Maryland offers several strong graduate options for students interested in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced computer science.
The programs take different approaches. The University of Maryland offers a dedicated Master of Science in Applied Machine Learning. Bowie State University offers an MS in Computer Science with an optional Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning specialization. Towson University is introducing an Artificial Intelligence track within its MS in Computer Science beginning in fall 2026.
This guide compares these Maryland programs and helps you decide which approach fits your academic and career goals.
Maryland Machine Learning Master’s Programs at a Glance
| School | Degree | Location | Format | ML Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland | MS in Applied Machine Learning | College Park | Campus | Dedicated applied machine learning degree |
| Bowie State University | MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning | Bowie | Campus / Online option | Optional AI/ML specialization |
| Towson University | MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence Track | Towson | Campus | Formal AI track with ML, deep learning, generative AI, and computer vision |
These programs represent three different ways to study machine learning in Maryland. UMD provides the most concentrated ML curriculum. Bowie State places machine learning within a broader computer science degree. Towson combines a traditional computer science core with a new AI specialization.
University of Maryland
MS in Applied Machine Learning
Location: College Park, Maryland
Credits: 30
Format: Campus
Courses: 10
Machine Learning Focus: Dedicated applied machine learning degree
The University of Maryland offers the most directly focused machine learning master’s program among the Maryland schools in this guide.
The 30-credit MS in Applied Machine Learning includes six required courses covering probability and statistics, data science, machine learning, optimization, computing systems, and algorithms. Students then select four electives. Options include deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, cloud computing, and big data analytics.
The program is non-thesis and emphasizes practical technical work rather than academic research. Courses are offered at the College Park campus, with evening scheduling that can work well for employed students.
Best fit for: Students who want a dedicated machine learning degree with strong preparation in algorithms, mathematics, computing systems, and applied ML.
View our complete University of Maryland machine learning program profile
Bowie State University
MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
Location: Bowie, Maryland
Credits: 30
Format: Campus with online availability
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Machine Learning Focus: Optional AI/ML specialization
Bowie State University provides a broader computer science degree that can be shaped around artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Students complete 30 graduate credits, including five core computer science courses, and choose either an applied research or graduate thesis option. Bowie State also offers optional specializations in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and High Performance and Data Science.
The AI/ML specialization includes subjects such as machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, probabilistic modeling, logical reasoning, and intelligent systems. Bowie State’s Data Science specialization also includes substantial work in machine learning, data mining, visualization, and cloud computing.
This makes Bowie especially interesting for students who want a traditional computer science graduate degree without giving up the ability to concentrate heavily on AI and machine learning.
Best fit for: Students who want an affordable computer science master’s with AI/ML specialization options and a choice between applied research and thesis study.
View our complete Bowie State University machine learning program profile
Towson University
MS in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence Track
Location: Towson, Maryland
Credits: 30
Format: Campus
Minimum GPA: 3.0 for full admission
Machine Learning Focus: Formal Artificial Intelligence track
Towson University is adding an Artificial Intelligence track to its MS in Computer Science beginning in fall 2026. The new track gives Maryland students another clearly defined graduate pathway into AI and machine learning.
The 30-credit degree begins with a broad computer science core covering operating systems, databases, algorithms, software engineering, and computer networks. AI-track students then complete Artificial Intelligence plus at least two courses from options that include Computer Vision and Image Processing, Generative AI and Large Language Models, Neural Networks and Deep Learning, and Data Mining.
Students may complete either a graduate project or thesis. Students choosing the thesis route in the AI track must complete their thesis in an artificial intelligence area.
Towson also offers Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering tracks, which gives students room to combine AI study with other areas of computing.
Best fit for: Students who want a broad computer science foundation followed by a structured concentration in modern AI technologies.
View our complete Towson University AI and machine learning program profile
Which Maryland Machine Learning Program Is Right for You?
The three Maryland programs serve somewhat different types of students.
| If You Want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| The most dedicated machine learning curriculum | University of Maryland |
| A computer science degree with an optional AI/ML specialization | Bowie State University |
| A structured AI track within a traditional computer science MS | Towson University |
| Deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and advanced ML electives | University of Maryland |
| Applied research or thesis options | Bowie State or Towson |
| Generative AI and large language model coursework | Towson University |
| A lower admission GPA requirement | Bowie State University |
| Evening classes aimed partly at working professionals | University of Maryland or Towson |
There is no single best Maryland program for every student. Your best choice depends on how narrowly you want to focus on machine learning and whether you prefer a professional ML degree or a broader computer science education.
