Master’s Degree Programs in Machine Learning

The disciplines of computer science, statistics and mathematics are all involved in machine learning degree programs. Those who earn a master’s degree in machine learning will learn to use mathematics, algorithms, and applications to simulate the process of human learning in machines. Graduates will be able to identify datasets and apply algorithms to those datasets, training computer applications to predict future behavior. 

A grahical image depicting machine learning in Ai

Key Terms

To better understand what is involved in a master’s degree in machine learning program, it is important to understand some key terms.

Machine Learning

Renowned American computer science and artificial intelligence research pioneer Arthur Samuel worked on giving computers the ability to learn from their experiences. Today, this is more commonly known as machine learning.  Samuel invented techniques in generalization learning and rote learning, using, among other concepts, hill climbing, mutable evaluation functions, and signature tables.   

Deep Learning

Deep learning is defined as learning that is made up of neural networks of more than three layers. It is a sub-field of machine learning. Deep learning automates some of the extraction of features involved in machine learning, eliminating manual human intervention, and enabling larger data sets to be used. Classical machine learning, on the other hand, requires human intervention to enable computers to learn. 

Artificial Intelligence

IBM notes that artificial intelligence involves science and engineering that makes machines, especially computers, intelligent. Artificial intelligence, usually referred to as AI, is not strictly limited to biologically observable methods. Researcher and scientist Alan Turing developed the Turing Test in 1950, in which a human investigator tries to distinguish between a computer’s text response and a human’s text response. AI combines computer science and data sets to enable problem-solving. It uses deep learning and machine learning, each of which are made up of AI algorithms that create systems to make predictions based on data that is inputted. 

What is a Master’s Degree in Machine Learning?

If you are interested in studying machine learning, you might not find a “Master’s Degree in Machine Learning” program at the college or university in which you are interested in studying. Many machine learning programs are concentrations or specialties that are part of a Master of Science in Computer Science or Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree program. Machine learning is also sometimes offered as a specialty in other types of programs that are not AI-focused, such as a Master of Business Administration. We will examine what is incorporated into a Masters in Machine Learning program in further depth below.

What are the Admissions Requirements for a Master’s in Machine Learning Program?

Prerequisites for entrance into a master’s degree program in machine learning usually include statistics or advanced statistics, mathematics, and computer science courses. A bachelor’s degree in these areas is typically necessary to enter a master’s in machine learning program. Some schools require students to hold a bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or math. You must usually pass the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) prior to entrance into a master’s in machine learning program, though this requirement varies by school. 

Students who have a background in computer programming languages will also fare better in master’s in machine learning programs. As with most graduate programs, letters of recommendation and a personal statement/essay will be required prior to admission.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Machine Learning?

A master’s degree program in machine learning usually takes from one to three years to complete, and is made up of anywhere from 30 to 45 credits.  Some schools will require students to study on a full-time basis, while others will allow students to attend part-time.

What Courses Make Up a Master’s Degree in Machine Learning Program? 

Machine learning master’s degree students will learn a variety of complex subjects, such as:

  • Robotics
  • Statistics
  • Discrete math
  • Computer vision
  • Algorithms
  • Data analysis
  • Natural language processing
  • Linguistics
  • Software development
  • Deep learning
  • Security
  • Data mining
  • Reinforcement learning
  • Networks
  • Ethics in machine learning

Programs may also require a thesis or capstone research project.

Where Can I Work with a Master’s Degree in Machine Learning? 

Graduates with a master’s degree in machine learning can find employment in a variety of sectors, such as:

  • Health services
  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation/logistics/supply chain management
  • E-commerce
  • Social media/online applications
  • Educational services
  • Financial and business services
  • Power grid management

Examples of Schools with Master’s in Machine Learning Programs

Master’s degrees with machine learning specialties may be offered in on-campus or online formats. As of 2023, the following schools offer master’s in machine learning programs (certificate and doctoral programs are explored on other pages within this website):

Arizona

  • University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
    • Master of Science in Information Science: Machine Learning
    • Online program available

California

Colorado

  • Colorado State University, Greenwood Village, CO
    • Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning 
    • Online program

District of Columbia

  • Howard University, Washington, DC
    • Master of Computer Science: Algorithms and Machine Learning specialization

Georgia

  • Columbus State University, Columbus, GA
    • Master of Science in Applied Computer Science: AI & Machine Learning
  • Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
    • Master of Science in Data Science & Analytics, Concentration in Big Data and Machine Learning
  • Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
    • Master of Science in Computer Science: Machine Learning Specialization
    • Online program
    • Accelerated bachelors-to-master’s program available
  • Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
    • Master of Science in Computer Science: Machine Learning
    • Online program available

Illinois

Maryland

Massachusetts

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
    • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 
  • Northeastern University, Boston, MA
    • Master of Professional Studies in Applied Machine Intelligence
  • Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA
    • Master of Science in Applied Computer Science, concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 
    • Also offers bachelors-to-master’s program which can be completed in five years

Michigan

Nevada

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

  • Duke University, Durham, NC
    • Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Data Analytics & Machine Learning concentration
    • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science: concentration in Autonomous, Intelligent Systems and Machines
    • Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (online study available)
    • Master of Engineering Management: Data Analytics & Machine Learning track (online program)

Pennsylvania

  • Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
    • Master of Science in Machine Learning 
    • Also offers a bachelor’s-to-master’s 5 year program)
  • Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
    • Master of Science in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
    • Online program
  • University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
    • Master of Science in Engineering in Robotics: Specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Villanova University, Villanova, PA
    • Master of Business Administration, Specialization in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Tennessee

Texas

  • Rice University, Houston, TX
    • Master of Data Science: Machine Learning
    • Master of Computational Science and Engineering: Machine Learning 
    • Online and on-campus formats available
  • Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
    • Master of Science in Data Science: Machine Learning Specialization
    • Online program available
  • University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
    • Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
    • Online program 

Virginia

Wisconsin

  • Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
    • Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Machine Learning and Algorithms 
  • Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI
    • Master of Science in Machine Learning
    • Online program
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
    • Master of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering: Machine Learning and Signal Processing
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
    • Master of Science in Computer Science (Professional Track), concentration in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing
    • Available online, on-campus, or hybrid