Indiana Machine Learning Masters Programs

Machine learning is making a big impact on the economy of Indiana, fueled by its diverse economy, world-class research universities, and pro-tech state initiatives. Some example include:

• Cummins and Rolls-Royce are embedding ML-driven predictive analytics into their advanced manufacturing lines across Columbus and Indianapolis, boosting efficiency and reducing downtime through real-time monitoring and failure prediction systems.
• Eli Lilly’s data science centers in Indianapolis leverage deep learning to accelerate drug discovery and improve patient outcomes, with the company recently announcing up to $250 million in AI-focused collaboration with Purdue University.
• Salesforce’s Indianapolis operations and Genesys’s AI development teams in Indianapolis power next-gen customer-experience platforms for global enterprises, with Genesys operating their largest global workforce location in the city.
• On the academic front, Purdue University’s AI research labs and Indiana University Bloomington’s Data Science Institute are pioneering research in computer vision, reinforcement learning, and ethical AI; Notre Dame’s Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society applies ML to complex societal challenges and data-driven social good initiatives.

Yet despite this vibrant ecosystem, Indiana companies across sectors report growing challenges in recruiting qualified machine-learning engineers and data scientists to meet expanding demand.

Smart professionals recognize this talent shortage as their competitive advantage. A master’s in machine learning transforms you into exactly the kind of sought-after expert Indiana’s top employers are competing to hire.

How to Choose the Right School for You

Program Overview Comparison

Indiana offers five distinct approaches to AI and machine learning education, ranging from specialized AI programs to interdisciplinary mathematics-computer science combinations:

Trine University provides a fully online MS in Artificial Intelligence with accelerated completion options and emphasis on ethical AI development for working professionals.

Indiana University-Bloomington delivers a prestigious MS in Computer Science with Machine Learning concentration, featuring strong industry connections and 100% employment rates.

Indiana University-Indianapolis offers an MS in Computational Data Science with mathematical foundations, targeting data science careers through campus-based learning.

Indiana University-South Bend presents an interdisciplinary MS in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science with flexible completion options and evening classes for working professionals.

Purdue University Northwest provides a comprehensive MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence emphasizing hands-on experience and practical applications.

Cost Analysis

Note: Specific tuition information was not provided in the source material, so cost comparisons cannot be made without additional research.

Program Duration and Format Comparison

Accelerated Online Option

Trine University enables completion in as little as one year with 8-week course terms starting year-round.

Standard Academic Timeline

Indiana University-Bloomington requires 1.5-2 years for comprehensive coverage with competitive admission standards.

Flexible Professional Format

Indiana University-South Bend accommodates working professionals through evening classes and multiple completion options.

Campus-Based Programs

IU-Indianapolis and Purdue Northwest offer traditional campus experiences with hands-on learning opportunities.

Curriculum Specialization Analysis

Comprehensive AI Focus

Trine University covers AI algorithms, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and ethical AI development in an integrated curriculum.

Computer Science Foundation with ML Specialization

Indiana University-Bloomington provides rigorous CS education with specialized machine learning concentration and research opportunities.

Mathematical Data Science Approach

Indiana University-Indianapolis emphasizes mathematical foundations merged with cutting-edge machine learning techniques.

Interdisciplinary Integration

Indiana University-South Bend uniquely blends applied mathematics, computer science, and data science in a 30-credit flexible program.

Applied AI Emphasis

Purdue University Northwest focuses on practical applications with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art technology labs.

Unique Program Features

Ethical AI Development

Trine University uniquely emphasizes ethical considerations and societal implications of AI technologies.

Supercomputer Access

Indiana University-South Bend provides access to Big Red II supercomputer for advanced computational research.

Perfect Employment Record

Indiana University-Bloomington reports 100% employment rate with $126,067 average starting salary.

Military-Friendly Approach

Indiana University-Indianapolis specifically accommodates veterans pursuing advanced ML education.

Industry Connections

Purdue University Northwest emphasizes employment opportunities at leading firms with internship programs.

Target Audience and Career Outcomes

Working Professionals Seeking Flexibility

Trine University serves professionals needing accelerated, online education with ethical AI focus.

High-Achieving Computer Science Students

Indiana University-Bloomington targets competitive students seeking prestigious credentials and guaranteed employment.

Data Science Career Changers

Indiana University-Indianapolis appeals to professionals transitioning into data science roles with mathematical emphasis.

Adult Learners and Part-Time Students

Indiana University-South Bend accommodates working professionals through evening classes and flexible scheduling.

Industry-Ready Practitioners

Purdue University Northwest prepares students for immediate AI implementation roles in corporate settings.

