AI programs in Virginia. Confirm format and admissions on each school site.
How many AI programs are in Virginia?
About 87 AI programs at 25 schools show up for Virginia on this list. Confirm current offerings on each school site.
Online or campus?
Both can appear on state lists. Check each program’s delivery format and any required campus visits.
How does AIDegrees rank these programs?
We order schools on this page using our ranking method, with more weight on affordability (30%), student outcomes (25%), curriculum (25%). Figures draw from published school tuition and U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Schools cannot pay for a higher rank. About 90% of programs on this list have full scoring data. See the full ranking methodology for weights and data sources.
State list or overall ranking?
Use both—state lists help with in-state tuition and local networks; overall lists compare research strength and online options.
