Machine learning is a discipline within computer science and artificial intelligence that uses algorithms and data to imitate human learning. Machine learning professionals work on improving system accuracy with the ultimate goal of replicating human thinking. It’s an advanced technical field, so a degree from one of the best schools for machine learning is necessary to get your start.
If you want to be a pioneer in this industry, you should pursue undergraduate or graduate studies at one of the best machine learning universities or colleges. This article covers the best programs and includes details like tuition costs, curricula, and accreditation. With this information at hand, you can apply to the best machine learning schools for your career goals.
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Best Machine Learning College and University Rankings: Top 10 Machine Learning Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In person | #25 |
| Columbia University | NY | In person | #2 |
| Cornell University | NY | In person, online | #17 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MA | In person | #2 |
| Northwestern University | IL | In person | #9 |
| Stanford University | CA | In person, online | #6 |
| University of California San Diego | CA | In person, online | #34 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | IL | In person, online | #47 |
| University of Maryland- College Park | MD | In person | #59 |
| University of Texas at Austin | TX | In person, online | #38 |
Machine Learning School Rankings: Best Machine Learning Colleges and Universities
You can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in machine learning by studying at a school with a strong computer science department. The schools in this list include Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of Texas at Austin.
Carnegie Mellon University is a private institution that was founded by Andrew Carnegie. It has world-famous tech programs, with US News & World Report ranking its undergraduate computer science program as the best in the US. Graduates of CMU have gone on to found more than 400 tech startups.
Carnegie Mellon University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #25
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #28
Best Carnegie Mellon University Machine Learning Programs
- BS in Artificial Intelligence. This interdisciplinary degree, offered by the Department of Computer Science, prepares students for careers in the artificial intelligence field. The curriculum includes courses in math, statistics, computer science, AI, science, engineering, and the humanities. The program stresses ethics in this emerging field.
- MS in Machine Learning. This advanced degree is designed for students with strong aptitudes for mathematics, statistics, and programming. Coursework includes high-level classes in machine learning, deep learning, intelligent systems, and advanced artificial intelligence. Students have the option of completing a research project or internship.
- PhD in Machine Learning. Students in this program conduct cutting-edge research that will help shape the future of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Students take advanced coursework, work as teaching assistants for machine learning elective courses, and write and defend a dissertation.
Carnegie Mellon University Machine Learning Key Takeaway
Students at Carnegie Mellon University can study machine learning from the bachelor’s to the PhD level while benefiting from the facilities and expertise of a world-class research institution.
Columbia University was founded in 1754 and is one of the nation’s oldest institutions. The private university is part of the Ivy League and has strong programs in many fields of study, including journalism, architecture, and engineering. Students at Columbia benefit from a six-to-one student-faculty ratio, excellent facilities, and its urban campus in New York City.
Columbia University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #2
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #11
Best Columbia University Machine Learning Programs
- BS in Computer Science. This undergraduate program provides a strong foundation in programming and computation, allowing students to get entry-level machine learning jobs or continue on to graduate school. Students can take the intelligent systems track to focus specifically on machine learning and AI.
- MS in Computer Science. The Department of Computer Science offers several tracks for its master’s degree, including a specialization in machine learning. Along with the core MS curriculum, students take classes on subjects like neural networks, computer vision, and speech recognition. A thesis is not required for this degree.
- PhD in Computer Science. Those who want to work in academia or research and shape the machine learning discipline should pursue a doctoral degree. The PhD program at Columbia offers opportunities for fieldwork, and students receive full degree funding by working in graduate research assistantships.
Columbia University Machine Learning Key Takeaway
Students at Columbia benefit from the Ivy League university’s extensive computing and lab resources, as well as New York City’s networking and job opportunities.
Cornell University is a private university that is part of the Ivy League. Located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, it’s famous for its agriculture program and research farms. Cornell also has cutting-edge science programs, and its computer science and engineering classes are split between the Ithaca campus and Cornell Tech in New York City.
Cornell University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Degrees Offered: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #17
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #22
Best Cornell University Machine Learning Programs
- Certificate in Machine Learning. Professional software engineers, programmers, and data scientists can benefit from this four-month machine learning certificate program. The online classes require knowledge of Python and NumPy programming languages and cover topics like deep learning and neural networks.