Admission Requirements Assessment

Most Accessible

Trine University requires no entrance exam and accommodates diverse professional backgrounds.

Competitive Standards

Indiana University-Bloomington maintains competitive admission with solid computer science background requirements.

GRE Flexibility

Indiana University-South Bend waives GRE requirements for students with 3.0+ GPA.

Moderate Requirements

IU-Indianapolis requires related bachelor’s degree with no GRE requirement.

Professional Standards

Purdue University Northwest requires bachelor’s degree with minimum B average.

Selection Framework: Choosing Your Best Fit

For Time-Constrained Working Professionals

Choose Trine University if you value:

• Accelerated one-year completion timeline
• Fully online flexibility with 8-week terms
• Comprehensive AI curriculum with ethical focus
• No entrance exam requirements
• Year-round start dates

For Career-Focused High Achievers

Choose Indiana University-Bloomington if you want:

• Prestigious university credentials
• Guaranteed employment with high salaries
• Research opportunities with faculty
• Strong industry connections
• Competitive academic environment

For Mathematically-Oriented Data Scientists

Choose Indiana University-Indianapolis if you prefer:

• Mathematical foundations in data science
• Campus-based learning experience
• Military-friendly environment
• Industry engagement through projects
• No GRE requirement

For Adult Learners and Part-Time Students

Choose Indiana University-South Bend if you need:

• Evening class scheduling
• Flexible completion options (thesis, project, coursework)
• Small class sizes for personalized attention
• Supercomputer access for research
• Interdisciplinary curriculum approach

For Hands-On Industry Preparation

Choose Purdue University Northwest if you prioritize:

• State-of-the-art technology labs
• Real-world problem-solving focus
• Industry internship opportunities
• Applied AI implementation skills
• Campus-based collaborative learning

Decision Matrix

Choose Trine if: You need maximum flexibility and speed with comprehensive AI education while maintaining professional responsibilities.

Choose IU-Bloomington if: You want prestigious credentials with guaranteed employment outcomes and can commit to competitive full-time study.

Choose IU-Indianapolis if: You prefer mathematical rigor in data science with campus-based learning and military-friendly support.

Choose IU-South Bend if: You need part-time flexibility with interdisciplinary curriculum and personalized attention in smaller classes.

Choose Purdue Northwest if: You want hands-on training with industry connections and practical AI implementation focus.

Critical Considerations

Time Commitment vs. Depth Trade-off

Trine’s accelerated timeline maximizes convenience but may sacrifice depth compared to traditional two-year programs.

Prestige vs. Accessibility Balance

IU-Bloomington offers highest prestige with guaranteed outcomes but maintains competitive admission standards.

Specialization vs. Breadth Decisions

Programs range from narrow AI focus (Trine) to broad interdisciplinary approaches (IU-South Bend).

The optimal choice depends on career stage, time availability, learning preferences, and professional goals. Working professionals benefit most from Trine’s flexibility or IU-South Bend’s evening options, while full-time students seeking prestige should consider IU-Bloomington. Those prioritizing mathematical foundations should evaluate IU-Indianapolis, while hands-on learners benefit from Purdue Northwest’s applied approach.

Leading Cities in Indiana for Machine Learning Jobs

Indianapolis: The dominant machine learning hub with over 220 active job listings on LinkedIn and 185+ on Indeed. Home to major pharmaceutical AI operations (Eli Lilly), enterprise technology centers (Salesforce, Genesys), and the 16 Tech Innovation District. Corporate giants like Cummins, Indiana University Health, and emerging startups drive consistent demand for machine learning engineers and data scientists across healthcare, manufacturing, and fintech sectors.

West Lafayette: A rapidly growing university-driven AI center with 190+ artificial intelligence students across Purdue’s campuses and strong industry partnerships. The presence of Purdue’s world-class AI research labs, Rolls-Royce aerospace facilities, and the university’s expanding Indianapolis operations create opportunities in autonomous systems, aerospace engineering, and academic research applications.

Carmel/Fishers: An affluent suburban tech corridor with approximately 50+ machine learning openings, benefiting from proximity to Indianapolis while hosting corporate offices and R&D facilities. The area attracts professionals seeking high-paying positions with companies like Indiana University Health and various consulting firms focused on business intelligence and healthcare analytics.

South Bend: A smaller but growing AI market with 40+ related job postings, anchored by Notre Dame’s Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society and local healthcare systems. The city offers opportunities in academic research, social good applications of AI, and early-career positions in data analysis and machine learning engineering.

Fort Wayne: An emerging market with 35+ machine learning and AI positions, supported by manufacturing companies implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and regional healthcare systems. The city provides entry-level opportunities in industrial AI applications, process optimization, and data science roles with competitive salaries for the lower cost of living.

