Machine learning and AI are driving economic developments across the Bluegrass state:
- University of Kentucky’s AI/ML Hub and its Center for Applied AI foster interdisciplinary collaboration and translational research in biomedical informatics and computational science.
- Louisville firms like Slingshot, Polymath, and Ubico Infosoft lead in AI development and business intelligence consulting.
- Companies such as Stack AI drive enterprise AI solutions across the region.
- Public-private partnerships like the Kentucky Chamber’s and the Kentucky Innovation Network connect startups, researchers, and established firms in cities such as Lexington and Louisville.
There is plenty of opportunity to foster a career in machine learning in Kentucky with the right training and education.
2026 Best Schools for Masters in Machine Learning Degrees in Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY - Public 4-Year - eku.edu
Master's - Computer Science, Master of Science (Artificial Intelligence in Data Science, Machine Learning, Big Data)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Eastern Kentucky University's Master of Science in Computer Science offers a concentration in Artificial Intelligence in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Big Data, tailored for computing professionals aiming to enhance their skills. This campus-based program requires 30-33 credit hours and emphasizes AI, machine learning, big data, and data visualization, preparing graduates for high-demand roles. Admission necessitates a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or 3.0 on the last 60 hours, plus GRE or GMAT scores, though a STEM degree with a 3.0 GPA can waive this exam requirement. The curriculum integrates core and specialized courses, covering technical, business, and ethical aspects, making it ideal for advancing expertise in these fields.
- 30-33 credit hours.
- Concentration in AI, Data Science.
- GRE/GMAT scores required.
- STEM degree option for admission.
- Focus on machine learning, big data.
- Includes data visualization course.
- Prepares for high-demand careers.
- Advanced technical and business skills.
- Legal, social, ethical issues covered.
- Campus-based program.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - Private 4-year - campbellsville.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Campbellsville University offers an online Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence with a concentration in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science. This STEM program is designed for working professionals, featuring a 12-month completion time and a cost of $580 per credit hour. It requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 and relevant background for admission, with no entrance exam specified. Highlights include flexible online learning, expert faculty, practical coursework, and military-friendly policies, making it an accessible and career-focused option.
- 12-month completion time.
- $580 per credit hour.
- Online flexible learning.
- STEM program focus.
- Expert faculty guidance.
- Practical coursework included.
- No application fee.
- Accepts up to 12 transfer credits.
- Career services available.
- Military-friendly school.
2026 Machine Learning Degree Costs in Kentucky
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Campbellsville University |
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| Eastern Kentucky University |
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Kentucky Schools Offering a Masters in Machine Learning Degree
Campbellsville, KY
Campbellsville University
- Master's - Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Concentration: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science - Online Learning - Website
- 12-month completion time.
- $580 per credit hour.
- Online flexible learning.
- STEM program focus.
- Expert faculty guidance.
- Practical coursework included.
- No application fee.
- Accepts up to 12 transfer credits.
Richmond, KY
Eastern Kentucky University
- Master's - Computer Science, Master of Science
Concentration: Artificial Intelligence in Data Science, Machine Learning, Big Data - Campus Based - Website
- 30-33 credit hours.
- Concentration in AI, Data Science.
- GRE/GMAT scores required.
- STEM degree option for admission.
- Focus on machine learning, big data.
- Includes data visualization course.
- Prepares for high-demand careers.
- Advanced technical and business skills.
Which School Should You Choose?
Program Overview Comparison
Kentucky offers two distinct approaches to machine learning and AI education, representing contrasting philosophies in graduate education delivery:
Eastern Kentucky University provides a traditional MS in Computer Science with specialized AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning concentration through campus-based learning, emphasizing comprehensive computer science foundations with ethical technology considerations.
Campbellsville University delivers a focused online MS in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence designed for rapid professional advancement, featuring accelerated completion timelines and practical industry applications.
