Optional in-person sessions for the Executive MS in AI Engineering Leadership will be held at The Playground in Palo Alto, CA. (photo provided by The Playground)

Purdue University is preparing to launch a new Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program in Silicon Valley designed for mid-career engineers and technology professionals. Pending approval from the Indiana Higher Learning Commission, the Executive MS in AI Engineering Leadership will begin in Fall 2027 with two cohorts – one in AI Tech Stack and the other in Physical AI.

The 36-credit-hour program is designed for working professionals and will be delivered primarily online, allowing students to deepen their technical expertise in areas including artificial intelligence, autonomy, advanced computing and systems engineering while also strengthening the leadership and strategic decision-making skills needed in today’s fast-moving technology landscape. Students will take three classes per semester for four semesters, including the summer. In addition to online coursework, the program will offer optional in-person enrichment and experiential activities in Palo Alto that give students added opportunities to connect with faculty, industry leaders and peers.

The new program expands Purdue’s growing presence in Silicon Valley and strengthens ties to industry and alumni in one of the world’s most important hubs for technology and innovation.

“Our graduates have long shaped industry, research and entrepreneurship across the globe,” said Mark Lundstrom, the John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering. “This Executive MS program gives high-performing individuals with engineering and computing backgrounds the opportunity to continue learning at the highest level while making immediate leadership contributions to their organizations and the technology landscape.”

The program reflects Purdue’s commitment to preparing engineers not only to adapt to technological disruption, but to drive it. By combining deep technical instruction in artificial intelligence, advanced computing and systems design with leadership, strategy and innovation courses, the Executive MS in AI Engineering Leadership positions working professionals to lead at the intersection of technology and impact.

“We don’t want our engineers to be left behind by the AI revolution; we want them leading it,” said Milind Kulkarni, Michael and Katherine Birck Head of the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “This program is exciting because it doesn’t just teach AI as a technology. It equips professionals to apply it strategically, ethically and creatively in real-world contexts. With a primarily online format and optional in-person experiences in Palo Alto, we’re creating a flexible program that fits the lives of working engineers while connecting them to one of the world’s most influential technology communities.”

Designed specifically for working engineers, the Executive MS program offers flexibility for full-time professionals and will be taught by Purdue faculty, supported by industry-experienced instructors and guest experts from Silicon Valley. Optional in-person programming in Palo Alto will provide additional opportunities for enrichment, networking and experiential learning.

“Technology companies need leaders who understand deep engineering fundamentals and how to scale products and teams,” said Sasha Ostojic, Venture Partner at Playground Global in Palo Alto, California. “Purdue’s Executive MS program fills a critical need for developing the next generation of technical leaders.”

For more information, visit the Executive MS in AI Engineering Leadership website. Full curriculum, admissions and application details will be released in 2026.