Personalized Course Recommendation System: A Multi-Model Machine Learning Framework for Academic Success

Md Sajid Islam, A. S. M. Sanwar Hosen

The increasing complexity of academic programs and student needs necessitates personalized, data-driven academic advising. Traditional heuristic-based methods often fail to optimize course selection, leading to inefficient academic planning and delayed graduations. This study introduces a hierarchical multi-model machine learning framework for personalized course recommendations, integrating five predictive models: Success Probability Model (SPM), Course Fit Score Model (CFSM), Prerequisite Fulfillment Model (PFM), Graduation Priority Model (GPM), and Recommended Load Model (RLM). These models operate independently in a local model framework, generating specialized predictions that are synthesized by a global model framework through a meta-function. The meta-function aggregates predictions to compute a final score for each course and ensures recommendations align with student success probabilities, program requirements, and workload constraints. It enforces key constraints, such as prerequisite satisfaction, workload optimization, and program-specific requirements, refining recommendations to be both academically viable and institutionally compliant. The framework demonstrated strong predictive performance, with root mean squared error values of 0.00956, 0.011713, and 0.005406 for SPM, CFSM, and RLM, respectively. Classification models for PFM and GPM also yielded high accuracy, exceeding 99%. Designed for modularity and adaptability, the framework allows for the integration of additional predictive models and fine-tuning of recommendation priorities to suit institutional needs. This scalable solution enhances academic advising efficiency by transforming granular model predictions into personalized, actionable course recommendations, supporting students in making informed academic decisions.