Cost Analysis
In-State Students
- Eastern Kentucky University: $8,500-$12,700 annually – Most affordable option for Kentucky residents
- Campbellsville University: $7,900-$11,900 annually – Competitive private pricing
Out-of-State Students
- Eastern Kentucky University: $11,500-$17,200 annually – Moderate out-of-state premium
- Campbellsville University: $7,900-$11,900 annually – No residency differential (significant advantage)
Per-Credit Analysis
- Campbellsville: $580 per credit hour with clear pricing structure
- Eastern Kentucky: Estimated $283-$400 per credit hour for in-state students
Total Program Investment
- Campbellsville: Approximately $20,880-$23,200 (36 credits at $580/credit)
- Eastern Kentucky: $8,500-$21,450 depending on residency and credit requirements (30-33 credits)
Program Duration and Format Comparison
Accelerated Professional Option
Campbellsville enables completion in 12 months through intensive online delivery, maximizing convenience for working professionals.
Traditional Academic Timeline
Eastern Kentucky follows standard 2-year progression with 30-33 credit hours, providing comprehensive coverage through campus-based instruction.
Curriculum Specialization Analysis
Comprehensive Computer Science Foundation
Eastern Kentucky integrates AI and machine learning within broader computer science curriculum, covering data visualization, big data technologies, and ethical/legal dimensions of technology.
Focused Data Science Application
Campbellsville emphasizes practical implementation of data science and AI techniques with immediate industry application focus.
Unique Program Features
Ethical Technology Integration
Eastern Kentucky uniquely addresses legal, social, and ethical dimensions of AI technology, preparing graduates for responsible implementation.
Transfer Credit Flexibility
Campbellsville accepts up to 12 transfer credits, potentially reducing program cost and completion time.
STEM Certification
Both programs maintain STEM designation, qualifying international students for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Target Audience and Career Outcomes
Traditional Graduate Students
Eastern Kentucky serves students seeking comprehensive computer science education with AI specialization in structured academic environment.
Career-Changing Professionals
Campbellsville targets working professionals needing rapid skill acquisition for career advancement or transition into tech roles.
Admission Requirements Assessment
Moderate Academic Standards
Eastern Kentucky requires GRE/GMAT scores with specific GPA requirements, though STEM degree holders with 3.0 GPA may qualify for exemptions.
Accessible Professional Entry
Campbellsville maintains 2.5 minimum GPA with no GRE requirement and no application fee, maximizing accessibility.
Selection Framework: Choosing Your Best Fit
For Comprehensive Academic Foundation
Choose Eastern Kentucky University if you value:
- Traditional campus-based graduate education
- Comprehensive computer science curriculum integration
- Ethical and social dimensions of technology
- Research opportunities and academic rigor
- Kentucky resident tuition advantages
- Data visualization and big data specialization
For Accelerated Professional Development
Choose Campbellsville University if you prioritize:
- Rapid 12-month completion timeline
- Complete online flexibility for working professionals
- Practical industry-focused curriculum
- No standardized test requirements
- Transfer credit acceptance (up to 12 credits)
- Consistent pricing regardless of residency
Decision Matrix
Choose Eastern Kentucky if: You’re a Kentucky resident seeking comprehensive computer science education with AI specialization through traditional campus-based learning.
Choose Campbellsville if: You’re a working professional needing rapid, practical AI/data science skills through flexible online delivery.
Critical Considerations
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Kentucky residents receive exceptional value at Eastern Kentucky ($8,500-$12,700), while out-of-state students find Campbellsville more cost-effective with no residency premium.
Academic Depth vs. Professional Speed
Eastern Kentucky provides broader computer science foundation with ethical considerations, while Campbellsville focuses on immediate practical applications.
Learning Environment Preferences
Eastern Kentucky offers collaborative campus experience with research opportunities, while Campbellsville delivers maximum flexibility for busy professionals.
Limited Market Reality
Kentucky’s machine learning graduate education market remains relatively small, with only two documented programs serving the entire state. This limitation means:
- Choice constraints: Students have minimal options compared to states like California or Texas
- Geographic considerations: Kentucky residents may need to consider out-of-state programs for additional choices
- Career pathway implications: Both programs prepare students for different career trajectories, making the decision particularly important
The optimal choice depends primarily on residency status, career stage, time availability, and learning preferences. Kentucky residents seeking traditional graduate education benefit from Eastern Kentucky’s comprehensive approach and affordable tuition. Working professionals throughout the region find Campbellsville’s accelerated online format invaluable despite potentially higher total costs. The limited program availability makes either option valuable for Kentucky-based students seeking to remain in-state for their graduate education.
