Already, we can see the role of machine learning in intelligent systems all around us, from the self-driving car to virtual personal assistants. According to a Burning Glass report, Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning jobs will grow 71 percent over the next five years. Now is a great time to explore the best machine learning bachelor’s degrees.
This article will discuss where you can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning and the requirements you must meet for admission. Reviewing features of machine learning bachelor’s degrees like cost, courses, and length will help you choose a program that will lead you to one of the best machine learning bachelor’s degree jobs.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning?
You can earn your Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning from a computer science department at a four-year university. Additionally, some undergraduate schools offer this program as an online degree. Stanford University, The University of Texas at Austin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University are some of the best colleges where you can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning.
What Schools Offer the Best Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degrees?
- University of Maryland
- Columbia University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Stanford University
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning?
The essential admission requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning are a college application, application fee, college essay, test scores, and high school or college transcripts. Additionally, you may choose to submit optional materials like letters of recommendation, expanded resumes, and English proficiency test results.
You may also need to pass gateway courses and meet minimum GPA requirements before admission into the machine learning bachelor’s degree program. However, note that these requirements are general and that the admission requirements for your bachelor’s degree may be slightly different. It’s best to check the school website for details.
Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- College application
- College essay
- Standardized test scores
- High school/college transcripts
- Application fee
- Minimum GPA
How to Get a Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree
You can get a machine learning bachelor’s degree when you meet all the graduation requirements for your program. Usually, these requirements include completing a certain number of credits and maintaining a certain GPA. In the section below, we’ll address all the graduation requirements you must fulfill to earn your degree.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning?
You need a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate with your Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning. Typically, universities divide these credits into introductory, foundational, core, track, elective, and project courses.
Machine Learning Degree Requirements
- Complete the general education requirements
- Three units of introductory courses
- 25 credit units of foundational mathematics and science
- 35 credit units of computer science technical core courses
- 18 credit units of technical elective, one of which must be a project course
- Six credit units of advanced computer science electives
- 24 credit units of free electives
Best Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| Columbia University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| Cornell University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering | New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| Northwestern University | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| The University of California San Diego | Bachelor of Science in Data Science | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| The University of Maryland- College Park | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
Best Schools for Machine Learning: Top Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Programs
In the section below, we’ll explore 10 of the best undergraduate schools with the best machine learning bachelor’s degree programs. The list includes public universities, private universities, and nonprofit universities, and we’ll touch on their accreditation, tuition, and graduation rate. We’ll also give you a short overview of their academic program and admission requirements.
What Is a Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree?
A machine learning bachelor’s degree refers to a Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Applied Data Science, Mathematics, or a related field with courses or concentrations in machine learning. Machine learning is a subset of the larger concept of artificial intelligence.
There are different paths you can take to arrive at your machine learning bachelor’s degree, yet most take four years to complete and cover similar key areas, including algorithms, statistics, and computer programming.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning is very important because it teaches a wide range of foundational skills you need to start your career in machine learning. Additionally, most job openings in information technology, retail, consultation, and business require a bachelor’s degree as the minimum qualification.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Machine Learning?
The most common types of machine learning bachelor’s degrees are a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Bachelor of Science in Statistics, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Also popular are Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Data Science, and Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence.
A Bachelor of Science is the most popular degree for starting your machine learning career and the most sought after by employers. If you’re after a specialized application of machine learning, a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics or Data Science might be a better option.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a Bachelor of Science in Data Science for Machine Learning?
The consensus on data science vs machine learning is that a computer science bachelor’s degree is a better choice for machine learning than a data science bachelor’s degree. A computer science degree is the major avenue for students to earn their machine learning degrees and is in higher demand among employers.
However, a data science degree has its perks for machine learning. As more industries rely on big data for decision making, data scientists with machine learning skills will become an indispensable asset for any organization that wants to remain competitive.
What Is the Difference Between a Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree and a Machine Learning Certificate?
