Massachusetts has one of the deepest groups of graduate programs in the country for students who want to study machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data science, with most of them in Greater Boston and Worcester.
The options differ quite a bit. Boston University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Clark University each offer a dedicated master’s in artificial intelligence. Boston College builds a machine learning core into an applied analytics degree, and Harvard University approaches machine learning through data science. Brandeis University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Fitchburg State University, and the University of Massachusetts campuses at Amherst and Lowell place it within a computer science master’s.
This guide compares the twelve Massachusetts programs and helps you decide which approach fits your goals.
Massachusetts Machine Learning Master’s Programs at a Glance
| School | Degree | Location | Format | ML Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | MS in Applied Analytics | Chestnut Hill / Online | Campus or Online | Required machine learning and AI algorithms core |
| Boston University | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Boston | Campus | Dedicated AI degree with required ML, NLP, and computer vision |
| Brandeis University | MS in Computer Science | Waltham | Campus | Machine learning, deep learning, and NLP as electives |
| Clark University | MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence | Worcester / Online | Campus or Online | Dedicated AI degree with required ML, data mining, and deep learning |
| Fitchburg State University | MS in Computer Science – Data Science | Fitchburg / Online | Campus or Online | Required machine learning and data mining courses in the concentration |
| Harvard University | SM in Data Science | Cambridge and Boston | Campus | Machine learning as one option in the data science core |
| Northeastern University | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Boston | Campus | Dedicated AI degree with a required ML course and a Machine Learning concentration |
| Tufts University | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Medford and Somerville | Campus | Dedicated AI degree with required AI and machine learning courses |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence concentration | Amherst / Online | Campus, Online, or Hybrid | Required AI core course; optional Artificial Intelligence or Data Science concentration |
| University of Massachusetts Lowell | MS in Computer Science | Lowell | Campus | Machine learning, AI, data mining, and NLP as electives |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | MS in Computer Science | Boston | Campus | Required machine learning course with AI electives |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Worcester / Online | Campus or Online | Dedicated AI degree with required AI and machine learning courses |
The programs range from dedicated AI degrees to broader computer science and data science programs. Students should compare the curriculum rather than relying on the degree title alone.
Boston College
MS in Applied Analytics
Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts or Online
Credits: 30
Format: Evening campus classes, online, or a combination
Typical Length: 12 months full time; about 20 months part time
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Required machine learning and AI algorithms core
Boston College offers its MS in Applied Analytics through the Woods College of Advancing Studies.
Despite the analytics name, the required core is built around machine learning. It includes two AI algorithms courses that reach neural networks, deep learning, and reinforcement learning, a course in AI and machine learning software tools, and a course in algorithmic ethics and governance.
The program admits in fall, spring, and summer, and tuition is $1,550 per credit in 2026–27.
Best fit for: Working professionals and career changers who want applied machine learning without needing a computer science degree first.
View our complete Boston College applied analytics profile
Boston University
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Credits: 32 units (eight courses)
Format: Campus
Typical Length: Two to three semesters
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Required machine learning, AI, natural language processing, and image and video computing
Boston University offers its MS in Artificial Intelligence through the Department of Computer Science in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.
Half of the eight courses are fixed. Machine learning, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and image and video computing are all required, and the remaining four courses are electives. A master’s project or thesis is optional.
The program assumes a computer science background, admits for fall only, and is not offered online.
Best fit for: Computer science graduates who want a short, full-time AI degree on campus in Boston.
View our complete Boston University AI master’s profile
Brandeis University
MS in Computer Science
Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
Credits: 36 (9 courses) or 48 (12 courses)
Format: Campus
Typical Length: Three or four semesters
GRE: Optional
Machine Learning Focus: Machine learning electives; no formal track
Brandeis University offers its MS in Computer Science through the Michtom School of Computer Science, with a 9-course track for computer science graduates and a 12-course track for students from other majors.
Machine learning is not required of every student. It enters the degree through electives such as Introduction to Machine Learning, Statistical Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Unsupervised Learning and Data Mining.
The degree is taught in person in Waltham and has no online option.
Best fit for: Students who want to build their own machine learning course plan inside a small, in-person computer science program near Boston.
View our complete Brandeis University machine learning profile
Clark University
MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts or Online
Courses: 10
Format: Campus or Online
Typical Length: As little as three semesters full time
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Required machine learning, data mining, deep learning, and generative AI courses
Clark University offers its MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence through the School of Professional Studies.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Applied Machine Learning, Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, Applied Deep Learning, and Generative Artificial Intelligence are all required courses, and students finish with a capstone practicum.
Clark lists the program in campus and online versions, with campus tuition of $4,245 per course and a published online total of $20,000.