- BS in Computer Science. Undergraduate students pursuing computer science degrees can take electives from Cornell’s computational biology, cognitive science, and robotics departments. With this, they can blend the programming and mathematical computer science curriculum with topics like linguistics and neuroscience.
- MEng in Computer Science. The Master of Engineering can be earned relatively quickly, in two semesters of study. Students take advanced coursework and complete a research project in which they design a software application. This program is designed for students focused on the real-world application of computer skills.
- MS in Computer Science. The MS is a more intensive master’s option than the MEng. The program takes four semesters to complete and includes writing and presenting a research thesis. Students must have teaching experience or undergraduate grading experience to qualify for this program.
- PhD in Computer Science. Doctoral students can choose whether to study in Ithaca at Cornell’s main campus or at Cornell Tech in New York City. Students can work with faculty in other departments like computational biology, philosophy, and engineering to create a machine learning research study for their dissertation.
Cornell University Machine Learning Key Takeaway
Cornell University emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, and its specialized faculty in robotics, computational biology, and machine learning are on the cutting edge of their fields.
MIT is a private institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is consistently ranked one of the best universities in the world. It has a reputation for academic excellence, with 98 Nobel laureates among its alumni. MIT has strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in mechanical engineering and computer science, thanks to small class sizes and top-notch facilities.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Degrees offered: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #2
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #5
Best Massachusetts Institute of Technology Machine Learning Programs
- Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. This short certificate program has options for in-person and online courses to accommodate professionals. Classes cover topics like machine learning for healthcare, reinforcement learning, applied data science, and deep learning for artificial intelligence.
- BS in Computation and Cognition. Undergraduate students in this program study in both the computer science and brain and cognitive science departments. The curriculum is suited for both students interested in computational approaches to neuroscience and those focused on machine intelligence.
- MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The MS in electrical engineering and computer science offers research opportunities in speech processing, natural language, machine learning, human-computer interaction, computer graphics, and artificial intelligence. Students complete 66 credits of coursework and a thesis.
- MS in Computational Science and Engineering. This master’s program is designed for students who want to study computational approaches to engineering issues. One of the available tracks is in machine learning. It takes about two years to complete the degree, and students must write research theses in order to graduate.
- PhD in Computational Science and Engineering. Graduate students in this program pursue coursework in different computer science and engineering fields of study, along with writing and defending a doctoral dissertation. Students can choose a discipline that’s compatible with machine learning principles, such as aeronautics or mechanical engineering.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Machine Learning Key Takeaway
Along with excellent undergraduate and graduate degree programs, MIT offers continuing education programs for professional software engineers and data scientists.
Northwestern University is a private institution in Illinois with famous programs in journalism, business, music, and engineering. Faculty from the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science are committed to academic excellence and have earned recognitions such as the National Medal of Science, MacArthur Fellowships, and the Benjamin Franklin Medal.
Northwestern University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #9
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #24
Best Northwestern University Machine Learning Programs
- BS in Computer Science. The BS in Computer Science is offered by the college of engineering, with a curriculum that focuses on the intersections of computation and engineering. Students learn about programming languages, software development, artificial intelligence, and algorithms.
- MS in Artificial Intelligence. The MSAI program offers two tracks. The traditional track is for students who want to enter the workforce to build artificial intelligence programs and machines, and the MSAI+X track is research-focused, for students who want to participate in cutting-edge research in different fields using AI.
- MS in Robotics. This robotics program prepares students for job opportunities in robotics by having them build portfolios of their work. The curriculum includes advanced coursework, like human-centered machine learning and bioelectronics. Students design and complete independent research projects with faculty advisors.
- PhD in Computer Science and Learning Sciences. Students in this program study the intersections of technology and learning, with chances to focus on both artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as the ways that technology affects human learning. Along with coursework, students must pass qualifying exams and write a dissertation.
Northwestern University Machine Learning Key Takeaway
Northwestern offers specialized master’s programs in different areas of machine learning.
