Machine learning certificates provide foundational knowledge and skills through fundamental courses and practical projects. Working professionals with a machine learning bachelor’s degree can also boost their in-demand skills and knowledge through machine learning college certificate programs.
Elite universities offer machine learning certificate programs with hands-on exercises taught by industry practitioners. These courses give a practical introduction to various aspects of machine learning.
We provide you with a list of the best undergraduate and graduate certificate programs provided by top-tier schools and organizations. These institutions offer self-paced learning options and traditional, in-person classes. The instructor-led training can provide a foundation of knowledge for further study to become machine learning engineers.
What Is a Machine Learning Certificate College Program?
A machine learning certificate college program is a non-degree learning path. It teaches deep learning and other artificial intelligence topics through coursework and hands-on experience. A certificate program focuses on basic knowledge of core subjects in the machine learning field.
Certificate programs require a minimum education and prerequisite courses for all applicants. Students who meet the certificate requirements of B or C grade in all courses will earn their certificates. These programs cover the specialized topics students need to move toward a career in machine learning.
What’s the Difference Between a College Machine Learning Certificate and Professional Certification in Machine Learning?
The difference between a college machine learning certificate and a professional certification is the certification process. You can earn a certificate through a program offered by a school or organization but you have to pass an exam to earn a certification.
An organization takes professionals through an assessment process for certification, and they must meet the industry standards required. Other common differences between a certificate and certification are the outcome and eligibility criteria.
Machine Learning College Certificate vs Machine Learning Certification: Key Differences
| Machine Learning Certificate | Machine Learning Certification |
|---|---|
| A machine learning college certificate requires students to complete courses to obtain the certificate. | You can earn machine learning certification through training and exams. |
| The course content is academic-based. | The standard of certification is industry-based. |
| Successful students can transfer credits to a degree program. | A certification is a credential professionals can place on their resume |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Machine Learning Certificate at College?
It takes one year, or two to three semesters, to get a machine learning certificate at college. Students should complete nine to 15 credit hours to receive a certificate. Several programs are flexible online courses of unsupervised learning for working professionals. We’ve listed popular machine learning certificates below to give you basic knowledge of various types of machine learning educational options.
Best Machine Learning Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University | Certificate in Artificial Intelligence | $203/credit |
| Golden Gate University | Undergraduate Certificate In Data Analytics |
$660/credit |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | Undergraduate Certificate in AI for Emerging Applications | $753/credit |
| San Francisco State University | Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning for Biotechnology | $7,522/2 semesters |
| Temple University | Data Science: Computational Analytics Certificate | $571/credit |
| University of Florida | Undergraduate Certificate in AI Fundamentals and Applications | $6,380/year |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Undergraduate Certificate in Machine Learning | $312/credit |
| University of Missouri-St. Louis | Undergraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence | $379/credit |
| University of Oklahoma | Undergraduate Certificate in Data Science and Analytics | $302/credit |
| University of Texas at San Antonio | Undergraduate Certificate in Data Science | $450/credit |
Best Undergraduate Machine Learning Certificate Programs: Explained
The best undergraduate machine learning certification programs give you a basic knowledge of deep learning models and hands-on guides. The list below will help you assess each program to choose the best fit for you.
The certificate program at Florida Atlantic University provides two different tracks in development and application. Choose the applications track for the Applied Machine Learning and Data Mining course. This program requires students to maintain a C-grade to receive their certificate.
Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Details
- Cost: $203/credit (in-state); $722/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Any academic background
- Other Requirements: Official transcripts, must complete a statistics course
This Golden Gate University program will equip you with Python, R, HQL, or SQL programming skills. Data analytics and data science experts commonly use these programming languages. You will also learn the basics of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
The program includes a combination of math, data analytics, and machine learning. Choose the Basic Proficiency in Programming with Python course for an introduction to machine learning.
Undergraduate Certificate In Data Analytics Details
- Cost: $660/credit
- Length: 9 credits
- Learning Format: In-person, online, hybrid
- Minimum Education: College Degree
- Other Requirements: GPA of 2.0, students who earned 11 or fewer semester units need to submit a resume that shows at least three years of work experience in the field, a statement of purpose, and a GPA of 3.0.
