Illinois has one of the largest groups of graduate programs in the Midwest for students who want to study machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data science, with most of them in or near Chicago.
The options differ quite a bit. DePaul University, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Lewis University each offer a dedicated master’s in artificial intelligence. Northwestern University puts machine learning in the degree name, the University of Illinois Chicago teaches it inside an online engineering master’s, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers it as a track within computer science. The University of Chicago, Bradley University, and Elmhurst University approach machine learning through data science.
This guide compares the nine Illinois programs and helps you decide which approach fits your goals.
Illinois Machine Learning Master’s Programs at a Glance
| School | Degree | Location | Format | ML Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley University | MS in Data Science and Analytics – Computational Data Science | Peoria | Campus | Machine learning and data mining among concentration choices |
| DePaul University | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Chicago / Online | Campus or Online | Dedicated AI degree with required ML, deep learning, and NLP |
| Elmhurst University | MS in Data Science and Analytics | Elmhurst / Online | Campus or Online | Applied analytics core with predictive modeling; advanced ML as an elective |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Master of Artificial Intelligence | Chicago / Online | Campus or Online | Dedicated AI degree with required AI and machine learning courses |
| Lewis University | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Romeoville / Online | Campus or Online | Dedicated AI degree with required deep learning and generative AI |
| Northwestern University | MS in Machine Learning and Data Science | Evanston | Campus | Set curriculum with two ML courses, deep learning, and NLP |
| University of Chicago | MS in Applied Data Science | Chicago / Online | Campus or Online | Machine Learning I and II required in a data science core |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Master of Engineering – AI and Machine Learning | Online | Online | Fixed sequence in ML, deep learning, computer vision, and NLP |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Master of Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence track | Urbana-Champaign / Online | Campus or Online | Optional Artificial Intelligence or Data Science track |
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.
Bradley University
MS in Data Science and Analytics – Computational Data Science
Location: Peoria, Illinois
Credits: 30
Format: Campus
Typical GPA: 3.0 in the last 60 hours
GRE: Optional
Machine Learning Focus: Machine learning and data mining among concentration choices
Bradley University offers a Computational Data Science concentration within its MS in Data Science and Analytics, taught by the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems.
Half of the 30 credits form a shared analytics core, and the other half are concentration courses in machine learning, data mining, and big data. Machine Learning is one of several concentration choices, so not every student is required to take it. Students finish with a team capstone project or a thesis.
Applicants need one semester of calculus, and the GRE is optional.
Best fit for: Students without a computer science degree who want an applied, campus-based data science master’s outside the Chicago area.
View our complete Bradley University data science profile
DePaul University
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Chicago, Illinois or Online
Credits: 48 quarter hours
Format: Campus or Online
Minimum GPA: 2.5
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Required machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing courses
DePaul University offers its MS in Artificial Intelligence through the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media. Machine Learning I, Applied Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, and two artificial intelligence courses are all required.
The degree is available on campus and online, admits students four times a year, and ends with a capstone, a research project, or an internship.
Students without a computing background may need up to 24 additional quarter hours of introductory courses, which adds cost and time.
Best fit for: Students who want machine learning and AI as the required core of the degree, with flexible start dates and a campus or online option.
View our complete DePaul University AI master’s profile
Elmhurst University
MS in Data Science and Analytics
Location: Elmhurst, Illinois or Online
Credits: 30
Format: Campus or Online, eight-week courses
Typical Length: 21 months
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Predictive modeling and applied AI in the core; advanced machine learning as an elective
Elmhurst University’s MS in Data Science and Analytics is made up of 10 courses taught in eight-week sessions, online or on campus.
Six core courses cover exploratory data analysis, data warehousing, predictive modeling, enterprise analytics, and generative AI. Deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision are covered in an elective rather than a required course.
Elmhurst publishes a total tuition figure of $27,600 at $920 per semester hour.
Best fit for: Working professionals who want applied analytics and AI skills in a part-time program, online or in Chicago’s western suburbs.
View our complete Elmhurst University data science profile
Illinois Institute of Technology
Master of Artificial Intelligence
Location: Chicago, Illinois or Online
Credits: 30
Format: Campus or Online
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE: Optional
Machine Learning Focus: Required AI and machine learning courses with a wide elective list
Illinois Institute of Technology offers a Master of Artificial Intelligence through its Department of Computer Science. Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are the two required courses.
Students build the rest of the 30 credits from electives in deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, data systems, and applied fields. The degree is coursework only, with no thesis or capstone.
Best fit for: Students with a computing background who want a focused AI degree and the freedom to choose their own direction.
View our complete Illinois Institute of Technology AI master’s profile
Lewis University
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Romeoville, Illinois or Online
Credits: 36
Format: Campus or Online
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Machine Learning Focus: Required deep learning, unsupervised machine learning, and generative AI courses
Lewis University offers a standalone MS in Artificial Intelligence through the College of Aviation, Science and Technology.
The curriculum is mostly prescribed. Neural Networks and Deep Learning, Unsupervised Machine Learning, Generative Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning Operations are all required, and students finish with an applied master’s project.
Foundation courses are built into the 36 credits, which helps students entering from a non-computing major.
Best fit for: Students who want a structured, applied AI curriculum in the southwest suburbs of Chicago or online.
