University of Idaho

How this program compares

At an estimated $7.4K in total tuition, the Graduate Certificate in AI and Machine Learning sits roughly 32% below the $11.0K average for AI certificate programs in our database — placing it in the 36th 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: Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (computer science, engineering, mathematics, or related discipline) with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Some programs accept candidates with demonstrated professional experience in technical roles, even without a traditional computer science background.

About This Program

This online certificate program builds a strong foundation in AI and machine learning through the study of advanced models and data pipelines. Coursework concentrates on MLOps/AI Engineering and Machine Learning. Most students complete it in about 1 year.

It is one of 10 AI-related programs we track in Idaho, of which about 30% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 80% of the Idaho programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $24.1K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $115,000.

Design, train, and evaluate machine learning models using Python libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras) and apply them to real-world classification and regression problems.

At roughly $7.4K total, University of Idaho's Graduate Certificate in AI and Machine Learning sits below the $11.0K average among AI certificate programs we track — the 36th percentile on price. That puts it in the mid-range on price among comparable programs.

Career Outcomes

University of Idaho positions this certificate track for Machine Learning Engineer careers — typical offers cluster around $115,000. Its focus on MLOps/AI Engineering and Machine Learning maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 36% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. AI/ML Data Scientist
• 3. MLOps Engineer
• 4. AI Research Scientist

What You'll Learn

• Design, train, and evaluate machine learning models using Python libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras) and apply them to real-world classification and regression problems
• Build and deploy production-ready ML systems using MLOps principles, CI/CD pipelines, containerization, and cloud infrastructure
• Develop natural language processing models for text classification, sentiment analysis, and machine translation using transformer architectures and LLMs
• Implement generative AI applications including fine-tuned large language models, prompt engineering, and agentic AI systems with tool integration and reasoning capabilities

Curriculum Highlights

The 12-credit curriculum focuses on AI fundamentals, machine learning algorithms, and the practical application of these tools across various industrial sectors.

Top Employers

Common employers include Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, OpenAI, IBM, and major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, as well as government agencies investing in AI research and development.

Admissions

Admission to University of Idaho's Graduate Certificate in AI and Machine Learning generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is optional 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: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Official Transcripts: Required

Frequently Asked Questions