Indiana Machine Learning Job Market Analysis

Indiana’s machine learning job market spans from automotive giants to pharmaceutical leaders, offering diverse opportunities with competitive compensation ranging from $65,000 to $254,000 annually. Based on current job postings from major employers, here’s what organizations are seeking across different skill categories and experience levels.

Core Programming & Technical Skills

Python Proficiency – The Universal Language

General Motors offers a Senior Machine Learning Engineer position ($168,480-$254,000) requiring expertise in Python, C++, and ROS programming for autonomous vehicle applications. The role focuses on radar perception using AI, monocular 3D object detection, and autonomous vehicle sensor fusion.

Onebridge seeks a Machine Learning Engineer (Biologics) requiring proficiency in Python, PyTorch, and PyTorch Geometric for molecular property prediction. This specialized role demands experience with graph neural networks and transformer-based language models for biological applications.

Insight Global recruits for multiple ML positions, including an AI/Machine Learning Engineer ($65-80/hour) requiring specific experience with R and Python, plus 5-7 additional skills from their comprehensive technical stack.

Lilly employs a CMC AI/ML and Automation Scientist ($121,500-$198,000) requiring Python programming experience alongside AI frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch for pharmaceutical development applications.

Machine Learning Frameworks & Tools

EY offers an AI & Machine Learning Engineer – Manager position ($124,300-$227,900, up to $259,000 in high-cost areas) requiring extensive experience with scikit-learn, PyTorch, ONNX, and related ML libraries. The role emphasizes telecommunications, media, and technology sector applications.

Fox Corporation seeks a Staff Engineer for Machine Learning requiring 8+ years of experience with distributed systems, streaming architectures (Kafka, Flink), and deployment tools like Databricks and SageMaker for content personalization at scale.

619 Recruiting advertises an AI/Machine Learning Engineer position requiring proficiency in scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and XGBoost for developing end-to-end ML pipelines.

Encora recruits an Associate Machine Learning Engineer (2-5 years experience) requiring experience with scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy, and PyTorch or TensorFlow for production-grade ML systems.

Cloud Infrastructure & MLOps

Cloud Platform Expertise

General Motors requires experience with large-scale data generation and analytics, machine learning model optimization, and auto-labeling techniques for autonomous vehicle development.

Lilly emphasizes familiarity with big data technologies including Azure/AWS, plus experience with data integration and visualization tools like PowerBI and Spotfire.

EY demands extensive experience with DevOps tools (GIT, Azure DevOps), MLOps platforms (MLFlow), CI/CD processes, and end-to-end ML workflow deployment on major cloud platforms.

Insight Global requires experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies for scalable ML deployment.

MLOps & Production Systems

Fox Corporation requires deep understanding of ML infrastructure including online/offline training loops, real-time inference, and deployment tools. The role emphasizes building recommendation systems for millions of active users.

Onebridge requires practical experience with Kubernetes for orchestrating ML workflows and MLflow for experiment tracking, model versioning, and lifecycle management.

619 Recruiting emphasizes deploying models into production environments using Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms like AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, and GCP AI Platform.

Domain-Specific Expertise

Automotive & Autonomous Systems

General Motors leads in autonomous vehicle technology, requiring specialized skills in radar perception, sensor fusion, and real-time debugging of ride-hail fleet issues. The position demands a Master’s degree in Data Science, Automotive Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Robotics with three years of relevant experience.

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology

Lilly focuses on pharmaceutical applications, requiring familiarity with organic chemistry, chemical synthesis, process analytical technologies, and drug product formulation platforms. The role requires either a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Master’s with 5+ years experience.

Onebridge specializes in biologics, requiring expertise in molecular machine learning, graph neural networks for protein data, and experience with chemical modalities including small molecules, peptides, and antibodies.

Telecommunications & Media

EY targets the TMT (Technology, Media, Telecommunications) sector, requiring familiarity with telecommunications protocols (5G, LTE), streaming video technologies, and customer segmentation for media applications.

Fox Corporation focuses on content personalization for streaming platforms, requiring experience with recommendation systems, vector search engines (FAISS, Vespa), and semantic retrieval for entertainment applications.

Energy & Emerging Technology

Insight Global offers positions supporting energy industry clients, requiring experience with generative AI, LLMs, and rapid prototyping of AI applications across various domains.

Experience Levels & Career Progression

Entry Level (1-3 years)

619 Recruiting offers entry-level positions requiring 1+ year of ML/AI experience with focus on learning fundamental algorithms, statistical modeling, and data structures.

