The Applied Machine Learning emphasis will help provide you with the knowledge and practical experience to step into the rapidly evolving and futuristic world of artificial intelligence. Through a combination of in-depth, niche coursework and hands-on learning opportunities, you’ll graduate from the program with a strong awareness of where machine learning is headed and how you’ll be able to become part of this advanced, cutting-edge industry.
Program Overview
Discover the world of AI
Machine learning is one of the fastest growing areas in the computer science industry, driven by the demand for applications such as computer vision, autonomous vehicles, large language models, and fraud detection. In the Applied Machine Learning emphasis major, you’ll take a deep dive into data analytics, machine learning algorithms, deep learning models, and the essential tools used to build them.
Western’s computer science program takes a practical approach towards the topic, focusing heavily on modern tools and frameworks such as OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit. Students will not only acquire a broad knowledge of different machine learning models but also gain hands-on experience deploying the machine learning algorithms of their design on drones and embedded platforms such as Raspberry Pi and Arduino. As an undergraduate student, you will graduate with a specialized portfolio that sets you apart as a competitive candidate in future job searches.
A future-oriented pathway
The machine learning emphasis will familiarize you with the potential far-reaching and profound impacts AI will make in the future.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
Machine learning/artificial intelligence is one of the fastest growing areas in the industry, driven by the demand for computer vision, self-driving cars, large language models, data analytics, fraud detection, and many other exciting applications. In the Applied Machine Learning Comprehensive Major, students will take a deep dive into data analytics, machine learning algorithms, deep learning models, large language models, and other cutting-edge algorithms.
Western students have the option to pursue the 45-credit Standard Program or one of the following Comprehensive Majors: the 63-credit Software Engineering Major, the 60-credit Information Security Major, the 65-credit Scientific Computing Major, or the 63-credit Applied Machine Learning Major. Course work in the Applied Machine Learning Major will cover modern tools and frameworks such as OpenCV, TensorFlow, Scikit, SpaCy, and NLTK. Students will learn to build real-world applications related to deep learning, computer vision systems, and large language models. The Applied Machine Learning Major will require the 33-credit Computer Science Core, along with the 30-credit Applied Machine Learning Major emphasis courses.
A minimum of 63 credits is required, including the 33-credit Computer Science Core and the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Core | ||
| CS 190 | Computer Science I | 3 |
| CS 191 | Computer Science II | 3 |
| CS 195 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| CS 250 | Web Applications Development I | 3 |
| CS 280 | Data Structures | 3 |
| CS 330 | Operating Systems and Architecture | 3 |
| CS 370 | Systems Programming in C | 3 |
| CS 412 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 470 | Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 495 | Senior Project | 3 |
| MATH 200 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CS 220 | Data Analytics | 3 |
| CS 303 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| CS 385 | Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| CS 420 | Computer Vision | 3 |
| CS 421 | Neural Network Engineering | 3 |
| MATH 213 | Probability and Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| MATH 260 | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| And 9 credits of upper-level CS courses outside of the Computer Science Core/Applied Learning emphasis courses, or any of the following: CS 235, ENG 302, MATH 251, MATH 252, MATH 313, MATH 314, MATH 358, MATH 360, MATH 380. | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| CS 190 | Computer Science I | 3 |
| Elective | Elective or minor course | 3 |
| ENG 102 | Writing and Rhetoric I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Arts & Humanities | 3 |
| HWTR 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 |
| MATH 141 or MATH 151 |
Precalculus (GT-MA1) or Calculus I (GT-MA1) |
4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 191 | Computer Science II | 3 |
| CS 195 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| Elective | Elective or minor course | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Arts & Humanities | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS 280 | Data Structures | 3 |
| CS 330 or CS 250 |
Operating Systems and Architecture or Web Applications Development I |
3 |
| MATH 213 | Probability and Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| MATH 260 | Applied Linear Algebra | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Natural Sciences w/lab | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENG 103 | Writing and Rhetoric II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| CS 220 | Data Analytics | 3 |
| CS 303 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Natural Sciences w/lab | 4 |
| MATH 200 | Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS 250 or CS 330 |
Web Applications Development I or Operating Systems and Architecture |
3 |
| CS 385 or CS 421 |
Natural Language Processing or Neural Network Engineering |
3 |
| Elective | Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Social Sciences | 6 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 370 | Systems Programming in C | 3 |
| CS 412 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 420 | Computer Vision | 3 |
| Elective | Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed | Arts & Humanities | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS 470 | Algorithms | 3 |
| CS 385 or CS 421 |
Natural Language Processing or Neural Network Engineering |
3 |
| CS Elective | CS Elective (upper-division) | 3 |
| Elective | Elective | 6 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CS 495 | Senior Project | 3 |
| CS Elective | CS Elective (upper-division) | 6 |
| Elective | Elective | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 121 | |
Careers
Take the first steps toward your academic and personal growth.
Fostering your intellectual development is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling and enriched life after graduation. Wondering how you can apply your program of choice to your intellectual and personal journey? Check out our “What Can I Do With This Major?” tool to explore the diverse opportunities and pathways within any degree program.
Scholarships
Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.
Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.
Find your ScholarshipsWestern’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.
Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.
Find your ScholarshipsAlumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship
The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.
Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.
- This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
- Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
- GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).
Due date has been extended to April 30 for 2024. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).
Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:
- This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
- Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
- The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
- GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).
The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.
Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship
The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.
Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).
- Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
- The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
- The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.
The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.
For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.
For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.
Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.
For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.
Note: Students enrolled in a Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program (i.e. major) do not qualify for Western Merit Scholarship programs. See the Rady Merit Scholarship section above for scholarship opportunities.
Get Involved
Make your time at Western a transformative experience.
- Independent Projects: Students have worked on projects such as facial recognition software, a gesture-controlled quadcopter, machine learning, Android apps, an online guided tour, commercial websites, and self-guiding vehicles.
- Information Technology Services: Many computer science students work for the Western IT Department, keeping student and university computers and networks running smoothly.
- Internships: Students have gotten internships with Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Raytheon, Dell, Northrop Grumman and other companies large and small. Computer science internships pay well and very often lead directly to a permanent job.
- Lambda Learning Center (LLC): The LLC exists to provide academic support for math, computer science, and engineering, as well as to facilitate student learning beyond the classroom. Students, tutors, and professors get together and create a culture centered not only around understanding and mastering STEM-related coursework, but also exploring new ideas in STEM and building community.
- Seminars: Faculty at Western provide a variety of different seminars series: industry experts in the Gunnison/Crested Butte valley come to discuss their companies and experience with the students, faculty present what they have been working on, students present their research projects, and faculty provide professionalism topics to help students update and increase their professional brand.
A cutting-edge workspace
In the machine learning emphasis, you’ll take classes in the Paul M. Rady building, equipped with all the latest technology and tools you need to put your classroom knowledge into practice.
Department Information
Math & Computer Science Department
Department Chairperson
Jeremy Muskat, Ph.D.Chair of Mathematics and Computer Science, Professor of Mathematics
Rady Building Administrative Assistant
Kelley JonesAdministrative Assistant III
Campus Location
Rady Building 272
