College of San Mateo

How this program compares

At an estimated $552 in total tuition, the Certificate of Specialization in Machine Learning and AI sits roughly 95% below the $11.0K average for AI certificate programs in our database — placing it in the 0th percentile on cost among the 180 we track at this level. It is one of the 54% of programs in our database offered fully or partly online.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with demonstrated programming experience in Python or equivalent. Prerequisites may include linear algebra, calculus, and introductory statistics.

About This Program

This skills-based specialization is designed to introduce students to the field of AI and establish professional credibility through technical expertise. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI. Most students complete it in about 1 year.

Estimated total tuition is $552, below the $11.0K average for AI certificate programs in our database and in the 0th percentile on cost at this level. That makes it one of the more affordable options for students weighing return on investment.

It is one of 65 AI-related programs we track in California, of which about 37% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 100% of the California programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $63.3K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Implement supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms on real datasets.

Career Outcomes

The Certificate of Specialization in Machine Learning and AI at College of San Mateo (San Mateo, California) is oriented toward Machine Learning Engineer hiring, with alumni reporting pay near $120,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 23% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. AI Data Scientist
• 3. AI Research Analyst
• 4. Computer Vision Specialist

What You'll Learn

• Implement supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms on real datasets.
• Design and train deep neural networks for tasks like image recognition and sequence modeling.
• Apply reinforcement learning techniques to optimize decision-making agents.
• Evaluate AI models for bias, fairness, and ethical implications.

Curriculum Highlights

Coursework includes probability for computing, search algorithms, robotics, knowledge representation, and programming with Python and TensorFlow.

Top Employers

Top employers include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta.

Admissions

Admission to College of San Mateo's Certificate of Specialization in Machine Learning and AI generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is not required here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions