This is a ranking of the best Online Master’s Degrees in Machine Learning in the U.S.
About this ranking
This ranking is designed for online incoming students to make informed college and degree decisions for being informed about online masters in Machine Learning program options.
Machine Learning is one of the fastest growing fields in technology, but also in business.
Venture Capitalists invested record numbers of capital into Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning start-up companies in 2019.
This is scientific computing that involves teaching machines to interpret and learn patterns from large data sets and mathematical statistics.
This career field is known as Machine Learning Engineering. Machine Learning Engineers are increasingly in-demand as AI capabilities increase and more data is accessible to inform business decisions.
Masters in Machine Learning
Machine Learning is a specialized branch within computer science. Machine learning courses teach data mining, data analysis, machine learning techniques and creative thinking on how to build modern AI machine learning systems using emerging technologies. Deep technical training, natural language processing, electrical engineering, human computer interaction are key components of what core MS students learn.
These advanced programming and applications are being used in a variety of career fields, such as business (such as marketing), social media, and even law enforcement.
Universities across America are increasingly offering online Machine Learning degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. and Machine Learning methods and data visualization can also be studied within Data Science degrees. A master’s in machine learning can enable students to be proficient in scientific computing, data mining, data analysis, and high performance computing.
Machine Learning Engineer career information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists Machine Learning Engineers as Computer and Information Research Scientists. These positions earned $126,830.00 in 2020. The projected growth rate is 15% (much higher than most career fields), adding 5,000 more positions by 2029.
Ranking Methodology
This Best Online Master’s Degrees in Machine Learning ranking was created using Successful Student’s ranking algorithm. This algorithm uses the following data points to calculate a school’s ranking placement:
- Retention rate
- Desirability (number of applicants)
- Percentage of students who are fully online
- In-district average tuition for full time graduates
- In-state average graduate tuition
- Academic influence
The Best Online Master’s Degrees in Machine Learning
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, New York |
| 2 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| 3 | Colorado State University Global | Aurora, CO |
| 4 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX |
| 5 | University of San Diego | San Diego, California |
| 6 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ |
| 7 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA |
Columbia University in the City of New York
The School of Engineering
New York, New York
The School of Engineering at Columbia University offers an Online Computer Science Master’s in Machine Learning. The curriculum requires:
- Breadth courses
- Six points of Required Track courses
- Six points of Track Electives
- Six points of General Electives
Breadth courses cover three essential categories:
- Theory
- Systems
- AI and Applications
Each Student must complete a minimum of one approved class from each category and then one additional class from any of the three categories, and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 throughout the program. At the end of the program graduates can apply their knowledge to a variety of fields including:
- Bioinformatics
- Fraud detection
- Intelligent systems
- Finance
- Information retrieval
Credit requirements: 30 credits
Selection of courses:
- Foundations of Graphical Models
- Computer Vision
- Computational Aspects of Robotics
- Biometrics
- Speech Recognition
- Advanced Robotic Manipulation
Program length: Up to five years
Start dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Admissions and transfer credit information: an undergraduate degree, preferably in a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.3 is required. Transcripts, resume, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and GRE test scores must be submitted.
Admissions accepts up to six transfer credits.
Drexel University
College of Computing and Informatics
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Drexel offers the Master of Science in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence degree that is available on campus and online. This program is customizable, offering three online graduate certificates, which, when combined, are given credit for a full master’s. This allows part time or full time students to choose three certificates from among a varied and wide array of certificate programs.
For example, the first certificate can be in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and the second certificate in Data Science, and then work with the advisors to tailor the third certificate to build upon the first two.
This is a very innovative way to tailor the particular fields of study within the AI and ML framework. In addition to the completed Master’s program, graduates will have completed three certifications.
Course length: 45 credits
Selection of core courses:
- Deep Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Capstone I–II
This program teaches theoretical and applied artificial intelligence and machine learning competencies.
Colorado State University Global
Aurora, CO
Colorado State University offers several computer science related fields of study including:
- Information Technology Management
- Cyber Security
- Web Application Development
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning degree is for those with an interest in designing technical solutions for real-world problems. Coursework in Discrete Mathematics and Quantitative Business Analysis must be completed before starting this program. This ai degree program teaches:
- Achieving goals using Artificial Intelligence reasoning
- Applying logic and machine learning to problem solving
- Analyzing and controlling project goals and outcomes
- Using ethical practice in data processing and robotic control
Graduates of the program have successful careers as:
- Intelligence or Interaction Designer
- Systems Analyst
- Software Developer
- AI or Machine Learning Scientist/Engineer
Credit requirements: 30 credits
Selection of core courses:
- Principles of Programming
- Ethical Leadership in Software Development
- Foundations of Operating Systems
- Principles of Machine Learning
- Applying Machine Learning and Neural Networks – Capstone
Online instruction style: Asynchronous
Admissions and transfer credit information: Interested applicants must have a previous undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA.
