Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in technology jobs. "Jobs on the Rise," a 2021 report produced by LinkedIn, identified AI practitioner as one of the 15 fastest-growing career opportunities, experiencing a 32% increase in jobs between 2019 and 2020.
Although careers in AI were on the increase before the COVID-19 pandemic, it accelerated AI adoption. The healthcare industry most obviously benefited from AI by implementing it to scale and improve telemedicine, advance treatment and vaccine research, and predict and track virus spread. But other businesses, such as banks and retail, also delved into AI to improve services, and information-based businesses deployed it to enhance remote work and digitize processes.
That means professionals skilled in AI, along with machine learning and related applications, such as expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), speech recognition and machine vision, enjoy a wide range of new career possibilities. Educational institutions are developing more programs to prepare the future workforce in these areas. Some offer explicit degrees in AI, while others focus more on traditional computer science disciplines with a specialty or research program in AI.
Explore the undergraduate and graduate options below, listed alphabetically, for some of the most prestigious programs available to kick off a career in AI.
1. California Institute of Technology
The engineering and applied science division at Caltech offers a variety of degree programs and research projects, including autonomous systems and technologies, quantum information and matter, advanced networking and the Rigorous Systems Research Group. Through their autonomous systems and technologies focus, students have the opportunity to concentrate on advanced drone research, autonomous explorers or robots in medicine.
Available degree programs:
- B.A. in applied and computational mathematics
- B.A. in computer science
- B.A. in information and data sciences
- Minor in control and dynamical systems
- Minor in computer science
- Minor in information and data sciences
- Ph.D. in computer science
- Ph.D. in applied and computational mathematics
2. Carnegie Mellon University
The School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University offers a world-renowned program in AI, becoming the first to offer a bachelor's degree in the technology in 2018. Carnegie Mellon's AI degree programs are cross-disciplinary, combining computer science, human-computer interaction, software research, language technologies, machine learning and robotics.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in artificial intelligence
- M.S. in artificial intelligence and innovation
3. Columbia University
The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University offers both undergraduate degrees and master's degrees in AI and related fields, as well as four graduate-level courses. Concentrations include AI, machine learning, robotics, computer animation, NLP and speech, and vision and robotics.
Available degree programs:
- ColumbiaX MicroMasters program in artificial intelligence
- B.S. in computer science
- B.S. in computer engineering
- B.A. in computer science and mathematics
- B.A. in information science
- Minor in computer science
- M.S. in computer science
- Ph.D. in computer science

4. Cornell University
Cornell University is home to one of the first computer science departments in the United States. Established in 1965, the department offers 12 main areas of research, including graphics, programming languages, robotics, scientific computing and AI. In addition to these specializations, the university offers AI-related research groups that include computational sustainability, machine learning, NLP, computational linguistics, information retrieval, robotics and vision.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science with artificial intelligence research
- B.A. in computer science with artificial intelligence research
- Master of Engineering in computer science with artificial intelligence research
- M.S. in computer science with artificial intelligence research
- Ph.D. in computer science with artificial intelligence research
5. Georgia Institute of Technology
The College of Computing at Georgia Tech offers a variety of interdisciplinary degrees and research programs, including the Center for Research into Novel Computing Hierarchies, Institute for People and Technology, Algorithms and Randomness Center, and Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines. The Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines, specifically, is home to some of the most cutting-edge research areas, including control, AI and cognition, interaction and perception.
Available degree programs:
- M.S. in human-computer interaction
- M.S. in computer science
- Ph.D. in computer science
- Ph.D. in human-centered computing
- Ph.D. in robotics
- Ph.D. in machine learning
6. Harvard University
Harvard University's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, established in 2007, offers programs in computer science and AI, as well as subsets of computational linguistics, machine learning, multiagent systems and robotics. In 2015, Harvard's Kennedy School created the AI Initiative, a think tank focused on research and shaping global policy related to AI. Harvard is unique in its dedication of resources to understanding the impact of AI as it develops.
Available degree programs:
- B.A. in computer science with artificial intelligence research
- Combined B.A./M.S. in computer science with artificial intelligence research
- M.S. in computer science
- M.S. in computational science and engineering
- M.S. in data science
- Ph.D. in computer science with artificial intelligence research
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT, one of the most prestigious technology-based institutions, was founded in 1861. The Laboratory for Computer Science opened in 1963 -- and, in 2013, merged with the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory to for form the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory -- and today offers over 50 research groups and hundreds of corresponding projects that fall under three main categories: AI, systems and theory. In addition to its degree program, MIT also offers the course "Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy," an online collaborative program that teaches students how to utilize AI applications.
