Udacity, now part of Accenture, has unveiled a fully accredited Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program that costs as little as $3,500, nearly 90% cheaper than traditional graduate degrees in the United States.
The new program, developed in partnership with Woolf University, offers learners across more than 60 countries an opportunity to earn a globally recognized master’s degree while gaining the practical, project-based experience that has made Udacity’s Nanodegree programs famous.
According to Udacity CEO Kai Roemmelt, the initiative is designed to “democratize access to graduate education” and equip professionals with the skills that global employers demand. “This evolution into accredited degree programs represents the next logical step,” Roemmelt said. “We’re giving learners not just job-ready skills, but also the formal recognition that opens doors worldwide.”
The launch comes amid a widening AI skills gap across industries. Udacity’s recent research shows that while 90% of professionals now use AI tools at work, three in four abandon them mid-task due to lack of training, poor systems, and low trust.
Meanwhile, a recent Accenture Pulse of Change Report reveals that only 5% of AI projects are delivering measurable business results, even as 67% of business leaders identify AI as a core driver of growth. With nine in ten executives planning to increase AI investment this year, the demand for skilled AI professionals is expected to surge, with AI-related job openings forecast to rise 53% in 2025.
“This is a critical moment,” said Dr. Joshua Broggi, Rector and President of Woolf. “Udacity’s expertise in hands-on, industry-driven education combined with our accredited academic infrastructure creates a pathway for millions of learners to earn formal recognition for their skills. This is higher education reimagined.”
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program offers a flexible, self-paced structure tailored to working professionals and career changers. Students can progress at their own pace through 12 Nanodegree programs and a final capstone project, covering approximately 2,250 learning hours, the standard workload for a European master’s degree.
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The program also recognizes prior Udacity Nanodegrees, allowing current and former learners to transfer credits and accelerate completion. Courses are designed with input from leading technology firms, ensuring graduates leave with portfolios that demonstrate real-world competence.
Perhaps most importantly, degrees conferred by Woolf carry full accreditation under the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), making them recognized for immigration, postgraduate study, and professional advancement in countries including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and across 43 European nations.
The launch aligns with Accenture’s $1 billion LearnVantage investment, aimed at equipping individuals, organizations, and nations with the skills needed to thrive in the AI-driven global economy. Since 2024, Accenture has expanded its education footprint by acquiring Udacity, TalentSprint, Ascendient Learning, and Award Solutions, all focused on scaling digital learning and workforce readiness.
“We’re not just adding another credential,” Roemmelt said. “We’re breaking down traditional barriers to higher education while maintaining academic rigor and delivering real career impact. This is about making opportunity accessible to anyone with the talent and drive to succeed in AI.”
