Montana has two campus-based master’s programs that fit students interested in machine learning and data science: the Montana State University M.S. in Data Science in Bozeman and the University of Montana M.S. in Data Science in Missoula.
Both programs combine quantitative coursework with computer science and machine learning. Montana State requires 30 credits and includes Mathematics of Machine Learning in the core. University of Montana requires 30 credits with a thesis or 36 credits without a thesis and offers coursework in machine learning, pattern recognition, big data mining, and advanced analytics.
Montana Master’s Programs in Machine Learning and Data Science
| School | Location | Degree | Format | Tuition | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State University | Bozeman | M.S. in Data Science, 30 credits | Campus | About $13,141 resident; $19,712 WRGP; $44,346 nonresident | About 2 years |
| University of Montana | Missoula | M.S. in Data Science, 30–36 credits | Campus | About $16,000–$20,000 resident | About 2 years |
Montana State University
Montana State University’s M.S. in Data Science is a 30-credit interdisciplinary program built around computer science, mathematics, and statistics. Every student takes Mathematics of Machine Learning, Algorithms, and Experimental Design.
Students can strengthen the AI and machine learning focus through electives such as Advanced Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Data Mining, database systems, and optimization. The published sample curricula support a planning estimate of about two years for full-time study.
Cost is a major advantage for Montana residents. MSU estimates total tuition and fees for the 30-credit degree at about $13,141 for residents, $19,712 for eligible WRGP students, and $44,346 for nonresidents.
University of Montana
The University of Montana M.S. in Data Science combines mathematics, statistics, computer science, and applied data analysis. Students complete 30 credits with a thesis or 36 credits without a thesis.
The curriculum includes advanced data science analytics, numerical methods, data analytics projects, and graduate computer science coursework. Available courses include Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition, Applications of Mining Big Data, data visualization, and parallel computing.
A reasonable full-time planning estimate is about two years. Based on the university’s published 2026–27 graduate rates, resident students should budget roughly $16,000–$17,000 for the 30-credit thesis route or about $18,000–$20,000 for the 36-credit non-thesis route in tuition and mandatory fees.
Which Montana Program Is the Better Fit?
Montana State University has the clearest built-in machine learning requirement because Mathematics of Machine Learning is part of the core curriculum. Its 30-credit structure also makes the degree easy to compare on cost and time.
University of Montana may appeal more to students who want a research component and a choice between thesis and non-thesis paths. Its curriculum also provides direct access to machine learning and related computer science electives.
Both are campus programs with strong quantitative foundations. Students who qualify for the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) should also review the reduced tuition options available at each university.
Bottom Line
Montana now has two solid graduate data science options for students interested in machine learning. Montana State offers a focused 30-credit curriculum with required machine learning coursework and particularly low resident tuition. University of Montana offers a broader 30- to 36-credit structure with research, thesis flexibility, and several machine learning and data mining courses.