The major difference between a machine learning bachelor’s degree and a machine learning certificate is that the former carries more weight. Employers prefer applicants with bachelor’s degrees over applicants with certificates, and indeed, many entry-level machine learning jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Another point of difference is that bachelor’s degrees run for longer than sub-baccalaureate certificates. This allows them to offer a more intensive education, but on the flip side, it makes them more expensive. Bachelor’s degrees open up a more significant number of career opportunities as well as provide a huge boost to your earning potential.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the total cost of attendance at a four-year bachelor’s degree-granting academic institution averages $35,331 per year. Of course, this figure will vary depending on your school, program, and cost of living in your college town, so make sure to factor this into your calculations.
Machine learning bachelor’s degrees are not cheap. Luckily, there are strategies to lessen this cost. If your university offers it and you qualify, you may only need to pay in-state tuition. Otherwise, you can apply for federal aid, scholarships, and grants. You also may participate in work-study programs to pay off part of your tuition while still in school.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years on average to complete a machine learning bachelor’s degree, and your university may offer a degree road map to guide your academic planning. Additionally, you may meet with an academic advisor to help you plan out your courses.
With most computer science degree programs, you must complete at least 120 credit hours to graduate. To reach your goal of graduating in four years, you need to complete a minimum of 15 credits every semester.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning?
It is very hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning. Computer science, data science, statistics, and machine learning-related majors are very challenging subjects. If you encounter difficulty, you can access machine learning courses, training, and other resources to help you complete your degree.
Why Should You Get a Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree?
You should get a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning because it builds a knowledge base you can use to build a successful career in machine learning. Additionally, the program will guide you through learning Python for machine learning, as well as teach you skills like system design, data structures, and multi-dimensional arrays.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Machine Learning?
You need to take mathematics, ethics, linear algebra, natural language processing, and computer science courses to earn your Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning. The section below will introduce you to the basic courses you need to get your degree.
Discrete Mathematics
At its simplest level, all programming is math. Students in this course tackle mathematical concepts that are relevant to machine learning. That list includes logic, induction, functions, sets, and combinatorics. These concepts will teach you to express arguments and back them up with mathematical proof.
Introduction to Computer Systems
This course is a foundation for other more advanced courses you will take in your degree. It analyzes the interactions between user programs, programming languages, and the operating system, including how they communicate, store data, and execute commands.
Ethics and Policy Issues in Computing
Artificial intelligence and machine learning can potentially revolutionize the world. Still, there are pressing questions about if and to what extent they should be allowed to do so. This course seeks to equip students with the intellectual framework they need to understand and measure the impact of artificial intelligence so they can formulate answers to these questions.
Natural Language Processing
Natural language processing or computer linguistics is all around us in things like language translators, chatbots, and voice search. This course focuses on the core algorithms that make such things possible. You’ll learn machine learning topics like classification and probabilistic modeling, but also linguistics concepts like syntax, phonology, and morphology.
Introduction to Machine Learning
This course teaches undergraduate students how to program computers that can learn from data and apply what they’ve learned to improve their performance. It covers all machine learning sectors including deep learning and reinforcement learning. At the end of the course, students will be able to implement machine learning algorithms.
Continuing Education Paths for Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
After earning your bachelor’s degree program, you can enroll in graduate degree programs like a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. You may decide to take your education even further by doing a graduate study and obtaining a PhD. You can also take certification exams such as the Professional Machine Learning Engineer course offered by Google.
Related Machine Learning Degrees
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What to Look for in the Best Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Before enrolling in a machine learning bachelor’s degree program, there are a couple of things like accreditation and cost you should consider. In the list below, we explain five of the most important considerations to research when deciding on your college degree program.
Accreditation
You should always ensure that your school is accredited before applying. Accreditation is proof that a school provides educational value to its student body, and its absence in your program should be a red flag. It could compromise the quality of your education, and companies may also refuse to hire you if you earned your degree from an unaccredited school.