Available degree program:
- B.S. in computer science with artificial intelligence research
8. Stanford University
Stanford University offers both a computer science degree program and a graduate certificate in AI from one of the world's preeminent teaching and research institutions. The Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory has been researching the field of AI since 1962. Some of the school's electives include "Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques," "Decision Making Under Uncertainty," "Computational Logic," "Introduction to Robotics" and "Natural Language Processing with Deep Learning."
Available degree programs:
- Graduate certificate in artificial intelligence
- B.S. in computer science
9. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley has extensive offerings in the field of AI research. The Artificial Intelligence Research Lab offers a variety of research projects and routinely hosts seminars and courses in computational imagining and robotic manipulation and interaction. The Robotics and Intelligent Machines Lab includes the Biomimetic Millisystems Lab, Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society People and Robots Initiative, Laboratory for Automation Science and Engineering, and Robot Learning Lab.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in electrical engineering and computer science
- B.A. in computer science
- Combined B.S./M.S. in electrical engineering and computer science
10. University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA's Samueli School of Engineering, founded in 1945, includes seven departments: bioengineering; chemical and biomolecular engineering; civil and environmental engineering; computer science; electrical and computer engineering; materials science and engineering; and mechanical and aerospace engineering. Research opportunities include domain-specific computing; scalable analytics; autonomous intelligent networked systems; and systematic, measurable, actionable, resilient and technology-driven (SMART) health.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science
- M.S. in computer science
- Ph.D. in computer science or electrical and computer engineering
11. University of Georgia
The AI program at the University of Georgia was formally established in 1995 and is part of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Its cognitive science degree program offers four concentrations: AI foundations, philosophical foundations, psychological foundations, and language and culture. Within the AI program, there are 11 additional concentrations, including genetic algorithms, cognitive modeling, microelectronics, logic programming and robotics.
Available degree programs:
- B.A. in cognitive science
- B.A. in artificial intelligence
- M.S. in artificial intelligence
12. University of Illinois
The University of Illinois' department of computer science can be found in the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. The university's Artificial Intelligence Laboratory was founded in 1991 at the Chicago campus with a focus on real-world application of AI methodologies. Current lab projects include data mining for manufacturing and design processes, as well as automating the evolution of linguistic competence in artificial agents.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science
- B.S. in mathematics and computer science
- B.S. in statistics and computer science
- Master of Computer Science
- Ph.D. in computer science
13. University of Maryland
The computer science department at the University of Maryland is affiliated with 17 major areas of study, including programming languages, augmented and virtual reality, human-computer interaction, computer vision and AI. In addition to its degree programs, the college offers research opportunities in the fields of automation research, computational linguistics and information processing, and human-computer interaction.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science
- Combined B.S./M.S. in computer science
- M.S. in computer science
- Ph.D. in computer science
14. University of Michigan
The computer science and engineering program at the University of Michigan originated in 1957 and is now home to the prestigious Robotics Institute. The institute is home to more than 20 full-time faculty, research studies, and AI-related seminars. In addition to its degree programs, the college offers several AI specialty labs on the topics of assistive technology, constraint-based reasoning, human computation, and multiagent and economic systems.
Available degree programs:
- M.S. in robotics
- Ph.D. in robotics
15. University of Pennsylvania
The computer science department at the University of Pennsylvania began as part of its engineering department, founded in 1850. In 1979, the College of Engineering and Applied Science became the current School of Engineering and Applied Science, the current home of the computer science program. AI labs include general robotics, automation, Penn Research in Machine Learning and the Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging Lab.
Available degree programs:
- Bachelor of Applied Science specialized degree program in computer and cognitive science, artificial intelligence
- Master of Science in Engineering in robotics with a specialization in artificial intelligence and machine learning
16. University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh is known for having one of the oldest computer science departments, founded in 1966. Degree focuses include data visualization and imaging, algorithms, intelligent systems, AI, and biomedical informatics. Research groups include NLP and information retrieval, AI and law, and machine learning and decision-making.
Available degree programs:
- M.S. in intelligent systems
- Ph.D. in intelligent systems
17. University of Southern California
The Institute for Creative Technologies at USC has a reputation as a leader in the area of AI. The program meshes the department of computer science with the Center for Body Computing and Keck Medicine. Together, they have made advancements in both healthcare and AI, offering medical patients the chance to receive advanced medical treatment without physically visiting the facility.