Local Market Analysis For ML Grads
Based on a review current job postings in Kentucky (from Indeed, Ziprecruiter, Google Jobs etc), here’s what employers are seeking, organized by skillset and compensation levels.
Core Technical Skills in High Demand
Programming and Framework Mastery
Xometry in Lexington seeks Principal Machine Learning Data Scientists specializing in Generative AI with 7+ years experience in generative models, LLMs, or computer vision. They require expertise in large-scale language and vision models (Transformers, GPT, VLMs) with proficiency in Python including PyTorch, TensorFlow, pandas, and numpy for multimodal document processing and structured data extraction.
Bitwerx Inc. in Lexington offers $70,000-$120,000 for Machine Learning Engineers requiring experience with Python, SQL, Scala, and R in data engineering contexts. They emphasize understanding of supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, regression, classification, clustering methods, and neural networks, with specific experience in OpenAI and Databricks platforms.
Food and Beverage Industry Solutions seeks ML Engineers with 8+ years of data science and analytics experience, requiring 7+ years of Python knowledge alongside deep knowledge of statistics and practical implementations of computational statistics for enterprise applications.
Advanced Generative AI and LLMs
Insight Global in Louisville focuses on GenAI applications for healthcare insurance, requiring passionate candidates for integrating LLM APIs into app workflows at a Fortune 100 company. They emphasize candidates who have completed passion projects and side projects demonstrating AI expertise.
PwC in Louisville offers $55,000-$187,000 for CTIO-AI Engineer positions requiring 3+ years experience developing AI/ML systems with advanced proficiency in prompt engineering, experience deploying LLMs into production, and designing/optimizing RAG pipelines using orchestration tools like LangChain and LlamaIndex.
Yum! Brands in Louisville seeks Senior ML Engineers for developing LLM-based voice assistants for drive-through and ordering kiosks, requiring 3-6 years experience building software applications with strong Python programming skills and 2+ years cloud application development experience.
Specialized Domain Applications
Healthcare and Life Sciences Technology
Humana Inc. in Louisville seeks Senior Cognitive AI/ML Engineers requiring Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years experience or Master’s plus 3 years, focusing on leveraging large structured and unstructured healthcare datasets for tactical and strategic insights. They emphasize experience with statistical forecasting models and healthcare or managed care experience.
Insight Global represents a large-scale healthcare insurance company’s AI Center of Excellence, seeking self-driven, collaborative individuals to lead enterprise AI initiatives at a Fortune 100 company with focus on GenAI applications for healthcare use cases.
Manufacturing and Industrial Applications
Xometry in Lexington combines ML with manufacturing marketplace optimization, requiring expertise in multimodal data processing (combining text, image, and 3D data) for technical drawing analysis, purchasing order processing, and complex manufacturing document understanding. They require US citizenship or Green Card status due to ITAR requirements.
Bitwerx Inc. focuses on veterinary industry applications, seeking candidates with experience in real-time data matching and augmentation at scale, emphasizing cloud-based data technologies with Azure preferred for veterinary, health, dental, or other vertical markets.
Enterprise Consulting and Strategy
EY in Louisville provides $124,300-$227,900 for AI/ML Manager roles requiring 6-10 years experience and 2-4 years direct technical team management. They focus on AI Native Engineering, building scalable artificial intelligence systems across various environments including cloud and on-premises deployments.
PwC emphasizes client-facing AI engineering roles, requiring candidates who can build meaningful client relationships while developing AI solutions that enhance product offerings and drive business growth through advanced analytical techniques.
Advanced Technology Specializations
Computational Chemistry and Drug Discovery
Peptone Ltd. in London, KY offers unique opportunities in machine learning research for drug discovery, requiring PhD or MS plus 2 years experience in computational chemistry, cheminformatics, or related fields. They seek hands-on deep-learning expertise with molecular-representation learning including graph neural networks (GNNs), 3D transformers, and diffusion models for chemistry applications.