Best fit for: Students who want a practice-oriented AI degree in central Massachusetts or online, with machine learning and deep learning in the required core.
View our complete Clark University AI master’s profile
Fitchburg State University
MS in Computer Science – Data Science Concentration
Location: Fitchburg, Massachusetts or Online
Credits: 33
Format: Evening campus classes or 100% online
Typical Length: As few as two years
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Required machine learning and data mining courses in the concentration
Fitchburg State University offers a Data Science Concentration within its MS in Computer Science, in the evening on campus or fully online.
It is a computer science master’s with a four-course data science block. Machine Learning for Data Science and Data Mining and Predictive Analytics are required in the concentration, alongside an 18-credit computer science core.
Tuition and mandatory fees come to $347 per credit in 2026–27, the same in state and out of state, plus a $58 per credit online program fee.
Best fit for: Students who want a general computer science master’s with a data science and machine learning component at public university cost.
View our complete Fitchburg State University data science profile
Harvard University
Master of Science (SM) in Data Science
Location: Cambridge and Boston (Allston), Massachusetts
Credits: 48 (12 courses)
Format: Campus, full time
Typical Length: Three semesters
GRE: Optional
Machine Learning Focus: Machine learning as one option in a three-of-four data science requirement
Harvard University offers its SM in Data Science through the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, with admission through Harvard Griffin GSAS.
Machine learning is not required of every student by name. It enters the degree through a Data Science/Machine Learning requirement in which students choose three of four options, one of which is Machine Learning. Students finish with a capstone project, or a thesis by approved proposal.
The program is full time and on campus only, and it admits once a year for fall.
Best fit for: Students with a solid mathematics and programming background who want a short, full-time degree that combines statistics and computer science.
View our complete Harvard University data science profile
Northeastern University
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Credits: 32 semester hours
Format: In person, full time or part time
Typical Length: About 2 years full time; about 2.5 years with co-op
GRE: Optional
Machine Learning Focus: Required AI and machine learning core, with a Machine Learning concentration
Northeastern University offers its MS in Artificial Intelligence in Boston, with the Machine Learning concentration housed in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences.
Every student completes a 16-hour core that includes Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and a machine learning course, then a 16-hour concentration that ends in a capstone or master’s project. An optional co-op is available.
The program is taught in person, and tuition is $1,922 per credit hour in 2026–27.
Best fit for: Students who already program and want machine learning as required coursework, with a concentration and the option of a co-op in Boston.
View our complete Northeastern University AI master’s profile
Tufts University
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts
Credits: 30
Format: On campus, full time or part time
Typical Length: 18 to 24 months
GRE: Not required with a U.S. or Canadian degree
Machine Learning Focus: Required AI, machine learning, and AI ethics core
Tufts University offers its MS in Artificial Intelligence through the School of Engineering.
Every student takes a required core in artificial intelligence, machine learning, AI ethics, and probability or statistics, then completes either a Computer Science track or an Electrical and Computer Engineering track. Deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing are electives.
The degree is offered on campus only, and tuition is $1,855 per credit in 2026–27.
Best fit for: Students with a technical background who want a campus-based degree built around AI and machine learning, with a computational or an engineering track.
View our complete Tufts University AI master’s profile
University of Massachusetts Amherst
MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence Concentration
Location: Amherst, Massachusetts or Online
Credits: 30
Format: Campus, Online, or Hybrid
Typical Length: Usually four semesters on campus
GRE: Optional
Machine Learning Focus: Required AI core course; optional Artificial Intelligence or Data Science concentration
The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers its MS in Computer Science through the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences.
Every student must pass at least one course from the Artificial Intelligence core area, but no single machine learning course is required. Students who want more can add the Artificial Intelligence or Data Science concentration inside the 30 credits. The degree is non-thesis.
The degree is available on campus, online, and in a hybrid format, and the online rate is $825 per credit.
Best fit for: Students with a computer science background who want a wide choice of graduate machine learning courses inside a computer science degree.
View our complete UMass Amherst machine learning profile
University of Massachusetts Lowell
MS in Computer Science
Location: Lowell, Massachusetts
Credits: 30
Format: Campus, full time or part time
GRE: Not required
Application Deadline: Rolling
Machine Learning Focus: Machine learning electives; no formal track
The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers its MS in Computer Science through the Miner School of Computer and Information Sciences.
Machine learning is not required of every student. It enters the degree through one of three required course groups and through 18 credits of electives, which can be filled with courses such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, and Natural Language Processing.
The degree is taught on the Lowell campus, with an optional thesis.
Best fit for: Students who want to build a machine learning plan inside a flexible computer science master’s degree at a public university.
