Once a hub for mining and agriculture, Montana is embracing a new kind of resource: data. From Bozeman’s precision-ag startups to Helena’s public-sector analytics teams, organizations across the state are tapping machine learning to solve real-world challenges:
- Bozeman based NeuroID leverages machine learning and advanced algorithms to detect fraud and authenticate users in real-time.
- MSU’s On-Farm Precision Experimentation program collects crop production data with machine learning to generate recommendations for growers.
That translates into a surge of high-paying, remote-friendly roles—perfect for graduates who want world-class careers without leaving Big Sky Country.
For residents, this degree offers a direct pathway to high demand careers and the opportunity to contribute to Montana’s expanding role in the national AI economy.
Below are master’s degree programs designed to make you a machine-learning pro in Montana’s uniquely supportive academic and economic environment.
2026 Best Schools for Masters in Machine Learning Degrees in Montana
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT - Public 4-Year - montana.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Data Science
Concentration: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining - Campus Based - Visit Website
Montana State University's Master of Science in Data Science program emphasizes a concentration in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Mining. This on-campus, 30-credit interdisciplinary degree requires strong prerequisites in calculus, linear algebra, data structures, and statistics. The curriculum includes foundational courses in algorithms and machine learning mathematics, with electives for specialization in computer science, mathematics, or statistics. It focuses on real-world problem-solving through hands-on projects and advanced computational techniques. Admission does not explicitly require an entrance exam, as prerequisites and coursework are emphasized instead.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum.
- Focus on Machine Learning.
- 30 credits required.
- Campus-based program.
- Strong prerequisite foundation.
- Flexible specialization options.
- Includes foundational courses.
- Electives in AI.
- Data Mining focus.
- Real-world problem solving.
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT - Public 4-Year - umt.edu
Master's - Data Science M.S.
Concentration: Machine Learning - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Montana's Master of Science in Data Science with a Machine Learning concentration provides a rigorous campus-based education blending theory and practice. It requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission and includes a comprehensive exam after the first year. The curriculum covers numerical methods, data visualization, and big data analytics, culminating in a research project and presentation. This program prepares graduates for careers in technology and academia, emphasizing collaborative learning and practical applications. An entrance exam is not explicitly mentioned as required.
- Campus-based program
- Minimum GPA 3.0 required
- Focus on Machine Learning
- Includes research project
- Comprehensive exam after first year
- Courses in data visualization
- Advanced theoretical big data analytics
- Numerical methods for computational science
- Graduate seminar participation
- Electives in mathematical sciences
Montana Schools Offering a Masters in Machine Learning Degree
Bozeman, MT
Montana State University
- Master's - Master of Science in Data Science
Concentration: Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining - Campus Based - Website
- Interdisciplinary curriculum.
- Focus on Machine Learning.
- 30 credits required.
- Campus-based program.
- Strong prerequisite foundation.
- Flexible specialization options.
- Includes foundational courses.
- Electives in AI.
Missoula, MT
The University of Montana
- Master's - Data Science M.S.
Concentration: Machine Learning - Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Minimum GPA 3.0 required
- Focus on Machine Learning
- Includes research project
- Comprehensive exam after first year
- Courses in data visualization
- Advanced theoretical big data analytics
- Numerical methods for computational science
Machine Learning Engineer Opportunities in Montana
Based on current job postings on sites like Google jobs and Ziprecruiter, here is an analysis of the job market for ML engineers in the state, organized by skillset and compensation levels.
Core Technical Skills in High Demand
Programming and Framework Expertise
Meta (via NLP PEOPLE) in Bozeman seeks experienced ML engineers with expertise in Python, JavaScript, C/C++, and Java, offering exceptional compensation of $85.10/hour to $251,000/year plus bonus, equity, and benefits. They require candidates to own the entire ML lifecycle, from inception to business impact, working on recommendation systems, classification, and optimization problems at massive scale.
Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center in Anaconda requires proficiency with mathematical programming packages (Python numpy/scipy/pandas, R, MATLAB) and deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), though specific salary information wasn’t disclosed. They focus on high-performance computing applications for data science challenges.
