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Best 13 Masters in Machine Learning in 2024

January 26, 2024 | Admin

Masters in Machine Learning

Having a master’s in machine learning will give you an edge over other job candidates because you’ll be a technical expert. Additionally, as computers and artificial intelligence continue to impact our everyday lives, computer science career opportunities are also increasing rapidly. Though we realize there’s a difference between a Masters’s in Machine Learning and a Master’s in Computer Science, we have decided to spotlight some Master’s in Computer Science degrees that have emphases or concentrations in machine learning to help you have as many options as possible.

What Career Opportunities Exist for Masters in Machine Learning?

  • agriculture
  • communications
  • e-commerce and marketing
  • education
  • energy
  • engineering
  • entertainment
  • financial services
  • health care
  • information technology
  • national defense
  • social media

Top 5 Masters in Machine Learning

Rank School Location
1Columbia UniversityNew York City, New York
2Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York
3Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, Massachusetts
4Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
5Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlanta, Georgia

More Career Options

  • Software Designer and Developer
  • Computer Support Specialist
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Computer Programmer
  • Database Administrator
  • Computer and Information System Manager
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Web Developer
  • Computer Network Architect
  • Network Administrator
  • Potential Employers

With this in mind, let’s now dive into the best colleges that can help you to reach your dream job.

Best 13 Masters in Machine Learning

1

Columbia University

  • New York City, New York
  • Graduation Rate: 95%

Columbia University grants a Master’s in Computer Science with a Machine Learning track which is intended for students who wish to develop their knowledge of machine learning techniques and applications. Many topics may be touched upon, depending on the classes students choose from, including causal inference, probabilistic modeling. Thee is a machine learning community at CU that spans multiple departments, schools, and institutes. This group participates in activities like seminars on statistical machine learning, student-led reading groups and social hours, and participation in local events such as the New York Academy of Sciences Machine Learning Symposium.

School Overview

Tuition: $2,196
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2

Cornell University

  • Ithaca, New York
  • Graduation Rate: 94%

Cornell University graduate school’s computer science degree (M.S.) is a 4-semester program. Though it’s technically not a degree in machine learning, students can concentrate their courses in artificial intelligence which includes over ten different machine learning classes that students can choose from. These classes cover topics like dimensionality-reduction, clustering, kernels, deep networks, model debugging, tensor languages, dataset bias, language grounding, the ethics of machine learning, and so much more. This program requires research and a thesis, as well as two non-CS graduate courses to make up a “minor.” In addition, students will be required to TA for undergraduate-level CS classes in exchange for their paid tuition and a stipend for living expenses.

School Overview

Tuition: $29,500
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3

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Graduation Rate: 93%

In 2019, MIT formed a new college, the Schwarzman College of Computing, to better tackle the gap being found between ever-changing technology and educational systems. MIT hopes to produce “creative computational thinkers and doers with the cultural, ethical, and historical consciousness to use technology for the common good — leaders who will offer the world new technological possibilities grounded in human values.” Their master’s degree in computational science and engineering takes 12-24 months to complete and is heavily research-based. Of the six courses required for graduation, three are chosen by the student as electives. Two of those electives must be chosen from an approved list, which, yes, includes several courses in machine learning.

School Overview

Tuition: $53,410
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4

Carnegie Mellon University

  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Graduation Rate: 90%

Carnegie Mellon University’s Master’s of Science in Machine Learning requires future students to have a strong computer science background. They must also understand the complex theory involved, be skilled in programming, and have a knack for mathematics. Under this master’s program, students will concentrate on machine learning, artificial intelligence, NLP, computer vision, etc. It takes between one and three years to finish the degree program.

School Overview

Tuition: $50,971
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5

Georgia Institute of Technology

  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Graduation Rate: 87%

Georgia Institute of Technology offers a Master’s of Science in Computer Science with a Machine Learning specialization. Future engineers will examine core courses, such as advanced learning, statistics, research, statistical machine learning, and more. They can complete the master’s program in under two years, focusing on deep learning, data mining, artificial intelligence, etc.

School Overview

Tuition: $8,238 in-state; $17,070 out-of-state
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6

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers two master’s degrees in computer science: a Master of Computer Science in Computer Science or a Master of Science in Computer Science. The main difference is that the MS in Computer Science is a little more research-based and includes a thesis. The MCS in Computer Science has students increase the breadth of their knowledge by taking additional classes in place of a thesis. Whichever you decide to pursue, both have the option to pursue an artificial intelligence emphasis, which includes several classes about machine learning.

