San Jose State University MS in Statistics – Machine Learning

The San José State University MS in Statistics with a Specialization in Machine Learning is a strong fit for students who want graduate-level statistics combined with focused machine learning training. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics requires 36 units, and SJSU presents the broader MS in Statistics as a two-year program.

Quick Facts

SchoolSan José State University
LocationSan Jose, California
DegreeMS in Statistics – Machine Learning Specialization
Units36
FormatCampus
Estimated CostAbout $22,526 for California residents; about $39,482 for nonresidents
LengthAbout 2 years
ML / AI FocusStatistical learning, dimensionality reduction, classification, programming, probability, and advanced statistical methods

Curriculum

The MS in Statistics curriculum combines probability, mathematical statistics, regression, experimental design, statistical programming, consulting, electives, and a culminating experience. SJSU says students can use the elective portion of the degree to complete a specialization in machine learning.

Core statistics coursework includes MATH 163 Probability Theory, MATH 164 Mathematical Statistics, MATH 261A Regression Theory and Methods, MATH 261B Design and Analysis of Experiments, statistical programming, and MATH 269 Statistical Consulting. The program also requires an approved project, research experience, or internship as part of the degree.

The machine learning specialization adds focused coursework in statistical learning. MATH 250 Mathematical Data Visualization covers dimensionality reduction methods such as PCA, multidimensional scaling, Isomap, locally linear embedding, Laplacian eigenmaps, and linear discriminant analysis. MATH 251 Statistical and Machine Learning Classification covers methods such as k-nearest neighbors, discriminant analysis, logistic regression, support vector machines, kernel methods, ensemble methods, neural networks, and introductory deep learning.

Credits and Program Length

SJSU requires 36 semester units for the MS in Statistics. The university describes the program as a two-year master’s. Its statistics FAQ also outlines a typical sequence in which students complete foundational graduate courses during the first year, work on the project requirement after the first year, and finish advanced coursework in later semesters.

Tuition and Cost

For Fall 2026, SJSU lists full-time graduate tuition and mandatory registration fees at $5,631.50 per semester for students taking more than six units. Using that current rate across four full-time semesters produces an estimated resident program cost of about $22,526. This is a planning estimate, not a university-published total program price.

The SJSU Bursar states that non-California residents pay the standard registration charges plus $471 per unit. Across 36 units, that adds approximately $16,956, producing a rough nonresident estimate of about $39,482 before housing, books, transportation, health insurance, and any course-specific charges. Rates can change by academic year.

Admissions

SJSU uses a two-step graduate admission process: applicants must meet university graduate requirements and the Statistics MS program requirements. The Statistics admission requirements call for three semesters of calculus through multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and a calculus-based probability and statistics course, each completed with a grade of B or better.

Applicants also submit two to three letters of recommendation through Cal State Apply and a statement of purpose or personal statement. SJSU’s current Statistics program page states that no additional tests, including the GRE, are required. English language proficiency testing may apply to international applicants under university rules.

The program is structured primarily for fall entry because spring courses build on fall prerequisites. SJSU says spring admission is limited to applicants who already have the first-semester preparation.

Machine Learning and AI Focus

The machine learning connection is substantial. SJSU describes the specialization as preparation for practicing statisticians who want to develop machine learning algorithms for business, government, and industry. Students build advanced skills in probability, statistics, programming, dimensionality reduction, statistical classification, and machine learning.

This program takes a more statistics-centered route than many computer science or engineering AI degrees. Students who want a strong mathematical and statistical base for model building, inference, classification, and data analysis may find that structure especially useful.

Campus Format

We classify the program as Campus. SJSU presents the Statistics MS through its San Jose campus and does not identify this machine learning specialization as an online degree. Students should plan for in-person study unless the department confirms a different course arrangement for a specific term.

Culminating Experience

The Statistics MS includes a culminating experience. Depending on the approved path, students may complete a supervised team research project, an internship with a practicing statistician, an individual research project, or an elective-and-exam option. This gives the degree an applied component beyond classroom coursework.

Who Is This Program Best For?

Best for a statistics-first ML path: Students who want machine learning grounded in statistics rather than a primarily software engineering curriculum.

Best for statistical learning: Students interested in classification, dimensionality reduction, probability, regression, and computational statistics.

Best for quantitatively prepared applicants: Students with strong calculus, linear algebra, and probability preparation who are ready for graduate-level mathematics and statistics.

Best for California residents watching cost: The public-university pricing produces a much lower estimated resident cost than many private California machine learning master’s programs.

Best for Silicon Valley access: Students who want to study in San Jose and pursue statistical, data science, or machine learning work in industry, government, or research.

Bottom Line

San José State is a strong fit for this directory. Its 36-unit MS in Statistics offers a genuine Machine Learning specialization with dedicated coursework in statistical learning, dimensionality reduction, and classification. The program takes about two years, and using Fall 2026 tuition and mandatory fees as a planning basis, California residents should budget about $22,526 for four full-time semesters.