Food Service and Restaurant Technology
Yum! Brands represents the intersection of AI with global restaurant operations across KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands. They require experience with concurrent programming, large scale deployments, and cloud applications for developing voice assistants in telephony environments.
Professional Services and Business Consulting
EY and PwC both emphasize AI consulting applications, requiring candidates who can translate technical ML expertise into business solutions while managing client relationships and leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced consulting environments.
Education and Experience Requirements
Advanced Degrees Emphasized
- Peptone Ltd.: PhD required in Computer Science, Computational Chemistry, or related field
- Xometry: Advanced degree (M.S. or PhD) highly preferred in computer science, ML, or AI
- PwC: Master’s degree preferred, Bachelor’s required in Computer Science or related field
- Humana: Master’s degree preferred in quantitative disciplines
Experience Level Variations
- Entry Level: SynergisticIT and PwC accept recent graduates with 3+ years experience
- Senior Level: Most positions require 5-8+ years experience with production ML systems
- Principal Level: Xometry requires 7+ years experience with leadership capabilities
- Management Roles: EY requires 6-10 years experience plus 2-4 years team management
Cross-Disciplinary Integration
Healthcare Technology and Compliance
Humana and Insight Global require understanding of healthcare data regulations, HIPAA compliance, and the unique challenges of applying ML in regulated healthcare environments, reflecting Kentucky’s significant healthcare industry presence.
Manufacturing and ITAR Compliance
Xometry requires US citizenship or Green Card status due to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) requirements, representing Kentucky’s role in advanced manufacturing and defense-related applications.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research
Peptone Ltd.’s focus on computational drug discovery requires integration of ML with chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical development, representing Kentucky’s growing life sciences sector.
Food Service Innovation
Yum! Brands’ application of ML to restaurant operations requires understanding of consumer behavior, supply chain optimization, and real-time customer service applications across global restaurant networks.
Compensation Analysis by Role Type
Premium Research and Principal Positions:
- Xometry: Competitive compensation for Principal ML Data Scientist roles
- Peptone Ltd.: Competitive research compensation for drug discovery applications
Healthcare and Insurance Technology:
- Humana: Competitive compensation with comprehensive benefits
- Insight Global: Fortune 100 healthcare insurance company compensation
Enterprise Consulting and Professional Services:
- EY: $124,300-$227,900 (AI/ML Manager)
- PwC: $55,000-$187,000 (CTIO-AI Engineer Senior Associate)
Mid-Level Manufacturing and Technology:
- Bitwerx Inc.: $70,000-$120,000 (ML Engineer)
- Yum! Brands: Competitive compensation for Senior ML Engineer roles
Key Industry Trends
Healthcare AI Leadership: Kentucky employers consistently emphasize healthcare applications of ML. Humana specifically seeks candidates who can “leverage large sets of structured and unstructured data to develop tactical and strategic insights” for healthcare, while Insight Global focuses on “GenAI applications for use cases” in healthcare insurance.
Manufacturing Intelligence: Companies like Xometry and Bitwerx demonstrate Kentucky’s growing role in applying AI to traditional manufacturing industries, requiring candidates who can “bridge state of the art approaches to real world impact” in manufacturing contexts.
Enterprise AI Consulting: EY and PwC represent Kentucky’s position in professional services, requiring candidates who can “research, build, and implement scalable artificial intelligence systems” while managing client relationships and delivering business value.
Food Service Innovation: Yum! Brands positions Kentucky as a leader in applying AI to restaurant operations, requiring experience with “LLM based voice assistants for various use cases: telephony environment/drive through/ordering kiosk.”
Remote Work Flexibility: Most positions offer remote work options, with companies like Humana providing “Remote US” positions and Bitwerx offering hybrid arrangements, reflecting Kentucky’s strategy to attract global talent while maintaining local operations.
The Kentucky ML market offers diverse opportunities for graduates with machine learning master’s degrees, particularly those who can demonstrate expertise in healthcare applications, manufacturing intelligence, and client-facing AI consulting. The state’s combination of Fortune 100 healthcare companies, innovative manufacturing platforms, and established consulting firms creates a rich ecosystem for ML professionals seeking both technical challenges and meaningful impact across traditional and emerging industries.