Insight Global Artificial Intelligence Engineer positions require 3+ years experience with energy industry experience preferred.

Mid-Level (3-7 years)

Onebridge seeks candidates with 5+ years of software engineering or AI/ML development, with at least 3 years focused on molecular machine learning.

Lilly requires at least 3 years experience applying data science/AI techniques in research or industry, plus experience with LLMs and lab automation systems.

Encora targets 2-5 years of ML engineering experience with focus on production deployment and MLOps workflows.

Senior Level (5-10 years)

Fox Corporation requires 8+ years of software engineering and ML experience, with at least 5 years focused on personalization and recommender systems.

EY demands 6-10 years of relevant AI/Data Science experience with 2-4 years of direct technical team management experience.

Executive/Lead Level (8+ years)

General Motors Senior ML Engineer position requires Master’s degree plus three years of specialized autonomous vehicle experience.

EY Manager positions include leadership responsibilities, client relationship management, and strategic planning capabilities.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Minimum

Most positions require bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related quantitative fields. 619 Recruiting, Insight Global, and Encora specify this as the minimum requirement.

Master’s Degree Preferred/Required

General Motors explicitly requires a Master’s degree in Data Science, Automotive Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Robotics.

EY strongly prefers Master’s degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or other quantitative fields.

Lilly requires either Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or Master’s with 5+ years experience.

Advanced Degrees (Ph.D.)

Lilly offers Ph.D.-level positions for research-intensive roles in pharmaceutical development.

619 Recruiting notes Ph.D. as a plus for advanced research applications.

Salary Ranges by Experience & Specialization

Entry Level ($65,000-$100,000)

• Insight Global AI Engineer: $65-80/hour (~$135,000-166,000 annually)
• 619 Recruiting Entry-level ML Engineer (salary not disclosed)

Mid-Level ($120,000-$200,000)

• Lilly CMC AI/ML Scientist: $121,500-$198,000
• EY Manager (base locations): $124,300-$227,900

Senior Level ($150,000-$260,000)

• General Motors Senior ML Engineer: $168,480-$254,000
• EY Manager (high-cost areas): $149,200-$259,000
• Fox Corporation Staff Engineer (salary not disclosed)

Specialized Roles

• Onebridge Biologics ML Engineer (salary not disclosed)
• Encora Associate ML Engineer (6-month contract, salary not disclosed)

Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities

Healthcare & Life Sciences Transition

Lilly demonstrates how ML engineers can transition into pharmaceutical research, combining traditional engineering with drug development and clinical applications.

Onebridge shows pathways into biotechnology, requiring computational chemistry and structural biology knowledge alongside ML expertise.

Automotive Technology

General Motors illustrates transition opportunities from traditional software engineering into autonomous vehicle development, combining robotics, computer vision, and real-time systems.

Consulting & Professional Services

EY offers pathways into business consulting, combining technical ML expertise with client relationship management and strategic planning capabilities.

Media & Entertainment

Fox Corporation demonstrates opportunities in content technology, applying ML to recommendation systems, user personalization, and streaming platform optimization.

Process Automation & Manufacturing

Lilly combines ML with process automation, requiring familiarity with lab automation systems, process equipment, and manufacturing scale-up methodologies.

Emerging Technology Focus Areas

Generative AI & LLMs

Multiple employers emphasize experience with Large Language Models (LLMs), including EY (OpenAI family, LangChain, RAG), Lilly (LLM application in research), and Insight Global (generative AI prototyping).

Computer Vision & Perception

General Motors focuses heavily on computer vision for autonomous vehicles, requiring expertise in object detection, sensor fusion, and real-time perception systems.

Natural Language Processing

Insight Global and 619 Recruiting emphasize NLP capabilities for various applications including document processing and conversational AI.

Real-Time Systems

Fox Corporation and General Motors require real-time inference capabilities for high-traffic applications and safety-critical autonomous systems.

Key Skills Summary

Essential Technical Skills: Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow, scikit-learn, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), Docker/Kubernetes, Git/CI-CD

Specialized Frameworks: MLflow, Kubeflow, Kafka, Spark, MLOps tools, vector databases

Domain Knowledge: Varies by industry – automotive (sensor fusion, perception), pharmaceutical (chemistry, process automation), media (recommendation systems), telecommunications (network optimization)

Soft Skills: Cross-functional collaboration, technical communication, project management, client interaction (for consulting roles)

Indiana’s ML market offers clear advancement pathways from entry-level implementation roles to senior technical leadership positions, with competitive salaries reflecting the critical importance of ML expertise across diverse industries from automotive manufacturing to pharmaceutical research.