Missouri offers four graduate programs for students who want to study machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, or advanced computer science.
The programs take different approaches. The University of Missouri offers a dedicated MS in Artificial Intelligence. Missouri S&T offers a 31-credit MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence that combines AI with another STEM discipline. The University of Central Missouri combines data science and AI in a flexible program with online, hybrid, and campus options. Missouri State University offers a broader MS in Computer Science that lets students build machine learning and AI into their graduate coursework.
This guide compares the four Missouri programs by curriculum, format, length, and cost.
Missouri Machine Learning Master’s Programs at a Glance
| School | Degree | Credits | Format | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University | MS in Computer Science | 30 | Campus | $12,420 resident / $24,750 nonresident |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence | 31 | Campus; online pricing available | About $37,200 online |
| University of Central Missouri | MS in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 30 | Online, Hybrid, or Campus | $16,510 |
| University of Missouri | MS in Artificial Intelligence | 30 | Campus | About $18,400–$20,900 resident* |
*Mizzou estimate is based on scaling the university’s published 2025–26 graduate tuition-and-fee range to 30 credits. Missouri S&T’s $37,200 figure is based on its published $1,200-per-credit online graduate rate for 31 credits. These are planning estimates, not quoted program-specific totals.
Missouri State University
MS in Computer Science
Location: Springfield, Missouri
Credits: 30
Format: Campus
Typical Length: About 1.5 years full-time
2026–27 Tuition: $414 per credit for Missouri residents; $825 per credit for nonresidents
ML Focus: Flexible machine learning and AI coursework within computer science
Missouri State offers the broadest degree of the four. Students earn an MS in Computer Science and can use graduate coursework, a project, or thesis research to develop a machine learning and AI focus.
The department identifies machine learning, artificial intelligence, data mining, and deep learning among its graduate study areas. Students can choose a course-only, project, or thesis path.
The published 2026–27 graduate tuition rate produces an estimated base tuition of about $12,420 for Missouri residents and $24,750 for nonresidents across the 30-credit minimum, before required fees and other expenses.
Best fit for: Students who want a traditional computer science master’s with the flexibility to study machine learning and AI rather than a narrowly defined AI degree.
View our complete Missouri State University program profile
Missouri University of Science and Technology
MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence
Location: Rolla, Missouri
Credits: 31
Format: Campus; online graduate pricing is published
Typical Length: About 2 years
Estimated Online Tuition: About $37,200
ML Focus: Machine learning, deep learning, NLP, LLMs, computer vision, reinforcement learning, robotics, and data mining
Missouri S&T offers a focused Applied Artificial Intelligence master’s built around an interdisciplinary AI+X model. The 31-credit, non-thesis curriculum combines required computing and AI courses with nine credits of AI electives and at least 12 credits in another STEM discipline.
The AI elective list is one of the broadest in the state. Options include machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, large language models, computer vision, reinforcement learning, robotics, data mining, clustering, and machine learning for computer vision.
Missouri S&T publishes an online graduate tuition rate of $1,200 per credit for Summer/Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. Applied to the 31-credit degree, that produces an estimated tuition of $37,200, before books and other applicable charges. Campus tuition may differ by residency and degree plan.
Best fit for: Engineers and other STEM graduates who want substantial AI coursework while applying machine learning to another technical field.
View our complete Missouri S&T Applied AI program profile
University of Central Missouri
MS in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Location: Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Credits: 30
Format: Online, Hybrid, or Campus
Typical Length: 18–24 months
Estimated Tuition: $16,510
ML Focus: Machine learning, deep learning, NLP, data visualization, and big data analytics
UCM offers one of the clearest machine learning and AI options in Missouri. Its 30-credit MS combines data science with artificial intelligence and includes direct study in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, data visualization, and big data analytics.
Flexibility is a major advantage. UCM lists online, hybrid, Warrensburg, and Lee’s Summit options and says students can complete the program in about 18–24 months.
UCM publishes an estimated program tuition of $16,510 based on 2025–26 rates. That works out to roughly $550 per credit across 30 credits, although actual costs can vary by course load and fees.
Best fit for: Students who want a focused AI and data science curriculum with online or hybrid flexibility and a published program-level tuition estimate.
View our complete University of Central Missouri program profile
University of Missouri
MS in Artificial Intelligence
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Credits: 30
Format: Campus
Typical Length: Roughly four semesters for a typical full-time schedule
Estimated Tuition: About $18,400–$20,900 for Missouri residents; $43,200–$45,700 for nonresidents*
ML Focus: Dedicated artificial intelligence degree with extensive machine learning coursework
Mizzou offers a specialized AI degree with coursework in machine learning, supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and data mining.
Students can choose thesis or non-thesis study. The thesis route supports formal research, while the non-thesis route includes an independent master’s project.
Mizzou does not publish one universal per-credit graduate price for this program. Using its published 2025–26 graduate tuition-and-fee range as a planning benchmark produces a rough 30-credit estimate of $18,400–$20,900 for residents and $43,200–$45,700 for nonresidents. Students should verify current program charges directly with the university.
Best fit for: Students who want a dedicated artificial intelligence master’s with deep machine learning coursework and thesis or research-project options.
View our complete University of Missouri AI master’s profile
Which Missouri Machine Learning Program Is Right for You?
| If You Want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| A dedicated MS in Artificial Intelligence | University of Missouri |
| Applied AI combined with another STEM discipline | Missouri S&T |
| Online or hybrid study | University of Central Missouri |
| A broad computer science degree with ML/AI electives | Missouri State University |
| The lowest estimated resident tuition | Missouri State University |
| Data science plus artificial intelligence | University of Central Missouri |
| A thesis or research-focused path | University of Missouri or Missouri State University |
| A non-thesis AI degree with a large AI elective menu | Missouri S&T |
There is no single best option for every student. Mizzou provides a direct AI specialization with thesis and project options. Missouri S&T stands out for its AI+X structure and large menu of AI electives. UCM offers flexible delivery and a focused data science and AI curriculum. Missouri State provides the broadest computer science foundation and the lowest estimated resident base tuition of the four programs.
Campus vs. Online Machine Learning Programs in Missouri
Students who want a traditional campus experience can consider all four schools. Missouri State is based in Springfield, Missouri S&T is in Rolla, Mizzou offers its AI master’s in Columbia, and UCM provides in-person options in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit.
UCM is the clearest choice for students who need a fully flexible delivery model because it lists online, hybrid, and campus options. Missouri S&T also publishes online graduate pricing for its Applied AI program, although students should confirm the current delivery options for their intended start term.
What Do Missouri Machine Learning Programs Teach?
Curriculum varies by school, but Missouri graduate students can study subjects such as machine learning, deep learning, artificial intelligence, neural networks, natural language processing, large language models, computer vision, reinforcement learning, robotics, data mining, big data analytics, data visualization, and intelligent systems.
The main difference is how those subjects fit into each degree. Mizzou builds them into a dedicated AI master’s. Missouri S&T combines Applied AI with another STEM discipline. UCM combines AI with data science. Missouri State lets students select ML and AI study within a broader computer science program.
Compare More Machine Learning Master’s Programs
Missouri gives students four distinct approaches to graduate machine learning study. Before applying, check each university for current tuition, course availability, delivery format, admission requirements, and deadlines.
- Missouri State University - Springfield
- University of Central Missouri - Warrensburg
- University of Missouri - Columbia