The Milwaukee School of Engineering certificate program comprises asynchronous courses and a hands-on project that will equip you with practical skills in artificial intelligence. The program consists of required courses, a practicum, and an application track. Required courses include machine learning tools, Python programming for AI, deep learning, and neural networks.
Undergraduate Certificate in AI for Emerging Applications Details
- Cost: $753/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Must be an undergraduate student
- Other Requirements: N/A
San Francisco State University’s machine learning certificate program teaches data science and machine learning techniques used in biotechnology. You will also learn how to develop solutions for real-world problems in biotechnology using different machine learning tools. Courses include data science, bioinformatics, and machine learning.
Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning for Biotechnology Details
- Cost: $7,522/2 semesters
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Undergraduate degree at SFSU
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, statement of purpose, a GPA of at least 2.5
Temple University provides rigorous big data and machine learning courses like statistical business analytics, the foundations of machine learning, data science principles, and linear algebra. Undergraduate students and professionals can take this certificate.
Data Science: Computational Analytics Certificate Details
- Cost: $571/credit (in-state); $939/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 13 to 15 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Must be an undergraduate student
- Other Requirements: N/A
The University of Florida offers a machine learning and data science undergraduate certificate. It is composed of two required courses and one college course. Select machine learning fundamentals in the college course options. To earn the certificate, you need to maintain nothing less than a C grade.
Undergraduate Certificate in AI Fundamentals and Applications Details
- Cost: $6,380 (in-state), $28,658 (out-of-state)
- Length: 9 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Must be at a junior level of any major
- Other Requirements: None
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers this undergraduate machine learning certificate program on developing artificial intelligence solutions. You can build a foundational knowledge of machine learning methods in this program. The course will equip you with key skills essential to in-demand machine learning jobs.
Online Undergraduate Certificate in Machine Learning Details
- Cost: $312/credit (in-state); $499/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Must be an undergraduate student at UMGC
- Other Requirements: N/A
This certificate program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis consists of five required courses and three electives. Elective options include an introduction to machine learning, data mining, and deep learning. The course provides hands-on experience and training.
Undergraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Details
- Cost: $379/credit (in-state), $1,019/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: In-person, online
- Minimum Education: Undergraduate degree
- Other Requirements: A GPA of 2.5, experience in mathematics, statistics, and computer science
The Gallogly College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma offers core courses in machine learning for data science and big data engineering. Students need a minimum grade of C for all courses to earn this certificate.
Data Science and Analytics Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $302/credit hour (in-state); $829/credit hour (out-of-state)
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Must be an undergraduate student at the Gallogly College of Engineering or the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy
- Other Requirements: None
This undergraduate certificate from the University of Texas at San Antonio builds practical knowledge of data analytics, machine learning, and data mining. No programming experience is required, and you can take online courses asynchronously. You can qualify for several in-demand data science jobs with this machine learning certificate program.
Undergraduate Certificate in Data Science Details
- Cost: $450/credit
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Must be an undergraduate degree at UTSA
- Other Requirements: C grade in college algebra, transcripts, ACT or SAT scores
Machine Learning College Certificate Program vs Machine Learning Associate Degree
Before enrolling in any academic program, it is important that you first determine your career goal to identify the best program for you. A few fundamental differences exist between a machine learning college certificate program and a machine learning associate degree.
- Program Length. College certificates are typically shorter than associate degrees. It usually takes one year to earn a certificate, while most associate degrees last for two years.
- Curriculum. A machine learning certificate program includes specific technical courses, while associate degrees may include additional general courses such as math, social sciences, or economics.
- Eligibility criteria. An undergraduate certificate program is for current undergraduate students who want to advance their knowledge in machine learning. They may also be allowed to transfer credits to a master’s degree program if they plan to pursue a graduate degree. Associate degrees accept high school graduates or GED holders.
- Resume boost. Most prospective employers require a degree for an entry-level position. While you may get entry-level jobs with a certificate, an associate degree may give you an advantage over certificate holders.