Dedicated Machine Learning Degree vs. AI or Computer Science Track
Degree titles can make these programs look more similar than they actually are.
The University of Maryland builds the entire degree around machine learning. Students study ML alongside probability, statistics, optimization, computing systems, and algorithms before choosing advanced electives.
Bowie State takes the opposite approach. Students first complete an MS in Computer Science and can then use the optional AI/ML specialization to develop expertise in machine learning and related AI subjects. Bowie confirms that the specialization itself is optional rather than required for the degree.
Towson falls between those approaches. Students complete a common computer science core but formally declare an Artificial Intelligence track. The AI track accounts for nine credits of specialized coursework within the 30-credit degree.
Students should therefore compare the actual curriculum rather than choosing a program based only on its degree title.
What Do Maryland Machine Learning Programs Teach?
Across these programs, graduate students can study topics such as:
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Deep learning and neural networks
- Natural language processing
- Generative AI and large language models
- Computer vision
- Data mining
- Probability and statistics
- Optimization
- Algorithms and data structures
- Big data analytics
- Cloud computing
- Robotics
The emphasis differs by school. UMD offers the strongest concentration on machine learning itself. Bowie provides the greatest flexibility within a general computer science degree. Towson combines a standard computer science core with a defined AI course sequence.
Thesis, Project, and Applied Study Options
Students interested in research should pay particular attention to each program’s final requirements.
University of Maryland is a professional, non-thesis program built around coursework and applied machine learning.
Bowie State allows students to select either an applied research option or a graduate thesis.
Towson also offers a project or thesis route. Students completing a thesis within the Artificial Intelligence track must conduct the thesis in an AI-related area.
Bowie State or Towson may therefore appeal more to students considering research experience or eventual doctoral study, while UMD may appeal more to students focused on entering or advancing in industry.
Admission Requirements
Admission standards vary across the three programs.
UMD expects applicants to have solid preparation in programming and quantitative subjects such as calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. Its published program requirements call for a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Bowie State requires a bachelor’s degree and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Applicants also need preparation in calculus, another advanced mathematics course, and software development.
Towson requires a 3.0 GPA for full admission, although applicants with at least a 2.75 may be considered for conditional admission. Students without a computer science background can complete prerequisite coursework before beginning graduate-level classes. GRE scores are not required.
Students coming from another academic field should look closely at prerequisite requirements because completing foundation courses can increase both the time and cost of a degree.
Campus and Online Machine Learning Programs in Maryland
Students looking specifically for a traditional campus program have several Maryland options.
The University of Maryland teaches its Applied Machine Learning program in College Park. Towson’s computer science program uses late-afternoon and evening classes and supports both full-time students and working professionals.
Bowie State lists its MS in Computer Science as available online in addition to its traditional graduate program.
Students who want more fully online choices can also compare programs outside Maryland in our guide to online master’s degrees in machine learning.
Machine Learning Careers in Maryland
Maryland has an unusual concentration of employers and research organizations connected to computing, cybersecurity, defense, healthcare, government, and data science.
The Baltimore-Washington corridor includes federal agencies, government contractors, healthcare systems, research institutions, technology companies, and university laboratories. This makes the region particularly relevant for graduates interested in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, and applied research.
A graduate degree alone does not determine career outcomes. Employers can also place significant weight on programming skills, mathematics, projects, internships, research experience, cloud platforms, and experience building or deploying machine learning systems.
Other AI and Data Science Master’s Programs in Maryland
Maryland students can also find graduate programs in closely related areas such as artificial intelligence and data science.
For example, Johns Hopkins University offers graduate study in artificial intelligence, while Loyola University Maryland offers graduate study in data science. These programs may be worth comparing if you are open to a broader AI or data science degree rather than one of the machine-learning-focused pathways featured above.
Students can also compare additional machine learning and AI master’s programs throughout the United States if location is flexible.
Compare More Machine Learning Master’s Programs
Maryland offers several paths into graduate study in machine learning and artificial intelligence, but your options extend beyond the state.
Students who are open to other locations can compare machine learning master’s programs across the U.S. or explore nearby programs in other states.
Before applying, confirm current tuition, course availability, admission requirements, application deadlines, and program format with the university.