Available degree program:
- M.S. in computer science (artificial intelligence)
18. University of Texas
As one of the largest educational institutions in America, the University of Texas offers more than 100 undergraduate and 170 graduate degree programs. Computer science degrees can include a concentration in machine learning and AI and be paired with research groups, including the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Machine Learning Research Group, Data Mining Lab, Neural Networks Research Group, and Virtual Reality Lab.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science
- B.A. in computer science
- B.S. Turing Scholars in computer science
- B.S. teaching in computer science
- Integrated B.S./M.S. in computer science
19. University of Washington
The University of Washington offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science and engineering, with varying focuses and research groups in data science, neuroscience and AI.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science
- B.S. in computer engineering
- M.S. in computer science
- Ph.D. in computer science and engineering
20. Yale University
Yale's department of computer science was originally founded on the cutting-edge theories of computation, AI, numerical analysis and systems. Today, it focuses on foundational concepts, as well as interdisciplinary studies, offering joint majors in cooperation with the departments of electrical engineering, economics, mathematics and psychology. AI-related research areas include robotics, NLP, machine learning and computer vision, as well as AI, ethics and society.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science with an artificial intelligence research focus
- B.A. in computer science with an artificial intelligence research focus
- M.S. in computer science with an artificial intelligence research focus
- Ph.D. in computer science with an artificial intelligence research focus
FAQs
Which program is best for artificial intelligence? ›
- #1 AI For Everyone.
- #2 Artificial Intelligence Nanodegree.
- #3 Professional Certificate in Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence.
- #4 Deep Learning Specialization.
- #5 Self-Driving Cars with Duckietown.
- #6 Natural Language Processing Specialization.
- #7 Artificial Intelligence.
- Final words.
- University of Technology Sydney.
- National University of Singapore.
- Harbin Institute of Technology.
- University of Adelaide.
- University of Electronic Science & Technology of China.
- Peking University.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS.
A master's degree in artificial intelligence may be pursued after earning a bachelor's degree in computer science.
How long does it take to learn artificial intelligence? ›How Long Does It Take To Learn AI? Although learning artificial intelligence is almost a never-ending process, it takes about five to six months to understand foundational concepts, such as data science, Artificial Neural Networks, TensorFlow frameworks, and NLP applications.
Where can I learn artificial intelligence for free? ›- Intro to Artificial Intelligence– Udacity.
- AI Fundamentals– Udacity.
- Intro to Game AI and Reinforcement Learning– Kaggle.
- Artificial Intelligence for Robotics– Udacity.
- Introduction to TensorFlow for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning– Coursera.
An AI graduate degree proves to employers that you are trained and qualified to work in this evolving field. You will develop the skills needed to work in your field of interest, whether it is AI, machine learning, data science, or something else.
Where can I study AI in USA? ›- Harvard University. Stanford University. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ...
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology. University of Chicago. Princeton University. ...
- Stanford University. Johns Hopkins University. Northwestern University. ...
- Harvard University. California Institute of Technology. University of Michigan.
Is Artificial Intelligence a Good Career? The field of artificial intelligence has a tremendous career outlook, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 31.4 percent increase in jobs for data scientists and mathematical science professionals — which are crucial to AI — by 2030.
How much does it cost to study artificial intelligence in the USA? ›It may also depend upon your course type. However, on an average the tuition fees for Masters in Artificial Intelligence USA ranges between 35,000 USD to 60,000USD per year.
Can I learn AI without coding? ›For those of you who have been wondering whether or not it's possible to learn AI without learning to code, the answer is yes! With so many different courses and resources available online, there are plenty of ways for someone with a non-coding background to get started on their AI journey.
Does AI require coding? ›
Yes, if you're looking to pursue a career in artificial intelligence and machine learning, a little coding is necessary.
Is studying AI difficult? ›Learning AI is difficult for many students, especially those who do not have a computer science or programming background. However, it may be well worth the effort required to learn it. The demand for AI professionals will likely increase as more and more companies start designing products that use AI.
What is the best age to learn AI? ›What is the best age to learn AI? Thus, If you want your kid to be able to understand AI better way then 8+ years of age is most essential as during this time the Abstract Thinking in the child develops and the child is also able to grasp concepts more easily in this age.