Advanced ML System Design
Robotics and AI Institute in Zurich seeks Applied Scientists with expertise in reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and robotics toolkits (ROS/ROS2, OpenRAVE, MoveIt!). They require 3+ years of experience developing software applications in C and Python for production environments, with emphasis on mobile robots and machine learning applications.
beBee Careers in Helena offers Large Scale Development ML Engineer positions focusing on adapting standard machine learning methods for modern parallel environments including distributed clusters, multicore SMP, and GPU architectures.
Leadership and Strategy Roles
Executive-Level Positions
Workiva in Missoula offers a Director of Data Science role with a substantial salary range of $177,000-$284,000, plus discretionary bonus, equity, and comprehensive benefits. They require 8+ years in data science/ML roles with 3+ years in leadership, an advanced degree (PhD/MS) in quantitative fields, and proven experience deploying ML models at scale in production environments.
This role involves shaping team vision, fostering high-performing culture, and driving ML initiatives across the organization while serving as a strategic advisor for AI/ML adoption.
Healthcare and Applied Sciences
Healthcare Analytics
Humana Inc. in Billings seeks Senior Cognitive AI/Machine Learning Engineers to leverage large structured and unstructured datasets for tactical and strategic insights. They require a Bachelor’s degree in quantitative disciplines plus 5 years of experience, or Master’s degree plus 3 years. The role involves developing statistical forecasting models and communicating results to both analytical and non-analytical business partners.
Education and Experience Requirements
Advanced Degrees Strongly Preferred
- Meta prefers Master’s or PhD in Computer Science or related technical fields
- Workiva requires advanced degree (PhD/MS) in quantitative fields like Computer Science, Statistics, or Mathematics
- Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center prefers Master’s degree in Machine Learning, Data Science, or Statistics
- Robotics and AI Institute accepts BS, MS, or PhD in computer science, robotics, or engineering fields
Experience Levels
- Entry to Mid-Level: Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center accepts minimum 3 years of ML experience
- Senior Level: Meta requires 8+ years in software engineering (4+ with PhD), 6+ years in ML specialties
- Leadership Roles: Workiva demands 8+ years total with 3+ years in leadership positions
Cross-Disciplinary Integration
Research and Academia Interface
Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center uniquely bridges academic research with practical applications, requiring candidates to engage with academic and private-sector researchers, develop training content, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. This role exemplifies Montana’s growing intersection between traditional academia and cutting-edge technology.
Healthcare Technology
Humana represents the growing healthcare analytics sector, requiring professionals who can translate complex medical data into actionable business insights, demonstrating Montana’s expansion into specialized vertical applications.
Robotics and Automation
Robotics and AI Institute shows Montana’s emergence in advanced robotics, requiring expertise spanning machine learning, control systems, and hardware development – representing the state’s movement toward high-tech manufacturing and automation.
Compensation Trends
Salary Ranges by Role Type:
- Senior IC Roles: $85.10/hour to $251,000 annually (Meta)
- Leadership Positions: $177,000-$284,000 (Workiva)
- Research Scientists: Salary not disclosed but likely competitive given Carnegie Mellon University affiliation
- Healthcare Analytics: Compensation not specified but includes comprehensive benefits
Benefits and Equity
Most positions offer comprehensive packages including health insurance, paid time off, equity participation, and 401(k) matching. Meta notably includes substantial equity components alongside base compensation.
Key Industry Trends
Production-First Mentality: Montana employers consistently emphasize production deployment experience over pure research. Meta specifically requires experience “building and shipping high quality work” and developing models “from inception to business impact.”
Leadership Development: Senior roles increasingly demand technical leadership capabilities, with Meta requiring candidates to “lead major initiatives successfully” and demonstrate “technical leadership working with teams.”
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Workiva emphasizes partnering with Sales, Product, Marketing, and Customer Success teams, reflecting Montana’s business-focused approach to ML implementation.
Remote Work Flexibility: Most positions offer remote work options, acknowledging Montana’s geographic challenges while accessing global talent pools.
The Montana ML market offers exceptional opportunities for graduates with machine learning master’s degrees, particularly those who can demonstrate practical experience in production systems, leadership potential, and the ability to bridge technical expertise with business applications. The state’s combination of competitive compensation, quality of life, and emerging tech ecosystem makes it an attractive destination for ML professionals seeking both career growth and lifestyle benefits.