School Overview

Tuition: $13,176 in-state; $28,464 out-of-state
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7

Stanford University

  • Stanford, California
  • Graduation Rate: 74%

If you’re looking for a degree in machine learning from Stanford, the closest you’ll find is the 45-unit Master of Science in Computer Science program that offers a couple of classes in machine learning. That being said, Standford also offers a certificate of achievement in machine learning for professionals who take the online Machine Learning and/or Machine Learning Strategy and Intro to Reinforcement Learning courses. If students want to take it one step further, they can take a third class to earn a professional certificate in artificial intelligence.

School Overview

Tuition: $1,352
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8

Drexel University Online

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Graduation Rate: 70%

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Drexel University is an online program grounded in cutting-edge technology. Students must have a strong background in computer science to apply, whether that’s by completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or by completing Drexel’s graduate certificate in computer science. The AI and Machine Learning program can be completed in as little as two years if studying full-time. Graduates will know how to understand the implementation and use of existing artificial intelligence and/or machine learning tools and systems; design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based artificial intelligence and machine learning system, process, component, or program to meet a specific need; understand and communicate the legal and ethical aspects of using artificial intelligence and machine learning in societal contexts; and much more.

School Overview

Tuition: $1,342
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9

Wentworth Institute of Technology

  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Graduation Rate: 65%

Wentworth Institute of Technology’s School of Computing and Data Science offers an M.S. in Applied Computer Science, a full-time degree delivered in a hybrid format. The master’s degree plan, with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, gives graduates practical skills to advance their careers in the field. As an online master’s program, students can complete it in under two years. Focus areas include programming, computer systems fundamentals, including computer organizations, operation systems, databases, data communication, and more.

School Overview

Tuition: $36,600
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10

University of Arizona

  • Tucson, Arizona
  • Graduation Rate: 60%

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Arizona offers two kinds of master’s degrees in computer science. The non-thesis option is good, though for someone pursuing machine learning, there are only a few classes (9 out of 30 total credits) available to take that are directly focused on AI or machine learning. If you are interested in research or want to continue on to a Ph.D., then the thesis option will not only let you take the already mentioned classes, but you’ll also be able to use 6 credits toward your thesis, which can be machine-learning- or AI-inspired. This would let you focus half of your degree, 15 out of 30 required credits, on AI and machine learning principles or research. This is the closest you can get to a master’s in machine learning from the University of Arizona.

School Overview

Tuition: $5,969
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11

Florida Institute of Technology

  • Melbourne, Florida
  • Graduation Rate: 60%

The Master’s in Computer Science at the Florida Institute of Technology provides future students with relevant technical skills to enter top jobs, including information technology, database information, etc. Its graduates will gain other essentials in developing and designing algorithms, test software, and information systems. FIT’s professors mentor and work closely with students on coursework and research. As an interdisciplinary degree plan, it offers research areas like machine learning, speech recognition, cryptography, computer vision, computer networks, intelligent systems, and others for those who choose the thesis option. The school offers four separate AI and machine learning-focused courses that make up 12 of the 30 required credits.

School Overview

Tuition: $1,241
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12

University of North Carolina, Charlotte

  • Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Graduation Rate: 56%

The Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte equips students with planning, design, implementation, testing, computer management systems, applications, and infrastructural skills. Research areas involve 3D HCI, algorithms, artificial intelligence, data mining, machine learning (cloud computing, robotics, wireless networks), and more. Once accepted to the master’s program students can choose the AI, Robotics, and Gaming concentration and take their 9 required credits in AI and machine learning classes. For the capstone class, students can choose to pursue the individual study in AI option.

School Overview

Tuition: $2,169 (9 credits)
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13

Oregon Health and Science University

  • Portland, Oregon
  • Graduation Rate: 52%

The School of Medicine at Oregon Health and Sciences University grants a Master’s in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, a one-and-a-half-year program. Students with undergraduate and graduate-level courses, including computer science, programming, data structures, math calculus, probability, and, statistics can apply for admission into the program. Classes consist of machine learning, natural language processing, speech and signal processing, etc. Students will work with their advisory committee to hand-pick their classes so they can pursue their interests. There are machine learning courses available in both the CS and EE course options as well as machine learning research possibilities for those who are interested in research or continuing on to get a Ph.D. Students can choose to use independent study classes and research credits toward their elective requirements to better focus their time on their AI and machine learning interests.

School Overview

Tuition: $14,888 (6 credits)
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Ranking Method

The Master of Science in Machine Learning (or Computer Science with an emphasis) is a highly technical and complex subject as it involves many different yet connected parts. The programs on this list were combed with precision to ensure that we were ranking programs that could truly help students receive a deep, tailored machine learning education. Though all schools above are excellent options, for the sake of the article we ranked schools by graduation rate, which implies a high-quality curriculum and phenomenal faculty. If you think your graduate-level machine learning program belongs on this page, feel free to reach out and let us know!

For additional information, check out our master’s in artificial intelligence page.

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