- Earning potential. An associate degree may offer you a higher earning potential because you receive a more well-rounded education. However, undergraduate certificates as part of a bachelor’s program may give you a greater advantage.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Machine Learning Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate machine learning certificate is worth it. It is worth it if you plan to use it in conjunction with a bachelor’s degree or for credit toward a master’s degree. It will give you an advanced learning opportunity and lead you toward your dream role in the job market.
Best Machine Learning Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | Online Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | $1355/credit |
| Georgia State University | Graduate Certificate in Trustworthy AI Systems | $4,776/semester |
| Marquette University | Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning for Engineering Applications | $1,245/credit |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning | $891/quarter |
| Sofia University | Graduate Certificate in AI & Machine Learning | $8,460 total |
| University of Missouri | Graduate Certificate in AI, Machine learning, and Automation in Business | $1,200/credit |
| The University of New Orleans | Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning & AI | $335/credit |
| University of North Dakota | Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | $545/credit |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | Graduate Certificate in Applied Machine Learning | $1,866/credit |
| University of Wisconsin | Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | $843/credit |
Best Graduate Machine Learning Certificate Programs Explained
The best graduate machine learning certificates require between 12 to 18 credits. You can often transfer these credits toward a master’s degree. The colleges offer courses online and in person, with online courses having a more flexible pace of learning. Compare each program’s cost, courses, length, and requirements below.
This online graduate certificate program from Drexel University has two required courses and two elective courses, each equivalent to three credit hours. You will learn AI and machine learning algorithms and applications in this program. Students need background knowledge and skills in STEM or computer science.
Online Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Details
- Cost: $1355/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: A bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or any STEM degree
- Other Requirements: GPA of 3.0, official transcripts, recommendation letters, resume, statement of purpose
Georgia State University offers this machine learning graduate certificate that teaches students to develop and deploy trustworthy and efficient AI systems. You can complete this machine learning college certificate program in two semesters.
Graduate Certificate in Trustworthy AI Systems Details
- Cost: $4,776/semester (in-state); $15,108/semester (out-of-state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Statement of purpose, transcripts, English proficiency (international students)
Marquette University in Milwaukee offers this machine learning certificate. Students learn to analyze and design solutions to machine learning problems. Completing this certificate program will qualify you to work in healthcare, manufacturing, and finance. Students learn from expert faculty with industry experience and develop their technical skills through intensive coursework.
Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning for Engineering Applications Details
- Cost: $1,245/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In-person, online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose
The Milwaukee School of Engineering certificate focuses on building machine learning solutions. This graduate certificate program is for working adults who will learn to make accurate predictions and data-driven decisions. The program comprises three courses equivalent to four credits. The one-year certificate program covers AI tools, data science, and machine learning.
Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $891/quarter
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Software Engineering
- Other Requirements: Official transcripts
Sofia University in Palo Alto, California, offers this graduate certificate program in person and online. The course covers robotics hardware and data science software. You will study the hardware side of robotics through a hands-on lab and in-depth robotic courses.
Data science and machine learning courses use the latest software tools in building AI solutions. The certificate program will also give you the essential knowledge to earn a certification in CompTIA Security+ and other cyber security certifications.
Graduate Certificate in AI & Machine Learning Details
- Cost: $8,460 total
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: In-person, online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: a GPA of at least 3.0, official transcripts, English proficiency (if applicable)
The University of Missouri provides this online accredited graduate certificate program. Students must complete two required core courses and two elective courses. Elective course choices include a data science and machine learning track. B-grade students can apply for a master’s degree program in the same department without taking the GRE/GMAT.
Graduate Certificate in AI, Machine learning, and Automation in Business Details
- Cost: $1,200/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Social Sciences, Sciences, Technology, Engineering, or any similar field
- Other Requirements: Statement of purpose, transcripts
This graduate certificate program teaches students to build solutions for several machine learning challenges. You will gain technical skills in using algorithms in real-world applications. This program also allows you to participate in research activities and join the school’s Bioinformatics and Machine Learning lab.
Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning & AI Details
- Cost: $335/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In-person
- Minimum Education: Must be an undergraduate student at the university
- Other Requirements: 2.5 GPA for undergraduate coursework and 3.0 GPA for graduate or postgraduate coursework, transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, must complete the two required courses in Advanced Machine Learning I and Advanced Machine Learning II
This University of North Dakota program is a one-year graduate certificate course. Students gain theoretical knowledge of machine learning through training and lectures. Working professionals who want to strengthen their expertise can take web evening classes.
Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Details
- Cost: $545/credit (on-campus); $798/credit (online)
- Length: 9 credits
- Learning Format: Online, In-person
- Minimum Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
- Other Requirements: 3.0 GPA, English proficiency
The University of Texas at Dallas offers a certificate program that teaches statistical methods in data science and machine learning applications for business. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all required courses. The required courses are Advanced Statistics for Data Science, Business Analytics with R, Applied Machine Learning, and Applied Natural language Processing.
Graduate Certificate in Applied Machine Learning Details
- Cost: $1,866/credit (in-state); $2,765/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online, in-person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Transcripts, resume, essay, letter of recommendation
The University of Wisconsin offers this one-year graduate certificate program. This college certificate program is not limited to computer science students. Its curriculum includes four required courses and three elective courses.
Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Details
- Cost: $843/credit (in-state); $1,683/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 15 credits
- Learning Format: In-person, online, hybrid
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: 2.7 GPA
Machine Learning Graduate Certificate Program vs Machine Learning Master’s Degree
There are significant differences between a machine learning graduate certificate program and a machine learning master’s degree. Common differences include the number of required credits, learning outcome, and the career path you can pursue after completing the program.
- Number of credits. A master’s degree usually requires 60 credit hours, while the graduate certificate program typically requires 12 to 15 credit hours. A master’s degree includes additional general education courses and a thesis or research project. A graduate certificate program focuses on technical courses and focused electives.
- Learning outcome. Students who earn a graduate certificate have proficient machine learning technical knowledge. Those who complete a master’s degree obtain skills in management and research and in-depth theoretical knowledge.
- Professional goal. Successful completion of a master’s degree qualifies you for leadership or managerial roles. A graduate certificate gives enough academic experience for higher-paying positions.
- Length of course. You can complete a graduate certificate in a year, while a master’s degree can be completed in two years by full-time students.
- Financial Aid. You can’t apply for federal financial aid with a graduate certificate program. Master’s degree students can apply for federal financial assistance.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Machine Learning Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate machine learning certificate is worth it, especially if you want to continue studying for a master’s degree. Most schools allow students to transfer credits from their graduate certificate to a master’s degree program. Even if you don’t plan to study further, a graduate certificate is an important addition to your resume.
Machine Learning Certificate Program Coursework
Machine learning certificate programs cover a broad field of subjects. Instructor-led training in these popular courses will give you a solid foundation for job readiness. The most common courses include introductions to machine learning, Python programming, data science, statistics, deep learning, and neural networks.
Introduction to Machine Learning
This course gives students basic knowledge of machine learning. The broad introduction includes machine learning models, applications, and machine learning concepts. This includes algorithms and techniques.
Python Programming
Python is a programming language commonly used in machine learning and artificial intelligence. It is a high-level language that includes valuable libraries such as the NumPy library, TensorFlow, and Pandas. You can use these in building prototypes for your machine learning application.
Applied Data Science
This course teaches students to develop their data science skills through practical applications. It includes collecting and analyzing data and making data-driven business decisions to solve real-world problems.
Statistics
In this course, you will learn the different statistical techniques, exploratory data analysis, statistical pattern recognition, and statistical tools for prediction accuracy. Students learn how to implement statistical methods for data analysis through sampling and experimentation.
Deep Learning and Neural Networks
A neural network has a set of algorithms that think like the human brain. This course covers neural network fundamentals, deep learning, and machine learning. Students may require a background in Python programming and Jupyter Notebooks.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Machine Learning Certificate from College?
With a machine learning certificate, you can apply for a software development role, engineering job, or analyst position. Several companies like Amazon, Meta, Intel Corporation, and Qualcomm hire machine learning industry experts. These companies offer competitive pay and a generous benefits package.
