Michigan has a growing group of graduate programs for students who want to study machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data science, with most of them in the Detroit and Ann Arbor area.
The options differ quite a bit. Wayne State University, Oakland University, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Lawrence Technological University, and Grand Valley State University each offer a dedicated master’s in artificial intelligence. The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Michigan Technological University approach machine learning through data science. Western Michigan University teaches it within an engineering degree, and Eastern Michigan University offers it as electives in a computer science master’s.
This guide compares the ten Michigan programs and helps you decide which approach fits your goals.
Michigan Machine Learning Master’s Programs at a Glance
| School | Degree | Location | Format | ML Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Michigan University | MS in Computer Science | Ypsilanti | Campus and hyflex | Machine learning, deep learning, and AI as electives |
| Grand Valley State University | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Grand Rapids / Online | Campus, Hybrid, or Online | Dedicated AI degree with required AI and data mining courses |
| Lawrence Technological University | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Southfield | Campus | Dedicated AI degree with machine learning and deep learning in the core |
| Michigan State University | MS in Data Science | East Lansing | Campus | Required data mining course; machine learning as an elective |
| Michigan Technological University | MS in Data Science | Houghton | Campus | Required predictive modeling plus a machine learning or deep learning course |
| Oakland University | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Rochester | Campus | Dedicated AI degree with required AI and machine learning courses |
| University of Michigan | MS in Data Science | Ann Arbor | Campus | One required machine learning or data mining course |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Dearborn / Online | Campus or Online | Dedicated AI degree with required AI and machine learning courses |
| Wayne State University | MS in Artificial Intelligence | Detroit | Campus | Dedicated AI degree with required machine learning, AI, and deep learning |
| Western Michigan University | MS in Intelligent Systems and Data Engineering | Kalamazoo | Not stated by the university | Required AI course plus machine learning or data mining |
The programs range from dedicated AI degrees to broader data science, engineering, and computer science programs. Students should compare the curriculum rather than relying on the degree title alone.
Eastern Michigan University
MS in Computer Science
Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan
Credits: 32
Format: In person and hyflex, with some online and evening courses
Minimum GPA: 2.7
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Machine learning electives; no formal track
Eastern Michigan University offers its MS in Computer Science through the Department of Computer Science. The university does not offer a separate master’s degree in AI or data science.
Machine learning is not required of every student. It enters the degree through elective courses in machine learning and data mining, neural networks and deep learning, and artificial intelligence. Students finish with a practicum, research study, or thesis.
The degree is taught in person and in hyflex format and is not available fully online.
Best fit for: Students with a computer science background who want a general computer science master’s in the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor area, with room to add machine learning electives.
View our complete Eastern Michigan University machine learning profile
Grand Valley State University
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan or Online
Credits: 33
Format: Face to face, hybrid, or online
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Machine Learning Focus: Required AI and data mining courses; Machine Learning as a core option
Grand Valley State University offers its MS in Artificial Intelligence through the College of Computing, in downtown Grand Rapids in the late afternoon or evening, in a hybrid format, and fully online.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining are required of every student. Machine Learning is one of five core options from which students choose two, so it is not required of every student. Students pick one of four tracks and finish with a master’s project or thesis.
Tuition is $940 per credit hour in 2026–27, with no separate nonresident rate.
Best fit for: Working professionals in West Michigan, and online students, who want an applied AI degree with evening, hybrid, or online classes.
View our complete Grand Valley State University AI master’s profile
Lawrence Technological University
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Southfield, Michigan
Credits: 30
Format: Campus
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Machine learning and deep learning in the core
Lawrence Technological University offers its MS in Artificial Intelligence as a joint program of the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences.
The core pairs Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition and Deep Learning for Engineers with digital signal processing, computer security, and algorithms. Students finish with either a graduate project and a three-course specialization or a 9-credit thesis.
The program is campus based, and tuition is $1,425 or $1,650 per credit hour depending on which college teaches the course.
Best fit for: Students with an engineering or computer science background who want to study AI alongside the hardware and systems it runs on.