Stanford University is one of the world's best research and teaching universities. Founded in 1885, the private institution has seven colleges, including a famous medical school, law school, and college of engineering. Based in San Francisco, students working on computer science degrees benefit from internship opportunities in Silicon Valley.
Stanford University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees Offered: Certificates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #9
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #4
Best Stanford University Machine Learning Programs
- BS in Symbolic Systems. Undergraduate students in the symbolic systems program focus on the interdisciplinary nature of both natural and artificial learning systems. The program blends courses in psychology, philosophy, linguistics, computer programming, and artificial intelligence.
- MS in Symbolic Systems. Graduate students conduct thesis research alongside the rigorous curriculum in this master’s program. Like the undergraduate degree, this is an interdisciplinary program. Students can take advanced electives in neurobiology, computer science, math, and philosophy.
- Graduate Certificate in Mining Massive Data Sets. Professionals working in software engineering, statistical modeling, market research, and analytics can earn this certificate online in one to two years. Students learn powerful and efficient algorithms and techniques for extracting and using information from large datasets.
- Graduate Certificate in Data, Models, and Optimization. This program teaches about a wide variety of communication, finance, and electrical engineering applications and tools. Students use machine learning and other techniques to work with data in different professional settings, all in online classes.
- Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence. The course includes hands-on projects in which students apply their knowledge to real-world data sets. Students who complete the professional course have strong foundations in machine learning and are able to apply machine learning methods to natural language data.
- PhD in Computer Science. Students earning PhDs in Computer Science can customize their coursework based on their specialization. They can focus on research areas like artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, or biocomputation.
Stanford University Machine Learning Key Takeaway
Stanford offers multiple graduate certificate online programs, offering chances for working professionals to enroll as online students and enhance their skillsets.
University of California-San Diego was founded in 1960 and is ranked among the top research universities in the world. Along with the public school’s excellent academic reputation, it hosts a prestigious public art collection called the Stuart Collection. Students can enjoy the university’s sunny climate by joining its surf team.
University of California-San Diego Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 34%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees Offered: Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #34
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #34
Best University of California-San Diego Machine Learning Programs
- BS in Cognitive Science. Undergraduate students in the cognitive science program can choose a specialization in machine learning and neural computation. The curriculum includes classes on programming languages, data science, neural networks, and machine learning principles.
- BS in Computer Science. UC San Diego’s bachelor’s program is relatively broad, offering students the chance to learn computer science in an interdisciplinary format. Computer science majors take coursework on economics, writing, communication, and linguistics, along with the standard computer science curriculum.
- MS in Computer Science. Master’s students can choose from a wide range of specializations, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks and have the option to study part-time to accommodate their work schedules.
- PhD in Computer Science. Doctoral candidates can choose a specialization in artificial intelligence and machine learning. This is an academically rigorous program that requires exams and a dissertation. Students must complete their program within seven years.
- Specialized Certificate Machine Learning Methods Program. This program takes up to nine months to complete and teaches the linear algebra skills necessary for machine learning and neural network modeling. Students learn the tools and corresponding mathematical concepts needed to interpret data from specific neural network models.
- Specialized Certificate in Artificial Intelligence. This certificate program is offered in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at UC Berkeley. AI and machine learning practitioners take five courses, in person or online, to fully develop their AI knowledge and skillset.
University of California-San Diego Machine Learning Key Takeaway
UC San Diego offers machine learning through a cognitive science lens, perfect for those looking to work in healthcare and psychology settings.
University of Illinois is a public institution in the twin Illinois cities of Urbana and Champaign. The university hosts international students from 100 different countries and counts 29 Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners among its alumni. Students enjoy on-campus programs in the arts and athletics, as well as top-notch research facilities.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- US News Ranking: #47
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #48
Best University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Machine Learning Programs
- BS in Computer Science. The Grainger College of Engineering Computer Science offers a comprehensive computer science program for undergraduate students. This program has a strong focus on the ethics and impact of computer science, teaching subject areas like social impact and cyber dystopia.
- MEng in AI and Machine Learning. This fully online master’s program, taught through University of Illinois’ Chicago branch, is a new program that can be completed in one year. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of machine learning to more advanced concepts, such as deep learning and reinforcement learning.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Machine Learning Key Takeaway
This school’s online master’s program requires two years of work experience in its admission criteria. Designed for working professionals, the program can be completed with part-time study.
