Colorado offers two strong graduate options for students who want advanced training in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Colorado State University Global offers a fully online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning built for flexible study. The University of Colorado Boulder offers a Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence with both online and on-campus options.
The programs take different approaches. CSU Global combines machine learning with computer science and software development, while CU Boulder offers a broader AI engineering curriculum with extensive options in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and related fields.
Colorado Machine Learning Programs at a Glance
| School | Degree | Format | Credits | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Global | MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning | Online | 30 | $20,250 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence | Online or Campus | 30 | Online: about $15,750 |
Tuition figures are based on published university rates and may change. Campus tuition at CU Boulder varies based on enrollment and residency.
Colorado State University Global
MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Location: Denver, Colorado
Format: 100% online
Credits: 30
Tuition: $675 per credit
Estimated Total Tuition: $20,250
View our complete CSU Global program profile
Colorado State University Global offers one of the most direct machine learning graduate degrees available in Colorado.
The 30-credit MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning covers programming, software development, algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning. Students finish the program with an applied capstone focused on machine learning and neural networks.
Courses include:
- Principles of Programming
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
- Foundations of Computer Vision
- Principles of Machine Learning
- Capstone: Applying Machine Learning and Neural Networks
The program is fully online and asynchronous. Courses run in eight-week terms, and CSU Global offers monthly start dates.
The university also charges the same tuition regardless of residency and guarantees that a student’s tuition rate will not increase after enrollment.
Who Should Consider CSU Global?
CSU Global may be a good fit for students who want:
- A degree specifically named Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- 100% asynchronous online study
- Frequent start dates
- Predictable tuition
- A curriculum that combines computer science, AI, and machine learning
- Flexibility while continuing to work
University of Colorado Boulder
Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Format: Campus or online
Credits: 30
Online Tuition: Approximately $15,750
View our complete CU Boulder program profile
The University of Colorado Boulder launched its Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence for students interested in applied AI engineering and advanced technical careers.
The 30-credit curriculum covers several areas closely related to machine learning. Students choose from courses in subjects such as:
- Machine Learning
- Convex Optimization
- Probabilistic Modeling
- Data Mining
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing
- Neural Networks and Deep Learning
- Recommender Systems
- Autonomous Systems
Students also complete coursework in AI ethics and subjects outside computer science.
CU Boulder offers the degree through two routes.
The on-campus program provides a traditional graduate-school experience in Boulder.
The online program is delivered through Coursera and uses performance-based admission. Students can begin designated pathway courses before formally entering the degree and earn admission by meeting the required academic standard.
Both routes lead to a University of Colorado Boulder master’s degree.
Who Should Consider CU Boulder?
CU Boulder may be a strong choice for students who want:
- A broad AI engineering curriculum
- Extensive machine learning electives
- Online or campus study
- Deep learning, NLP, computer vision, or autonomous systems coursework
- A professional rather than research-focused degree
- Performance-based admission through the online program
CSU Global vs. CU Boulder
These programs serve somewhat different students.
Choose CSU Global if you want maximum flexibility
CSU Global offers asynchronous courses, eight-week terms, and monthly start dates. The program works well for students who need to fit graduate school around a full-time job or other commitments.
The degree also places machine learning directly in the program title and combines ML study with software development and computer science foundations.
Choose CU Boulder if you want more AI specialization options
CU Boulder provides more room to study individual areas within artificial intelligence.
Students can pursue machine learning alongside deep learning, NLP, computer vision, data mining, recommender systems, probabilistic modeling, and autonomous systems.
The campus option also makes CU Boulder the better choice for students who want an in-person graduate experience.
Choose CU Boulder Online if admission flexibility matters
CU Boulder’s online program uses performance-based admission rather than relying only on a traditional graduate application.
Students establish eligibility by successfully completing designated pathway coursework. This can make the online route attractive to professionals whose academic background does not fully reflect their current technical ability.
Which Colorado Program Is Right for You?
| Your Priority | Program to Consider |
|---|---|
| Fully asynchronous study | CSU Global |
| Monthly start dates | CSU Global |
| Machine learning degree title | CSU Global |
| Online or campus choice | CU Boulder |
| Deep learning and NLP | CU Boulder |
| Computer vision | Both |
| Broader AI specialization | CU Boulder |
| Performance-based online admission | CU Boulder |
| Predictable flat-rate tuition | CSU Global |
| Traditional campus experience | CU Boulder |
There is no single best program for every student.
CSU Global stands out for flexibility and a direct AI and machine learning curriculum.
CU Boulder stands out for the breadth of its AI curriculum and its choice of online or campus study.
Your choice should depend on your technical background, preferred learning format, career interests, and budget.
Machine Learning Careers in Colorado
Colorado gives machine learning graduates access to employers across several technology-heavy industries.
The Denver-Boulder corridor supports a large technology sector, while Colorado also has major concentrations in aerospace, defense, energy, software, telecommunications, and advanced research.
Machine learning and AI skills can apply to work involving:
- Artificial intelligence engineering
- Machine learning engineering
- Data science
- Computer vision
- Natural language processing
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- Predictive analytics
- Software development
- AI infrastructure
- Research and development
Boulder also has a strong concentration of work in aerospace, renewable energy, defense, quantum technology, and advanced computing.
Students who want to remain in Colorado after graduation therefore have options beyond traditional software companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there machine learning master’s programs in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado State University Global offers an MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The University of Colorado Boulder offers a Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence with substantial coursework in machine learning and related AI fields.
Can I earn a machine learning master’s online in Colorado?
Yes. Both Colorado programs can be completed online.
CSU Global is fully online and asynchronous. CU Boulder offers its online Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence through Coursera.
Which Colorado machine learning master’s is the cheapest?
Based on currently published tuition, CU Boulder’s online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence costs about $15,750 for 30 credits. CSU Global charges $675 per credit, or approximately $20,250 for 30 credits.
Students should confirm current tuition with each university before enrolling.
Does CU Boulder have a machine learning master’s degree?
CU Boulder does not call the degree a Master’s in Machine Learning. It offers a Professional Master’s in Artificial Intelligence.
Machine learning is a central part of the curriculum, with courses available in machine learning, neural networks and deep learning, probabilistic modeling, computer vision, NLP, data mining, recommender systems, and related areas.
Does Colorado State University offer an online machine learning master’s?
Colorado State University Global offers a fully online MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The 30-credit program includes programming, algorithms, AI, machine learning, computer vision, and an applied machine learning capstone.
Compare More Machine Learning Master’s Programs
Colorado offers two distinct options, but students who are willing to study online or relocate can compare many more programs nationwide.
Explore our guide to machine learning master’s degree programs to compare additional schools, degree formats, costs, and specializations.