The University of Arizona offers a Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) with a Machine Learning subplan through its College of Information Science.
The 30-unit, STEM-designated program is available on campus in Tucson or fully online. Full-time students can typically complete the degree in about 18 months.
The Machine Learning subplan combines core training in information science, machine learning, and data analysis with electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, neural networks, natural language processing, Bayesian modeling, and data mining.
Program Quick Facts
| Degree | Master of Science in Information Science |
| Specialization | Machine Learning |
| School | College of Information Science |
| Location | Tucson, Arizona |
| Format | Campus or Online |
| Credits | 30 units |
| Typical Length | 18 months full time |
| STEM Designated | Yes |
| GRE Required | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 |
| Experiential Requirement | Internship or Capstone |
University of Arizona MS in Information Science
Machine Learning Curriculum
Students in the Machine Learning subplan complete 30 total units. The curriculum includes core courses, machine learning electives, general electives, and an internship or capstone experience.
Core Courses
The Machine Learning subplan includes three core courses:
- INFO 505: Foundations of Information
- INFO 521: Machine Learning
- INFO 526: Data Analysis and Visualization
Students then choose at least nine units of Machine Learning electives. Current options include:
- INFO 502: Data Ethics
- INFO 510: Bayesian Modeling and Inference
- INFO 523: Data Mining and Discovery
- INFO 539: Statistical Natural Language Processing
- INFO 550: Artificial Intelligence
- INFO 555: Applied Natural Language Processing
- INFO 556: Text Retrieval and Web Search
- INFO 557: Neural Networks
The remaining coursework includes general electives and an experiential requirement.
View the University of Arizona Machine Learning curriculum
Internship or Capstone
Students must complete an internship or capstone project as part of the degree.
The internship allows students to apply their information science and data science skills in a professional setting. The university lists previous internship organizations that include Amazon, Deloitte, Intel, Mayo Clinic, Raytheon, Roche, Tesla, the FDA, and several Arizona employers.
Students who choose the capstone complete an applied project that demonstrates the program’s required competencies. The capstone must include a software development component, and students deposit their code in GitHub or another source-code repository.
Tuition and Cost
Tuition depends heavily on whether the student attends on campus as an Arizona resident, attends from outside Arizona, or completes the program online.
The university currently lists the following rates:
| Format | Published Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|
| Arizona Resident, Campus | $8,001 per semester at 7+ units |
| Nonresident/International, Campus | $18,017 per semester at 9+ units |
| Arizona Online | $650 per unit plus applicable program fees |
For online students, the university provides an example cost of $5,903 for a nine-unit term.
These figures can change, and the exact total depends on course load and the number of semesters required. Students should use the university’s tuition calculator before applying.
University of Arizona MSIS tuition and admissions
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona or another accredited institution recognized by the university.
The program requires:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Undergraduate-level mathematics coursework
- Computer programming experience
- Academic statement of purpose
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current résumé or CV
The GRE is not required.
The university accepts students from a range of academic backgrounds. It recommends prior programming experience in languages or technologies such as Python, Java, C/C++, R, SQL, MATLAB, JavaScript, TensorFlow, or Git/GitHub.
International applicants may also need to meet the university’s English-language proficiency requirements.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines differ by semester, campus format, residency, international status, and whether the applicant wants funding consideration.
The program currently accepts applications for fall, spring, and summer admission. Students should check the university’s admissions page for the deadline that applies to their intended start term.
View current application deadlines
Online and Campus Options
One of the strongest features of the University of Arizona program is that students can pursue the MSIS on the Tucson campus or through Arizona Online.
This is different from a hybrid program that requires students to switch between online and campus study. Students can select the delivery option that fits their needs when applying.
The degree requires the same 30-unit total, and the university states that full-time students can typically finish in about 18 months.
Who Is This Program Best For?
The University of Arizona MSIS may be a good fit for students who want a machine learning master’s with a strong data and information science foundation.
It stands out for students who want:
- A formal Machine Learning subplan
- A choice between online and campus study
- Coursework in machine learning, AI, NLP, neural networks, Bayesian modeling, and data mining
- An applied internship or capstone experience
- A STEM-designated master’s degree
- A program that does not require the GRE
Students looking for a traditional computer science master’s with a heavy focus on systems, algorithms, or computer engineering may want to compare this program with computer science-based machine learning degrees.
University of Arizona Machine Learning Master’s: Bottom Line
The University of Arizona offers one of the more direct machine learning graduate options in Arizona. Rather than requiring students to build an informal ML specialization from general electives, the MS in Information Science includes a defined Machine Learning subplan.
The combination of a 30-unit curriculum, online and campus options, specialized ML electives, and an internship or capstone makes it worth considering for students interested in applied machine learning and data science.
Visit the official University of Arizona MSIS program page
Related Programs
View All Machine Learning Programs in Arizona
- Arizona State - Tempe
- Avila University - Goodyear
- Northern Arizona University - Flagstaff