University of Maryland-College Park was founded in 1856 as an agricultural school with only 34 students. The public institution has since expanded to include over 90 undergraduate majors, more than 40,000 students, and 14,000 faculty and staff. Students can choose between 11 campuses, including the main one in College Park and one in Baltimore.
University of Maryland-College Park Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Degrees offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #59
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #93
Best University of Maryland-College Park Machine Learning Programs
- BS in Computer Engineering. This undergraduate program in the department of computer science teaches students the fundamentals of programming and computational systems. Students who are interested in learning industry-specific skills can pursue a machine learning specialization.
- MPS in Machine Learning. The Master of Professional Studies covers a wide range of topics, including database design and management, data mining and analytics, machine learning, and software engineering. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships and research projects, although a thesis is not required to earn this degree.
- PhD in Computer Science. Graduate students who want to pursue careers in research should pursue a PhD in Computer Science. Students can choose from 15 different specializations. UMD College Park graduates can get research jobs at Computer Vision Laboratory, NASA, and the NSA.
University of Maryland-College Park Machine Learning Key Takeaway
High-performing undergraduate students can enroll in a combined BS/MS program in computer science, earning both degrees in five years.
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including University of Texas at Austin, which has 52,000 students on its campus. Founded in 1883, the public institution has robust research programs, receiving more than $650 million each year in research grants. UT Austin also has a vibrant university community thanks to its downtown location and campus athletics.
University of Texas at Austin Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 29%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Degrees Offered: Certificates, Bachelor’s, Master’s
- US News Ranking: #38
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #47
Best University of Texas at Austin Machine Learning Programs
- BS in Computer Science. The department of computer science offers this degree for undergraduate students. The concentration in machine learning and AI includes courses in artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, computer vision, and related subjects. Graduates can work as researchers, algorithm engineers, and data scientists.
- MS in Computer Science. This master’s program is for online students who want to learn at their own pace. It can be completed in two years with full-time study or over a longer period of time with part-time study. Coursework includes specific classes about machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.
- Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This six-month certificate course, taught fully online, covers topics like natural language processing, computer vision, deep learning, and Python for artificial intelligence. Even though it’s an online program, students still get access to advising and hands-on projects.
University of Texas at Austin Machine Learning Key Takeaway
UT Austin has online programs for graduate students and professionals looking to expand their skillset.
The Best Schools for Machine Learning: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
Machine learning programs are available at various levels that are suitable for different career stages and goals. Certificates are great ways for working professionals to study specific topics in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Associate degrees are good introductions to the field, and those looking for higher-level careers should pursue undergraduate or graduate degree programs.
Since machine learning is an advanced topic, you’ll find most professional certificate programs at four-year colleges and universities, such as the certificate program at MIT. However, there are professional certificates at some community colleges with computer science departments. Certificate programs can generally be completed quickly and offer deep dives into topics relevant to working professionals.
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Community colleges often offer associate degrees in computer science, and some even offer specific associate degrees in artificial intelligence. Associate degrees are 60-credit academic programs that take a minimum of two years to complete. Many associate degree programs offer opportunities for part-time study, so working professionals can get their degrees.
Associate of Applied Science degrees are focused on the real-world application of computer science skills, preparing students for entry-level positions in fields that use artificial intelligence technology, like IT, automotive technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Students take classes in programming, mechanical engineering, math, and statistics.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science is often the minimum education requirement for jobs in machine learning and artificial intelligence. A bachelor’s degree takes four years to earn, and most academic institutions will have at least one bachelor’s program offered by their department of computer science.
The goal of a bachelor’s program is to provide both breadth and depth, from basic computing concepts like programming to advanced topics like machine learning and data science. Students learn through coursework, internships, and research, and graduate with a strong foundation in the computer science field. Bachelor’s degree holders are qualified for jobs in computing fields, or they can continue on to earn advanced research degrees.
As the demand for data-driven decision-making continues to grow, so does the need for skilled machine learning engineers. While an undergraduate degree may be enough for some of these positions, many require a master's degree or higher. Master’s degrees typically take one to two years to complete, although students can take longer with part-time study.