Cost
Depending on the school you attend, your program can cost thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s a good idea to get an estimate of tuition and the cost of living in your college town before enrolling so that you can decide whether it is within budget. It’s also possible to apply for scholarships or student loans.
Employment Outcomes
You should do your research about the employment outcomes of students at your proposed university before applying. Generally, students who earn their machine learning bachelor’s degrees at prestigious universities with distinguished faculty have better employment outcomes than others.
Specialization/Concentration Options
Machine learning is a vast and exciting field with multiple applications across data science, artificial intelligence, and a wide range of other industries. Before applying, ensure your school offers a degree in the specialization or concentration you wish to pursue.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate of an institution is the percentage of students who complete their degrees within four to six years. By analyzing your prospective school’s graduation rate, you can understand how well it performs in student services like personalized advising and on-campus housing.
What Is the Most Affordable Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable machine learning bachelor’s degree is the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Maryland-College Park. It costs $5,478 per semester for residents and $19,319 for non-residents.
Salary and Job Outlook for Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
A machine learning bachelor’s degree opens up several career paths and employment opportunities across multiple industries. In the sections below, we’ll discuss the next steps to take after completing your degree, including how to get a job in machine learning.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a machine learning bachelor’s degree. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you would have learned the core competencies needed to work across many industries and job opportunities from different fields. Additionally, you will complete a capstone project in your program that you can include in your resume.
What’s the Average Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
Payscale estimates that the average salary for a graduate with a machine learning or artificial intelligence bachelor’s degree is $96,000 per year. However, this number may vary depending on your experience and your industry. It’s no secret that graduates from prestigious universities like Yale University, Harvard University, and Princeton University earn higher wages.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree?
Machine learning bachelor’s degree jobs can be found across the business, financial, educational, commercial, and engineering sectors. You can work in Silicon Valley, for health institutions, or even choose to freelance. In the section below, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular jobs that use machine learning.
Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Jobs
- Software Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Computational Linguist
- Data Scientist
Potential Careers With a Machine Learning Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning?
You can make between $93,350 and $129,000 per year with a machine learning bachelor’s degree. As you grow more experienced in the field, you can do a graduate study to improve your earning potential. You may also get the chance to upskill to a managerial position, learn new skills, and boost your earnings. The table below highlights the best-paying jobs in the field.
Highest-Paying Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist | $129,538 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $113,053 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Data Scientist | $99,692 |
| Computer Scientist | $93,350 |
Best Jobs for Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best machine learning bachelor’s degree jobs for graduates are artificial intelligence specialists, machine learning engineers, software developers, data scientists, and computer scientists. The section below will explore each of these jobs in-depth, focusing on their salary, job outlook, and the highest paying states.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Learning is worth it. It is the minimum qualification to get your foot in the door of the artificial intelligence industry which Statista values at $327.5 billion. To choose the best school for you, you need to research your program in great detail and meet all its admission requirements.
Once you’ve graduated, you can apply to the best high-paying jobs with your machine learning degree. You could also choose to work freelance or even head into academia. Whatever career path you choose, your machine learning bachelor’s degree will help you earn a comfortable living and open up new work opportunities.
Additional Reading About Machine Learning
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Machine Learning Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Artificial intelligence is an overarching term for any technology that allows machines to simulate human behavior. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that gives a computer the ability to learn for itself. So instead of programming a computer to do things, machine learning engineers program them to learn.
Yes, machine learning engineers are in very high demand as they are of value in many different industry sectors. You can improve your odds of employment by enrolling in a graduate degree program and improving your skills.
You’ll find the best universities to get your machine learning bachelor’s degree in the list above. However, other honorable mentions include Harvard University, Purdue University, Yale University, Princeton University, Johns Hopkins University, Oregon State University, University of Michigan, and University of Pittsburgh.
Yes, even fresh graduates can get a machine learning job. As the field is relatively new and growing at an incredible rate, there are many entry-level positions you can apply for that require little to no experience. Also, by building your portfolio and enrolling in a graduate degree program, you can improve your chances of getting a job fresh out of college.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
