A 3-D convolutional autoencoder for low-dose CT via transfer learning from a 2-D trained network is described, A machine learning method for low dose computed tomography (LDCT) image correction is provided. The method includes training, by a training circuitry, a neural network (NN) based, at least in part, on two-dimensional (2-D) training data. The 2-D training data includes a plurality of 2-D training image pairs. Each 2-D image pair includes one training input image and one corresponding target output image. The training includes adjusting at least one of a plurality of 2-D weights based, at least in part, on an objective function. The method further includes refining, by the training circuitry, the NN based, at least in part, on three-dimensional (3-D) training data. The 3-D training data includes a plurality of 3-D training image pairs. Each 3-D training image pair includes a plurality of adjacent 2-D training input images and at least one corresponding target output image. The refining includes adjusting at least one of a plurality of 3-D weights based, at least in part, on the plurality of 2-D weights and based, at least in part, on the objective function. The plurality of 2-D weights includes the at least one adjusted 2-D weight.