Best Machine Learning Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Machine Learning Engineer | $113,499 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Business Intelligence Developer | $101,527 |
| Business Analyst | $91,789 |
| Data Analyst | $63,295 |
Best Machine Learning Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
The best machine learning certificate jobs and careers include machine learning engineers, software developers, business intelligence developers, business analysts, and data analysts. You can find many job opportunities in this field.
These engineers design and develop artificial intelligence systems through statistical analysis, testing, and algorithms. To become a machine learning engineer, you should have in-depth skills and knowledge of programming languages such as Python, R, and Java.
- Average Salary: $113,499
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Master's degree and programming experience in Python
Software developers design, develop, and implement software applications. Machine learning certificates include programming in their curriculum to help you gain the required experience in software development. Practical experience is also important when you apply for a software developer position.
- Average Salary: $110,140
- Job Outlook: 22% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and experience in software development or any related field
Business intelligence developers should have database, data analytics, and troubleshooting skills. While a bachelor’s degree is required, a certificate program will also help you gain advanced knowledge of these skills.
- Average Salary: $101,527
- Job Outlook: 14% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree and less than five years work experience in the related field
Business analysts solve business problems using technology solutions. They gather and analyze business requirements and provide tech insights. Business analysts should have skills in statistics, business intelligence, data mining, and databases. The machine learning certificate program curriculum covers statistics and other tech topics to help you learn business analyst skills.
- Average Salary: $92,969
- Job Outlook: 14% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree and less than five years work experience in the related field
Data analysts collect, interpret, and analyze data and economic trends for better business decisions. They should have excellent Microsoft Excel, Python programming, R programming, Tableau, and Power BI skills. A machine learning certificate program also includes courses related to data analytics.
- Average Salary: $63,295
- Job Outlook: 25% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree and any work experience in the related field
Should I Also Get a Machine Learning Certification?
Yes, you should also get a machine learning (ML) certification because this will help boost your job applications. Certifications demonstrate that you have the essential skills and knowledge in this field. Passing a certification exam means you are competitive and qualified to do the job.
Best Machine Learning Certifications
- Professional Machine Learning Engineer. Google cloud offers this certification program to evaluate your skills in identifying ML problems, creating solutions, and developing ML models. The two-hour certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions. You can take the online-proctored or onsite-proctored exam.
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty. This certification specialty exam by AWS will assess your skills in creating ML models for Amazon Web Services. Your experience in AWS cloud services can help you pass the exam. The 180-minute exam has 65 questions.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate. Microsoft offers this professional certificate in data science to measure your skills in Azure machine learning. You can take either the free online or the instructor-led exam that costs $165.
- TensorFlow Developer Certificate. TensorFlow provides this professional certificate program to test your skills in ML applications using TensorFlow. This is a five-hour performance-based exam that you can take online.
- Certified Machine Learning Master (CMLM). This machine learning certification exam by the Global Skill Development Council will validate your skills in ML approaches, algorithms, and best practices.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Machine Learning Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for machine learning is worth it because it qualifies you for several in-demand jobs, and you can also use it for educational advancement. Undergrad students planning to pursue a Master’s Degree in Machine Learning can enroll in a certification program to gain advanced skills in machine learning.
A certificate also allows working professionals with a bachelor’s degree to learn the latest skills in machine learning and advance their knowledge without needing a master’s degree.
Machine Learning Certificates FAQ
Examples of machine learning (ML) real-world applications are high-tech solutions and devices such as self-driving cars, online fraud detectors, and virtual personal assistants. ML is also used in object recognition, speech recognition, cancer detection, traffic prediction, and email spam recognition.
To apply for machine learning jobs, check the company’s official website for job openings. Read the application process and requirements before sending your application. You can also visit third-party sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to look for machine learning job opportunities.
The most common programming languages in a machine learning certificate program are Python, SQL, and R. These are commonly used in statistics and developing AI systems. These languages contain useful libraries and components for machine learning and AI.
Machine learning is not hard to learn for people with a background in programming, mathematics, or computer science. Machine learning requires an understanding of STEM. Beginners should first study Python programming courses.
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