View our complete Lewis University AI master’s profile
Northwestern University
MS in Machine Learning and Data Science
Location: Evanston, Illinois
Format: Campus, full time
Typical Length: 15 months (five quarters)
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Set curriculum with two machine learning courses, deep learning, and natural language processing
Northwestern University offers its MS in Machine Learning and Data Science through the McCormick School of Engineering. The program was previously named the MS in Analytics.
A cohort of about 55 to 60 students follows a set curriculum that includes two machine learning courses, deep learning, natural language processing, and data mining, along with an industry practicum, a summer internship, and an industry capstone.
The program admits for fall only and cannot be taken online or part time.
Best fit for: Students who can study full time and want an applied program built around industry projects and a small cohort.
View our complete Northwestern University machine learning profile
University of Chicago
MS in Applied Data Science
Location: Downtown Chicago, Illinois or Online
Courses: 12
Format: Campus or Online, full time or part time
Typical Length: 4 to 5 quarters full time; 6 quarters part time
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Machine Learning I and II required in the core
The University of Chicago offers its MS in Applied Data Science through the Data Science Institute, with classes in downtown Chicago or online.
The 12-course program requires Machine Learning I and Machine Learning II, offers electives in deep learning, natural language processing, and generative AI, and ends with a two-quarter capstone project. A two-year thesis track is available in person.
The program starts in autumn only.
Best fit for: Working professionals and early-career analysts who want applied machine learning training with a business focus.
View our complete University of Chicago data science and machine learning profile
University of Illinois Chicago
Master of Engineering – AI and Machine Learning
Location: Online
Credits: 36
Format: Online, asynchronous, eight-week terms
Typical Length: As few as 12 months full time
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Required machine learning, deep neural networks, computer vision, and natural language processing
The University of Illinois Chicago offers an online Master of Engineering with a concentration in AI and Machine Learning through the College of Engineering.
All nine courses are required. Six cover machine learning, deep neural networks, computer vision, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and the mathematics behind them, and three cover engineering leadership. There is no thesis or capstone.
The program is designed for applicants with an engineering or related science and math background and expects preparation in calculus.
Best fit for: Working engineers who want a fully required machine learning and AI sequence they can finish online in about a year.
View our complete University of Illinois Chicago AI and machine learning profile
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Master of Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence Track
Location: Urbana and Champaign, Illinois or Online
Credits: 32
Format: Campus or Online
Typical Length: Three semesters on campus; one to five years online
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Optional Artificial Intelligence or Data Science track
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a coursework-only Master of Computer Science through the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science.
Machine learning is not required of every student. It enters the degree through the Artificial Intelligence breadth area and through the optional Artificial Intelligence and Data Science tracks, which fit inside the 32 credits.
The online version costs $620 per credit hour for Illinois residents and $793 for nonresidents in 2026–27, which makes it the lowest-priced online option on this page.
Best fit for: Students with computer science fundamentals who want machine learning inside a broad computer science master’s, on campus or in a low-cost online format.
View our complete University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign machine learning profile
Which Illinois Machine Learning Program Is Right for You?
These nine programs serve different types of students.
| If You Want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Machine learning in the degree name | Northwestern University or University of Illinois Chicago |
| A dedicated artificial intelligence degree | DePaul University, Illinois Institute of Technology, or Lewis University |
| Machine learning inside a broad computer science degree | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| Machine learning within data science | University of Chicago, Bradley University, or Elmhurst University |
| A fully required ML, deep learning, computer vision, and NLP sequence | University of Illinois Chicago |
| The lowest online tuition | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| A full-time cohort with an internship and industry capstone | Northwestern University |
| A thesis option | University of Chicago or Bradley University |
| Admission without a computing degree | DePaul University, Lewis University, Elmhurst University, or Bradley University |
| A program outside the Chicago area | Bradley University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
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 program, or the flexibility of online study.
Campus vs. Online Machine Learning Programs in Illinois
Students who want to study on campus will find most Illinois options in the Chicago area.
DePaul University, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Chicago teach in Chicago. Northwestern University is in Evanston, Elmhurst University is in the western suburbs, and Lewis University is in Romeoville. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Bradley University in Peoria are the two downstate options.
Illinois also has many online choices. The University of Illinois Chicago program on this page is online only, and DePaul, Illinois Institute of Technology, Lewis, Elmhurst, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign all offer their degrees in both formats.
The Northwestern and Bradley programs on this page are campus-based.
Students who want more online choices can also compare schools outside Illinois in our guide to online master’s degrees in machine learning.
What Do Illinois Machine Learning Programs Teach?
Curriculum varies by school, but Illinois graduate students can study subjects such as:
- Machine learning
- Deep learning and neural networks
- Natural language processing
- Computer vision
- Generative AI
- Reinforcement learning
- Data mining and predictive modeling
- Machine learning operations
- Data engineering and cloud computing
- Artificial intelligence
- AI ethics
The biggest difference is how these subjects fit into each degree.
DePaul, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Lewis build a full degree around artificial intelligence. Northwestern and the University of Illinois Chicago follow a fixed machine learning sequence. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign places machine learning within computer science, and the University of Chicago, Bradley, and Elmhurst approach it through data science.
That distinction should be an important part of your program comparison.
Machine Learning Careers in Illinois
A machine learning master’s degree can support careers in data science, machine learning engineering, artificial intelligence, software development, analytics, and research.
Illinois technology employment is concentrated in the Chicago metro area, which is home to major employers in finance and trading, insurance, healthcare, logistics, consulting, and manufacturing.
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
Illinois provides several 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.