Graduate education is about specialization rather than breadth, so students in master’s degree programs will focus on advanced topics in artificial intelligence and machine learning, like multi-agent systems and neural networks. Students looking for practical education should choose an MEng program, while those hoping to work in research should pursue MS degrees.
Machine learning graduate certificates are intended for recent graduates and professionals who want to advance their careers by learning new skills. Certificate programs prepare students to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to solve problems in novel, data-driven ways.
Graduate certificates are short-term programs that focus on specific, advanced topics and skills. For example, University of Texas’ online artificial intelligence certificate program takes six months to complete, while a similar program at Stanford can be completed in 10 weeks. Due to their short duration, graduate certificates are more affordable than advanced degrees.
PhD programs are for ambitious students who want to pursue careers in research or academia. They are academically rigorous, requiring several years of advanced coursework, teaching, exams, research, and writing and defending a dissertation. PhD holders are qualified to teach college-level machine learning classes or take on prestigious research roles at government institutions or tech companies.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Machine Learning Schools: Other Machine Learning University Rankings
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best machine learning schools for you. The lists below outline the best online schools, community colleges, undergraduate schools, dual degree programs, and accelerated degree programs for machine learning.
Best Online Machine Learning Schools
- Stanford University. Software engineers, data scientists, and AI professionals will benefit from Stanford’s reputation for academic excellence through its online graduate certificate programs. Students can enroll in the Artificial Intelligence and Mining Massive Datasets online programs.
- Drexel University. Drexel University offers a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning program that focuses on data science and analytics, theory of computation and algorithms, and applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Graduates can pursue careers as data scientists, computer and information research scientists, or computer systems analysts, among other high-paying roles.
- Purdue University. Purdue University’s post-graduate degree program in artificial intelligence and machine learning combines advanced coursework with hands-on training in a bootcamp-style format. The program is taught in collaboration with IBM.
Best Community Colleges for Machine Learning
- Wayne Community College. This program is designed to address the shortage of professionals prepared for artificial intelligence careers in North Carolina. Students enrolled in this school’s program may be eligible for work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities to supplement their education.
- Houston Community College. Students in the Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence program will benefit from Houston’s status as a world-class tech hub. HCC has partnerships with Intel, Microsoft, and Amazon, providing students with internships and mentorships on top of their coursework.
- Maricopa Community Colleges. Students at Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona can study artificial intelligence in a certificate program or associate degree program. The certificate program is 36 credits and covers programming languages, computer vision, and machine learning. The AAS is 60 credits and dives deeper into these topics. The associate degree program also includes a capstone project.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Machine Learning
- Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon offers an undergraduate program specifically in artificial intelligence. The private institution is known for academic excellence, and this 360-program is no exception. Graduates can work in high-paying fields like computer linguistics, AI engineering, and NLP engineering.
- Stanford University. Students in this elite private university’s computer science bachelor’s degree program can specialize in machine learning by choosing a track in artificial intelligence, information, or human-computer interaction. Graduates can work in fields like artificial intelligence engineering, business intelligence development, and research science.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology. MIT has a unique Bachelor’s Degree in Computation and Cognition. Students must complete 180 credits in a rigorous curriculum, split between courses in electrical engineering, computer science, and cognitive science.
Best Graduate Schools for Machine Learning
- Carnegie Mellon University. The Master of Science in Machine Learning from Carnegie Mellon combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in a cutting-edge curriculum. It covers topics like supervised and unsupervised learning and deep learning.
- Cornell University. Cornell’s Master of Engineering in Computer Science program gives students a thorough understanding of computer program design and analysis, as well as the ability to execute programs. Students gain the skills necessary to develop new methods and techniques for solving problems in computer science.
- Georgia Institute of Technology. Students in Georgia Tech’s MS in Computer Science program have three options for their studies. They can choose a coursework-only path, complete a final research project, or write a thesis. Specializations include computational perception and robotics, machine learning, and interactive intelligence.
Best Machine Learning Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- University of Maryland | Combined BS/MS in Computer Science. The department of computer science at UMD offers a combined degree track, allowing exceptional students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.