View our complete UMass Lowell machine learning profile
Wentworth Institute of Technology
MS in Computer Science
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Credits: 30
Format: On campus, full time or part time
Typical Length: Three semesters full time
Start Terms: Fall and spring
Machine Learning Focus: Required machine learning course with AI electives
Wentworth Institute of Technology offers its MS in Computer Science through the School of Computing & Data Science.
Principles of Machine Learning is one of four required core courses. Deep learning, computer vision, data mining, and large language models enter the degree through six electives that each student chooses.
The program is taught on the Boston campus and can be completed in three full-time semesters.
Best fit for: Students who want a short, on-campus computer science master’s in Boston with a required machine learning course.
View our complete Wentworth Institute of Technology machine learning profile
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts or Online
Credits: 30
Format: Campus or Online
GRE: Not required
Admission: Rolling
Machine Learning Focus: Required AI course plus one course each in machine learning and AI ethics
Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers its MS in Artificial Intelligence on the Worcester campus and online.
Every student takes Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and one course from each of four further areas, including machine learning and AI ethics, and finishes with a capstone project or a thesis. Deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision are choices within those areas.
Tuition is $1,775 per credit in 2026–27, and students can add one of 13 optional specializations.
Best fit for: Students who want a degree in which every core course is tied to AI, with room to choose the technical direction and a thesis option.
View our complete Worcester Polytechnic Institute AI master’s profile
Which Massachusetts Machine Learning Program Is Right for You?
These twelve programs serve different types of students.
| If You Want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| A dedicated artificial intelligence degree | Boston University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, or Clark University |
| Required machine learning, NLP, and computer vision courses | Boston University |
| Required machine learning, data mining, and deep learning courses | Clark University |
| Machine learning inside a broad computer science degree | UMass Amherst, UMass Lowell, Brandeis University, or Wentworth Institute of Technology |
| Machine learning within data science or analytics | Harvard University, Boston College, or Fitchburg State University |
| An online option | UMass Amherst, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, Boston College, or Fitchburg State University |
| The lowest tuition | Fitchburg State University |
| A co-op | Northeastern University |
| A thesis option | Worcester Polytechnic Institute, UMass Lowell, Tufts University, or Boston University |
| Admission without a computer science degree | Boston College or the Brandeis University 12-course track |
| A program outside Greater Boston | UMass Amherst, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, or Fitchburg State University |
There is no single best program for every student. The strongest choice depends on whether you want a dedicated AI degree, a broader computer science education, an applied data science or analytics program, or the flexibility of online study.
Campus vs. Online Machine Learning Programs in Massachusetts
Students who want to study on campus will find most Massachusetts options in Greater Boston.
Boston University, Northeastern University, and Wentworth Institute of Technology teach in Boston. Harvard University is in Cambridge and Boston, Tufts University is in Medford and Somerville, Boston College is in Chestnut Hill, and Brandeis University is in Waltham. Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Clark University are in Worcester, and the public options are in Amherst, Lowell, and Fitchburg.
Five of the twelve programs can also be taken online: UMass Amherst, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, Boston College, and Fitchburg State University.
The Boston University, Northeastern, Tufts, Harvard, Brandeis, Wentworth, and UMass Lowell programs on this page are campus-based.
Students who want more online choices can also compare schools outside Massachusetts in our guide to online master’s degrees in machine learning.
What Do Massachusetts Machine Learning Programs Teach?
Curriculum varies by school, but Massachusetts graduate students can study subjects such as:
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Deep learning and neural networks
- Natural language processing
- Computer vision and image computing
- Generative AI and large language models
- Reinforcement learning
- Data mining
- Data science and statistics
- AI ethics and governance
- Algorithms and systems
The biggest difference is how these subjects fit into each degree.
Boston University, Northeastern, Tufts, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Clark build a full degree around artificial intelligence. UMass Amherst, UMass Lowell, Brandeis, Wentworth, and Fitchburg State place machine learning within computer science. Harvard and Boston College approach it through data science and analytics.
That distinction should be an important part of your program comparison.
Machine Learning Careers in Massachusetts
A machine learning master’s degree can support careers in data science, machine learning engineering, artificial intelligence, software development, analytics, and research.
Massachusetts technology employment is concentrated in Greater Boston and Cambridge, with employers in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, healthcare, financial services, robotics, software, and university and hospital research.
Your career options will depend on more than the degree itself. Programming ability, mathematics, internships, research experience, projects, and experience deploying machine learning systems can all affect your job prospects.
Compare More Machine Learning Master’s Programs
Massachusetts provides many strong approaches to graduate machine learning study, but students do not need to limit their search by state.
You can also:
- Compare machine learning master’s programs in every state
- Explore online machine learning master’s degrees
Before applying, check each university’s official website for current tuition, admission requirements, course availability, and application deadlines.