Carnegie Mellon MS in Machine Learning: Tuition & Courses

Carnegie Mellon University offers a Master of Science in Machine Learning through the Machine Learning Department in its School of Computer Science. The program is a direct, technical graduate degree built around machine learning theory, statistics, optimization, deep learning, and applied work.

The standard MSML is an on-campus program that can be completed in three semesters plus a summer practicum. Carnegie Mellon also offers a 20-month Advanced Study option that adds supervised research and a master’s thesis.

Program Quick Facts

School	Carnegie Mellon University
Department	Machine Learning Department, School of Computer Science
Location	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Degree	Master of Science in Machine Learning
Format	Campus
Coursework	Six core courses, three electives, and a practicum
Typical Coursework Units	At least 108 CMU units; courses are typically 12 units each
Standard Program Length	Three semesters plus a summer practicum; some students take four semesters
Advanced Study Length	20 months
2026–27 Tuition	$31,100 per semester
Estimated Three-Semester Tuition	About $93,300 before fees; the final semester may use a higher annual rate
Online Option	No
STEM Designated	Yes

Carnegie Mellon MS in Machine Learning

Machine Learning Curriculum

Students complete six core courses, three electives, and a machine learning practicum. The standard curriculum includes the following core requirements:

10-701 Introduction to Machine Learning or 10-715 Advanced Introduction to Machine Learning
10-617 Intermediate Deep Learning, 10-703 Deep Reinforcement Learning, or 10-707 Advanced Deep Learning
10-708 Probabilistic Graphical Models
10-718 Machine Learning in Practice
10-725 Optimization for Machine Learning
36-700 Probability and Mathematical Statistics or 36-705 Intermediate Statistics

Students also select three approved electives. Options include courses in generative AI, natural language processing, multimodal machine learning, computer vision, large language model systems, machine learning systems, algorithms, data mining, and advanced statistics.

View the current Carnegie Mellon MSML curriculum

Practicum

The standard MSML includes a summer practicum. Students complete an internship or research experience related to machine learning. Carnegie Mellon states that students who only complete the practicum during summer do not pay summer tuition or fees.

Credits and Program Length

Carnegie Mellon measures courses in units rather than conventional semester credits. Graduate machine learning courses are typically 12 CMU units. The nine required courses therefore represent at least 108 units of coursework, plus the practicum.

A motivated and well-prepared student can complete the standard program in three academic semesters, with the practicum between the first and second years. Some students use a fourth semester for research or to fill gaps in their prior preparation.

Tuition and Cost

Carnegie Mellon lists 2026–27 MSML tuition at $31,100 per semester or $62,200 per academic year. The published per-unit rate is $864 for students taking fewer than 36 units in a semester.

Using the current full-time rate, three semesters would equal approximately $93,300 in tuition. This estimate excludes university fees, health insurance, living expenses, and a laptop. The actual total may be higher because Carnegie Mellon advises students to plan for an annual tuition increase of about 5%.

The Machine Learning Department does not provide program financial aid. External scholarships, federal loans for eligible U.S. students, and limited teaching assistant work may help with costs.

View Carnegie Mellon MSML tuition information

Admission Requirements

Applicants do not need an undergraduate computer science degree, but the program expects strong preparation in computer science and mathematics. Students should understand programming and computational complexity and have prior study in:

At least one year of college-level probability and statistics
Linear or matrix algebra
Multivariate calculus
Programming, with Python, Java, MATLAB, R, or scientific Python tools among the useful backgrounds

The department accepts applications once each year for an August start. The deadline usually falls in late November or early December. Applicants should confirm the current deadline and GRE policy on the School of Computer Science admissions site because testing rules can change by application cycle.

Campus Format

The MS in Machine Learning is a campus program in Pittsburgh. Carnegie Mellon does not offer online or distance-learning classes for this degree. The standard program may allow part-time study, but classes generally meet during weekday daytime hours. International students must follow full-time enrollment rules tied to their visas.

Advanced Study Option

The MS in Machine Learning – Advanced Study is a separate 20-month, full-time path. It includes the same six core courses, three electives, and practicum as the standard MSML, plus supervised research that leads to a master’s thesis.

Students begin matching with a research adviser during the first fall, work with a thesis committee, and present and submit the thesis in the final spring. This option may fit students who want deeper research preparation or plan to apply to PhD programs.

Applicants may apply to the standard MSML, the Advanced Study program, or both. Students cannot switch between the two after enrollment.

Review the Advanced Study MSML option

Machine Learning Focus

This is one of the most focused machine learning master’s programs available. Every student studies machine learning, statistics, optimization, probabilistic modeling, and an advanced deep learning or reinforcement learning subject. The elective list supports further work in generative AI, NLP, computer vision, multimodal learning, ML systems, and theory.

The program also sits within a department devoted specifically to machine learning. That structure may appeal to applicants who want technical depth rather than a broad data science degree with only a small number of ML courses.

Who Is This Program Best For?

Carnegie Mellon’s MSML may be a strong fit for students who want:

A dedicated graduate degree in machine learning
Advanced mathematical and statistical training
A full-time campus experience in Pittsburgh
A summer internship or research practicum
Access to electives in generative AI, NLP, computer vision, and ML systems
A thesis option through the 20-month Advanced Study program

The program may be less suitable for applicants who need online study, a flexible evening schedule, or a lower-cost master’s degree. Its quantitative prerequisites and course pace also make strong preparation important.

Carnegie Mellon Machine Learning Master’s: Bottom Line

Carnegie Mellon offers a direct and demanding MS in Machine Learning with six core courses, three electives, and a practicum. The standard path can take about 16 months, while the Advanced Study option takes 20 months and includes a thesis.

The program stands out for its technical depth and specialized department. Its main tradeoffs are the campus-only format and an estimated three-semester tuition cost of about $93,300 before fees at the current published rate.

Visit the official Carnegie Mellon MSML page

View All Machine Learning Programs in Pennsylvania