Program at a Glance

  • Online and On Campus
  • Part-Time Study
  • 16 Units
  • 8 Months to Completion
  • 19 Core Faculty
  • No GRE/GMAT
  • Tuition & Fees—Part-Time Study*: $14,478

*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fees.

Gain Industry-Ready Knowledge in Applied Artificial Intelligence

The Graduate Certificate in Applied AI & Machine Learning at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) provides intensive exploration of the theory and practice of neural nets, generative AI, automated reasoning, AI security, intelligent image processing, and reinforcement learning, as well as an overview of AI ethics.

BU MET’s Applied AI & Machine Learning certificate program prepares you for roles that require the ability to design and implement intelligent applications in engineering, business, and industry. Typical job titles might include machine learning engineer, data scientist, AI software developer, computer vision and natural language processing specialist, ethical AI analyst, AI product manager, and quantitative analyst. You’ll gain hands-on experience and practical skills that enable you to design, develop, and deploy intelligent applications across industries—equipping you to meet the growing demand for AI expertise in today’s technology-driven job market.

Why Earn a Graduate Certificate in Applied AI & Machine Learning at BU?

  • Active Learning Environment: BU MET’s computer science courses ensure you get the attention you need, while introducing case studies and real-world projects that emphasize technical and theoretical knowledge—combining in-depth, practical experience with the critical skills needed to remain on the forefront of the information technology field.
  • Engaged Faculty: In BU MET’s Computer Science master’s program, you benefit from working closely with highly qualified faculty and industry leaders who have hands-on involvement in data analytics, data science, data storage technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, software development, and many other areas.
  • Extensive Network: Study computer science alongside peers with solid IT and business experience, learn from faculty who have valuable contacts across several sectors, and benefit from an alumni community with strong professional connections.
  • 24:1 Average Class Ratio: Enjoy an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring close interaction with faculty and access to support.
  • Valuable Resources: Make use of Boston University’s extensive resources, including the Center for Career Development, Educational Resource Center, Fitness & Recreation Center, IT Help Centers, Mugar Memorial Library, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, George Sherman Union, Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering, and many others.
  • Flexible Evening Options: Study at the pace that works for you, evenings on campus or fully online. Courses begin fall, spring, and summer.
  • Track Record: Learn from the best—BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department at BU. Over the course of its existence, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.

Rankings & Accreditations

U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs - Grad Information Technology 2025

#10, Best Online Master's in Computer Information Technology ProgramsMET's computer science & IT graduate certificates share curriculum with MET's online master's degrees in computer information technology, which are ranked #10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.

Build Skills in Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems

The four-course Applied AI & Machine Learning graduate certificate is part of BU MET’s portfolio of computer science and IT graduate programs. For over forty years, the Department of Computer Science at Metropolitan College has prepared students to tackle contemporary challenges in the field. Our programs are uniquely flexible—we offer courses evenings on campus, fully online, or in a blended format that combines online study with occasional campus visits—so you can balance graduate school with your career, family, and other obligations. We take pride in providing training in critical specialization areas and emphasizing practical, insightful, and adaptable knowledge that can be immediately applied on the job while informing your career growth for years to come. We also offer extensive advising to help you identify the subjects you’ll need to achieve your career goals.

Graduate with Expertise

Metropolitan College’s Applied AI & Machine Learning graduate certificate will equip you with the following skills:

  • Advanced Machine Learning and Deep Learning: Students will be able to solve complex problems such as computer vision, natural language processing, and speech recognition using machine learning algorithms, including supervised and unsupervised learning models, neural network architectures, and deep learning techniques.
  • Artificial Intelligence Development: Students will be able to design and implement agents and algorithms for self-learning systems, leveraging AI models for data representation and prediction, implementing evolutionary and genetic algorithms for optimization, and developing software systems that incorporate AI models to enhance capabilities.
  • Ethical AI and Communication: Students will be able to evaluate the ethical implications of AI systems, ensuring model fairness, accountability, and transparency, and effectively communicating technical AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Certificate-to-Degree Pathway

BU MET graduate certificate programs can serve as building blocks to a master’s degree. The Graduate Certificate in Applied AI & Machine Learning shares specific courses with the MS in Computer Science concentration in AI & Machine Learning. Students currently enrolled in a graduate certificate who are interested in transitioning into a master’s degree should contact their academic advisor to declare their interest in this pathway. A new master’s degree application is not required. Connect with a graduate admissions advisor at csadmissions@bu.edu to learn more about this option.



A total of four courses (16 units) is required, as follows:

And one course selected from the following:


Computer Science Faculty

Learn more about the Department of Computer Science

Tuition & Financial Assistance

Competitive Tuition

Our part-time rates are substantially lower than those of the traditional, full-time residential programs yet provide access to the same high-quality BU education.

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Comprehensive Financial Assistance

Our services include scholarships, graduate loans, and payment plans.

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BU MET programs offer the flexibility of part-time study, either on campus or online. Tuition, fees, and total program cost are determined by enrollment status. Course enrollment in this certificate program is 1–2 courses (4–8 units) in a semester, and tuition is charged the part-time per-unit rate.

Applied AI & Machine Learning Graduate Certificate
(Online and On Campus)

Enrollment Status Part Time
Courses per Semester 2 courses
(8 units)
Time to Degree 2 semesters
(8 months)
Tuition* $567–$1,005
per unit**
Fees per Semester* $75
Total Certificate Cost* $14,478

*Based on 2025–2026 Boston University tuition and fee rates.
**Cost per unit is determined by course number (100–599 = $567/unit, 600–999 = $1,005/unit).

Questions? Please contact us to hear from an Admissions Advisor who can help you determine the best enrollment pathway. For information regarding financial aid, visit BU MET’s Financial Aid page.


Get started on your Applied AI & Machine Learning Graduate Certificate program today at BU MET.

Get Started

Please visit the BU MET admissions page for details on how to apply, financial assistance, tuition and fees, requirements for international students, and more.

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News & Events

Events

Admitted Student Webinar: On-Campus Students Meet Your BU Classmates!

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