View our complete Lawrence Technological University AI master’s profile
Michigan State University
MS in Data Science
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
Credits: 30
Format: Campus
Typical Length: Four semesters
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Required data mining course; machine learning electives
Michigan State University offers its MS in Data Science as a professional degree shared by the College of Natural Science and the College of Engineering. The university has no standalone master’s in machine learning or AI.
Data Mining is a required course, alongside big data analysis, optimization, and statistics. Machine learning is not required of every student. It enters the degree through 9 credits of electives, which include Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and statistical learning courses. The program ends with a capstone project.
The program charges a flat $39,000 fee for residents and nonresidents and admits for fall only.
Best fit for: Students who want a structured data science degree that draws equally on statistics, computer science, and computational mathematics.
View our complete Michigan State University data science profile
Michigan Technological University
MS in Data Science
Location: Houghton, Michigan
Credits: 30
Format: Campus
GRE: Not required
Recommended Deadlines: January 15 (fall), October 15 (spring)
Machine Learning Focus: Required predictive modeling plus one machine learning or deep learning course
Michigan Technological University offers its MS in Data Science through the Department of Data Science in the College of Computing. It does not offer a standalone master’s degree in machine learning or artificial intelligence.
Predictive Modeling is required of every student, and the core also requires one course in machine learning or deep learning. Artificial intelligence, data mining, and natural language processing enter the degree through an elective list. Students can finish with coursework only, a report, or a thesis.
Tuition is $1,645 per credit for residents and nonresidents in 2026–27, and the program is not offered online.
Best fit for: Students who want an on-campus, interdisciplinary degree that combines statistics, machine learning, and an applied subject area.
View our complete Michigan Technological University data science profile
Oakland University
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Rochester, Michigan
Credits: 32
Format: In person, mostly late afternoon and early evening
Typical Length: 2 years
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Machine Learning Focus: Required AI and machine learning courses, plus a concentration
Oakland University offers its MS in Artificial Intelligence through the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the School of Engineering and Computer Science.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are required courses for every student. Each student then completes one of nine concentrations, including a Machine Learning concentration that requires Deep Learning and Applications, on a research or a professional track.
Tuition is $951.50 per credit hour in state and $1,078.25 for nonresidents in 2026–27.
Best fit for: Students with a computing or STEM background who want required AI and machine learning courses and an engineering-oriented concentration in the Detroit area.
View our complete Oakland University AI master’s profile
University of Michigan
MS in Data Science
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Format: Campus
Typical Length: 2 years (4 semesters)
GRE: Not required
Application Deadline: January 15 (fall entry only)
Machine Learning Focus: One required machine learning or data mining course, with further electives
The University of Michigan offers its MS in Data Science on the Ann Arbor campus. The degree is run jointly by the Department of Statistics, the Computer Science and Engineering Division, the School of Information, and the Department of Biostatistics.
Every student takes one machine learning or data mining course, chosen from a list of nine. Further machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and artificial intelligence courses are available as electives. The program ends with a capstone course or approved project.
The program is taught in person, takes two years, and admits for fall only.
Best fit for: Students who want statistics and computing in equal measure, taught in person across four academic units.
View our complete University of Michigan data science profile
University of Michigan-Dearborn
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Dearborn, Michigan or Online
Credits: 30
Format: Campus, online, or a combination
Minimum GPA: 3.0
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Required AI and machine learning core, with a Machine Learning concentration
The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers its MS in Artificial Intelligence through the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Artificial Intelligence and a machine learning course are part of the required core, and students declare one of four concentrations: Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Knowledge Management and Reasoning, or Intelligent Interaction.
The program can be completed on campus, online, or through a mix of both. Tuition is $1,206 per credit hour for Michigan residents in 2026–27.
Best fit for: STEM graduates who want an AI degree with evening classes and the choice of campus or online study in the Detroit area.
View our complete University of Michigan-Dearborn AI master’s profile
Wayne State University
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Credits: 30
Format: Campus
Minimum GPA: 2.75
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Required machine learning, AI, and deep learning courses in the AI Algorithms and Systems major
Wayne State University offers its MS in Artificial Intelligence through the James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering, divided into three majors hosted by different engineering departments.
In the AI Algorithms and Systems major, hosted by Computer Science, Introduction to Machine Learning and Applications, Artificial Intelligence I, and Deep Learning are all required courses. Students choose a thesis or a coursework-only plan.
The program is taught on campus. Tuition is $1,005.13 per credit hour for Michigan residents, effective fall 2026.
Best fit for: Students with an engineering or other STEM background who want an on-campus AI degree in Detroit with machine learning and deep learning in the required core.
View our complete Wayne State University AI master’s profile
Western Michigan University
MS in Intelligent Systems and Data Engineering
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Credits: 30
Culminating Experience: 6-credit practicum
GRE: Not required
Machine Learning Focus: Required AI course, plus Machine Learning or Applied Data Mining
Western Michigan University offers its MS in Intelligent Systems and Data Engineering through the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. It does not offer a master’s degree titled machine learning or artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence is a required course, every student takes either Machine Learning or Applied Data Mining for Engineers, and the degree ends with a 6-credit industry-based practicum.
The program is based in Kalamazoo. Tuition is $868.04 per credit hour for Michigan residents in 2026–27, plus a $70 engineering differential.
Best fit for: Engineers and other technical graduates who want to apply artificial intelligence and data mining to industrial systems.
View our complete Western Michigan University intelligent systems profile
Which Michigan Machine Learning Program Is Right for You?
These ten programs serve different types of students.
| If You Want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| A dedicated artificial intelligence degree | Wayne State University, Oakland University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Lawrence Technological University, or Grand Valley State University |
| Required machine learning and deep learning courses | Wayne State University or Lawrence Technological University |
| Machine learning within data science | University of Michigan, Michigan State University, or Michigan Technological University |
| AI applied to industrial and engineering systems | Western Michigan University or Lawrence Technological University |
| Machine learning electives inside a computer science degree | Eastern Michigan University |
| A fully online option | University of Michigan-Dearborn or Grand Valley State University |
| The lowest resident tuition rates per credit | Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, or Oakland University |
| One tuition rate regardless of residency | Grand Valley State University, Michigan Technological University, or Michigan State University |
| A thesis option | Wayne State University, Oakland University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Lawrence Technological University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan Technological University, or Eastern Michigan University |
| Evening classes for working professionals | University of Michigan-Dearborn, Oakland University, or Grand Valley State University |
There is no single best program for every student. The strongest choice depends on whether you want a dedicated AI degree, a data science program, an engineering-focused curriculum, or the flexibility of online study.
Campus vs. Online Machine Learning Programs in Michigan
Students who want to study on campus have choices across the state.
Wayne State University is in Detroit, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, and Oakland University in Rochester are in the Detroit suburbs. The University of Michigan is in Ann Arbor, and Eastern Michigan University is nearby in Ypsilanti. Michigan State University is in East Lansing, Grand Valley State University teaches this degree in Grand Rapids, Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, and Michigan Technological University is in Houghton in the Upper Peninsula.
Two of the ten programs can be completed fully online: the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Grand Valley State University. Eastern Michigan University offers some hyflex and online courses but not a fully online degree.
Western Michigan University does not state a delivery format for its program, so students who need online study should confirm with the department. The remaining programs on this page are campus-based.
Students who want more online choices can also compare schools outside Michigan in our guide to online master’s degrees in machine learning.
What Do Michigan Machine Learning Programs Teach?
Curriculum varies by school, but Michigan graduate students can study subjects such as:
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Deep learning and neural networks
- Data mining and predictive modeling
- Computer vision
- Natural language processing
- Statistics and statistical learning
- Signal processing and embedded systems
- Robotics and connected vehicles
- Algorithms and software engineering
The biggest difference is how these subjects fit into each degree.
Wayne State, Oakland, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Lawrence Tech, and Grand Valley State build a full degree around artificial intelligence, often with engineering concentrations. The University of Michigan, Michigan State, and Michigan Tech approach machine learning through data science and statistics. Western Michigan places it within industrial engineering, and Eastern Michigan within computer science.
That distinction should be an important part of your program comparison.
Machine Learning Careers in Michigan
A machine learning master’s degree can support careers in data science, machine learning engineering, artificial intelligence, software development, analytics, and research.
Michigan technology employment is concentrated in the Detroit and Ann Arbor area and in Grand Rapids, with employers in automotive and mobility, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and university research.
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
Michigan 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.