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
The online Master of Science in Data Science at Southern Methodist University is interdisciplinary, drawing on experts from these departments:
- The Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
- The Lyle School of Engineering
- The Meadows School of the Arts
There are two areas of specialization available: Machine Learning and Business Analytics. The online Master of Science in Data Science with specialization in Machine Learning requires:
- 30 credits of coursework
- 1.5-credit immersion experience located on an SMU campus in Texas
- 2-credit capstone project
This program teaches mathematical foundations and advanced computational algorithms. The algorithms can be applied to solving complex problems. Upon graduate may pursue highly technical careers such as:
- Data Architect
- Programmer
- Application Developer
- Statistician
Credit requirements: 33.5 credits
Selection of core courses:
- Statistical Foundations for Data Science
- Doing Data Science
- Applied Statistics: Inference and Modeling
- File Organization and Database Management
- Machine Learning
- Visualization of Information
- Quantifying the World
Online instruction style: Asynchronous and Synchronous aspects.
Program length: twenty to twenty four months.
Start dates: January, May, August, and November.
Admissions and transfer credit information: Students must submit transcripts, professional resume, statement of purpose, at least one letter of recommendation, and GRE test scores.
University of San Diego
San Diego, California
The University of San Diego offers the online Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence degree. This program is the same for online and on-campus students.
This program focuses on teaching Applied Artificial Intelligence, which means that students will use AI in real world applications.
Online students learn proficiency in these domains of AI:
- Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Internet of Things
- Computer Vision
Online courses include:
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analytics and Internet of Things
- Natural Language Processing
- Machine Learning: Fundamentals and Applications
The time it takes to get this online degree is 20 months (less than two years). Courses last for seven weeks, are taken one at a time, and two courses are taken for each semester. This AI programs culminates in a capstone project.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ
Stevens Institute of Technology offers an Online Master of Science in Machine Learning. The curriculum requires students to complete a minimum of four core courses and three electives. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of deep learning theory. Students then develop real-world applications in a variety of fields including:
- Computer vision
- Speech recognition
- Natural language processing
- Robotics
- Finance
- Weather prediction
Both thesis and non-thesis tracks are available. Stevens Institute encourages students to take advantage of the main campus location and its connections to New York City for internship opportunities. Graduates of the program have found career opportunities as:
- Research Scientist
- Data Scientist/Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Business Intelligence Developer
Credit requirements: 30 graduate credits
Selection of required courses:
- Machine Learning: Fundamental and Applications
- Artificial Intelligence
- Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Statistical Machine Learning
Learning enrollment options: Part or Full time enrollment
Admissions and transfer credit information: Students must have a prior undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must submit official transcripts and two letters of recommendation. Submitting a professional resume is optional. Students attending full-time must also submit GRE scores. Admissions does not require GRE scores for students attending part-time.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
The Online Master’s in Computer Science degree through Georgia Tech offers specializations in:
- Computation Perception and Robotics
- Computing Systems
- Interactive Intelligence
- Machine Learning
The Online Master of Science in Computer Science: Machine Learning Specialization is the first degree of its kind available through a Massive Online Open Course platform. This format allows Georgia Tech to reach a larger student body at a more affordable price. Georgia Tech is able to offer this program format in partnership with Udacity and AT&T.
Students must complete 15 hours of coursework for the Machine Learning specialization. This includes six hours of core courses and nine hours of electives. The additional 15 hours to complete the degree are any free elective courses through the Computer Science program.
Credit requirements: 30 hours
Selection of possible courses:
- Introduction to Graduate Algorithms
- Machine Learning
- Computer Vision
- Reinforcement Learning and Decision Making
- Big Data for Health
- Bayesian Methods
Program length: Most students complete the program in three years. Georgia Tech allows up to six years.
Start dates: Fall or Spring
Admissions and transfer credit information: Students must submit previous transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0. Admissions prefers applicants with a strong background in a computer science related area. Additional material includes three letters of recommendation and GRE test scores.
- The Best Online Master’s Degrees in Data Science
- The Best Robotics Programs in College
- The Best Artificial Intelligence Journals
- The Best STEM Degrees for Careers of the Future
- The Best Colleges For Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Education
- The Best Online Video Game Design Colleges
- The 50 Best Video Game Design Colleges
- The Best Bachelor’s in Computer Science: Game Design Degrees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Machine Learning?
Machine Learning focuses on finding and predicting patterns. It is often seen as a subset of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence applies machine learning as a factor in solving problems. The field of Machine Learning concentrates on mathematical algorithms. It creates software for machines to accumulate data to predict and solve future problems. It harnesses mathematics and data to create efficient, intuitive technologies. These technologies include digital assistants, traffic predictions, face recognition and product recommendations.
What Does a Degree in Machine Learning Involve?
Machine Learning programs can often be tailored to your research interests. Courses cover an intense study of algorithms and learning theories and application. Graduates can pursue careers in Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Software Engineering, Robotics, and many more. Earning an online master’s in machine learning will allow you the flexibility of at-home learning paired with the intensity of your course load. A master’s degree allows specific expertise that sets you apart as you enter the workforce.
Can I do a Master’s in Machine Learning?
Yes. There are online and on campus master’s degrees in Machine Learning at colleges and universities across the United States. Some master’s are in Machine Learning, and some master’s are in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. Also, there are master’s degrees in Data Science with specializations in Machine Learning.
What is the best online degree program for AI and ML?
The best master’s degree in AI and ML is the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Drexel University. This degree is unique, allowing on campus and online students the flexibility to choose and obtain three graduate certificates which culminate into earning a full master’s degree in AI and ML. This unique degree allows for customizable degree program which earns a master’s degree and three individual certificates in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and related disciplines such as Data Science and Software Development.