- Carnegie Mellon University | PhD in Statistics & Machine Learning. The joint PhD Program in Machine Learning and Statistics is a unique degree program that combines the strengths of two different disciplines. Graduates are uniquely prepared for academic careers in both computer science and statistics departments in universities.
- University of Texas at Austin | Integrated Program in Computer Science. Undergraduate students who exhibit academic excellence can apply for the school’s integrated program in computer science, which allows them to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously. Students can choose between an MS in Information Studies or an MS in Computational Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Best Schools With Accelerated Machine Learning Programs
- University of California-Berkeley | Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. In just six months, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of machine learning technology and its business applications. UC Berkeley’s professional certificate program is taught by faculty from its excellent computer science department. Students get both foundational and advanced knowledge in the field.
- Saint Louis University | BS to MS Accelerated Program. The data science accelerated program at this private university is designed for students who are looking to complete their graduate degrees in a shorter timeframe. Students can choose a specialization in artificial intelligence and earn their BS and MS degrees in five years.
- University of Pennsylvania | AI for Decision Making. The Wharton School of Business at UPenn offers an AI bootcamp that lets students start from scratch. Students get to benefit from the private institution’s expert faculty from the comfort of their homes thanks to the online format.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Machine Learning Worth It?
Yes, a graduate degree in Machine Learning is worth it. It is the bare minimum qualification for breaking into the multi-billion dollar artificial intelligence industry. To select the best school for you, you must thoroughly research your program and meet all of its admission requirements.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Machine Learning Degree?
With a degree in machine learning, you can work as an artificial intelligence specialist, a machine learning engineer, a software developer, or a data scientist. Machine learning can be applied to a wide range of fields, so you could work in industries like business, engineering, technology, or healthcare.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Machine Learning?
A machine learning bachelor’s degree can earn you between $95,255 and $138,195 per year. As you gain experience in the field, you can pursue graduate studies to increase your earning potential. Advanced degrees can also qualify you for managerial and other senior roles. The table below summarizes the highest-paying jobs in the field.
Highest-Paying Machine Learning Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist | Bachelor’s degree | $125,208 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $114,338 |
| NLP Data Scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $101,835 |
| Computer and Information Scientists | Bachelor’s degree | $100,384 |
| Data Scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $99,671 |
| Computer Scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $96,317 |
| Business Intelligence Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,255 |
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $88,896 |
| Python Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $79,395 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $73,967 |
Best Jobs With a Machine Learning Degree
Machine learning is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing computer science fields. As machine learning algorithms become more sophisticated, they are being used in a wide variety of industries to solve real-world problems. This has created a demand for machine learning experts who can design and implement these algorithms.
There are many different career paths available for students interested in machine learning. Research scientists develop new algorithms and applications for machine learning. Data scientists use machine learning to gain insights from data sets. There are opportunities in a wide range of sectors and companies implementing machine learning algorithms.
Whichever path students choose, they can be confident that a career in machine learning will be both exciting and well-paid. With the field’s impact on healthcare, engineering, and technology, there is no doubt that machine learning will continue to grow in importance. As such, students who have the skills and knowledge in this field are likely to enjoy continued job security.
Technology is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world, and the right skillset can open up a world of job opportunities. While many tech jobs require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, there are plenty of options for those with associate degrees, as well. These tend to be entry-level jobs, perfect for getting your foot in the door in the tech industry.
Top Machine Learning Careers With an Associate Degree
A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum education requirement for landing a tech job. Expertise in machine learning, whether from a specialization or choosing electives in AI and machine learning, can set you apart from other computer science graduates. Here are some of the best careers for someone with a four-year degree.
Top Machine Learning Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree
If you pursue graduate education in machine learning and artificial intelligence, you can qualify for high level jobs or management positions. Here are some of the best paying jobs you can get with a master’s in machine learning.
Top Machine Learning Careers With a Master’s Degree
A Doctorate in Machine Learning is a credential that proves your deep expertise in the field. Very few people earn PhDs, so you will qualify for the most advanced jobs in the field, including academia. Here are some high-paying jobs that someone with a PhD in Machine Learning can qualify for.
Top Machine Learning Careers With a PhD
When you're starting out in the machine learning field, it’s a great advantage to be trained by reputable organizations. Companies don’t always publish salary information for internships, but it’s worth applying for benefits like gaining hands-on experience and building your professional network. Machine learning internship programs with famous companies include the ones below.
Top Machine Learning Internships
- AI Research Intern at Meta: No salary provided
- Deep Learning Research Intern at Microsoft: No salary provided
- Artificial Intelligence Intern at Intel: No salary provided
How Can I Pay for Machine Learning School?
You can pay for your machine learning education through student loans and scholarships, or by paying out of pocket. You can also reduce the cost of your education by considering public schools instead of private schools, online instead of on-site programs, and university alternatives. The following options can be considered for financing your education.
- Pay out of pocket. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to afford your tuition costs upfront, paying out of pocket is your best option since you won’t graduate with any student debt.
- Apply for scholarships. Scholarships are offered by private companies, community organizations, and academic institutions. They do not need to be repaid, so you should research scholarship opportunities and apply for the ones you qualify for.
- Take out student loans. You can take out federal or private student loans to finance your education. Be careful when applying for loans, because they’ll need to be repaid after graduation. You’ll want to consider factors like interest rates and income-based repayment plans.
- Apply for need-based financial aid. If you are from a lower-income background, you might qualify for need-based financial aid. You should fill out FAFSA with your college applications, and some schools have their own grant programs. For example, Harvard University funds tuition costs for low-income students.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Machine Learning School for You
When weighing your options for machine learning programs, you should consider the curricula, opportunities for research and internships, and whether your program will prepare you for the real world by requiring a capstone project.
Provides a Thorough Background
Universities publish course catalogs and degree plans on their websites. When applying for schools, check out the documents available with different computer science departments. You want to make sure you’re applying to academic institutions that cover the fundamentals in computer science, programming, and math. Since machine learning relies on human learning patterns, you’ll benefit from curricula that include psychology or neuroscience courses as well.
Includes Advanced Courses and Research
With the basics covered, you can take a look at available electives and faculty specializations. You want to make sure that you have an opportunity to learn all of the different schools of thought when it comes to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Look for advanced classes in computer science, philosophy, ethics, engineering, and mathematics.
Provides Internship Opportunities
Like lab experience, internships help you learn by giving you real-life experience working with machine learning systems. You’ll also learn how to be a good colleague by getting workplace experience. The best academic institutions have career services and connections with companies and organizations that you can benefit from.
Requires a Capstone Project
The best academic institutions for machine learning will provide opportunities for students to think creatively. A capstone project is a chance for students to apply everything they’ve learned over their studies to research projects of their own design. Capstone projects can be used in students’ portfolios when they enter the workforce.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Machine Learning?
If you want a degree in machine learning, then the college you go to matters. Not all academic institutions have faculty who are machine learning experts, machine learning degree tracks, or computing laboratories. It doesn’t matter if you attend a public or private institution, but you should do your research and make sure you pick the best program specifically for machine learning.
Machine Learning University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Machine Learning
We ranked the best machine learning schools using university rankings from US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To improve our machine learning university ranking technique, we took into account factors such as track record, completion rates, student-to-faculty ratio, and the depth and breadth of machine learning courses offered.
Additional Reading About Machine Learning
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Best Machine Learning Schools FAQ
Artificial intelligence is a catch-all term for technology that enables machines to mimic human behavior. Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence that allows machines to learn on their own. Rather than programming a computer to do something, data engineers program it to learn.
You can get a job as a software engineer, programmer, or data analyst with a machine learning bachelor’s degree. Job opportunities are available in a variety of industries, including business, finance, education, commerce, and engineering. These skills are in demand everywhere, from Silicon Valley tech companies to hospitals and government agencies.
Along with the schools in this article, you can get a machine learning bachelor’s degree at University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, Yale University, Purdue University, Johns Hopkins University, Princeton University, and Oregon State University.
Yes, machine learning engineers are in high demand because their skills are applicable in a variety of industries. Enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program and developing your skills can increase your chances of finding work.
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.