Is AI a hard class? ›Learning AI is not an easy task, especially if you're not a programmer, but it's imperative to learn at least some AI. It can be done by all. Courses range from basic understanding to full-blown master's degrees in it. And all agree it can't be avoided.
Can you learn AI without a degree? ›A bachelor's degree in computer science is essential for any employment in artificial intelligence. Many companies and enterprises prefer a Master's or higher degree in computer science for the same position. A solid portfolio or prior programming skills might serve as an alternative to a master's degree.
How do I start training for AI? ›- Data preparation.
- Initial training.
- Training validation.
- Testing the model.
- Further reading.
Never fear, you're not late to this, and you're not behind. Even as AI has become pervasive in our individual lives, it's not yet widespread in product organizations.
Will AI take away jobs in future? ›AI Doesn't Have to Kill Jobs — But Companies Must Be Ready
Understanding what work will be done by digital workers, what needs to be done by human beings, and how the two will relate will be the key to maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace of the future.
As previously mentioned, AI is essentially a lot of math, consisting of algorithms, calculations, and other types of data. This is the back end or behind-the-scenes training that most people don't see. However, in the same way you must train your human teams, you must train your AI.
What skills do I need to get a job in artificial intelligence? ›- Programming. Whatever Artificial Intelligence career you're looking to pursue developing a strong knowledge of programming languages is a key skill that you need to harness. ...
- Database Modelling, Data Warehousing and Data Processing. ...
- Machine Learning. ...
- Knowledge of Intelligent User Interfaces (IUI) ...
- Problem Solving.
What is the highest paying job in AI? ›
- Director of Analytics. ...
- Principal Scientist. ...
- Machine Learning Engineer. ...
- Computer Vision Engineer. ...
- Data Scientist. ...
- Data Engineer. ...
- Algorithm Engineer. ...
- Computer Scientist.
Python offers many features that are helpful for AI and ML in particular, and that makes it the best language for these purposes. No wonder that various industries use Python for predictions and other machine learning tasks.
Do I need to learn Python before AI? ›It is essential to know programming languages like R and Python in order to implement the whole Machine Learning process. Python and R both provide in-built libraries that make it very easy to implement Machine Learning algorithms.
Is C++ necessary for AI? ›AI Programming With C++
It executes code quickly, making it an excellent choice for machine learning and neural network applications. Many AI-focused applications are relatively complex, so using an efficient programming language like C++ can help create programs that run exceptionally well.
AI Engineer salary in India ranges between ₹ 3.0 Lakhs to ₹ 20.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 7.2 Lakhs. Salary estimates are based on 434 latest salaries received from AI Engineers.
Which language is required for AI? ›Python and Java are both languages that are widely used for AI. The choice between the programming languages depends on how you plan to implement AI. For example, in the case of data analysis, you would probably go with Python.
How can I become an AI engineer without a degree? ›Do I need a degree to become an AI engineer? No, you don't need a degree to become an AI engineer. Increasingly, people are using professional certificate programs to learn the skills they need and prepare for interviews. Still, many companies require at least a bachelor's degree for entry-level jobs.
Which is best AI or Python? ›While machine learning and artificial intelligence are based on complex algorithms and workflows, Python, with its easy-to-write code, allows developers to focus on solving ML problems rather than technical nuances of the language. That's why many programmers consider Python to be more intuitive than other languages.
What are the 4 types of artificial intelligence? ›- Reactive machines. Reactive machines are AI systems that have no memory and are task specific, meaning that an input always delivers the same output. ...
- Limited memory. The next type of AI in its evolution is limited memory. ...
- Theory of mind. ...
- Self-awareness.
- Personalized Shopping. ...
- AI-Powered Assistants. ...
- Fraud Prevention. ...
- Administrative Tasks Automated to Aid Educators. ...
- Creating Smart Content. ...
- Voice Assistants. ...
- Personalized Learning. ...
- Autonomous Vehicles.
Do you need coding for artificial intelligence? ›
Yes, if you're looking to pursue a career in artificial intelligence and machine learning, a little coding is necessary.
How long does it take to learn Python for AI? ›On average, it can take anywhere from five to 10 weeks to learn the basics of Python programming, including object-oriented programming, basic Python syntax, data types, loops, variables, and functions.
Should I learn C++ or Python for AI? ›Is C++ better than Python for AI? No, C++ is not better than Python for AI. In fact, Python is generally considered to be the best programming language for AI. However, C++ can be used for AI development if you need to code in a low-level language or develop high-performance routines.
What are the main 7 areas of AI? ›- Narrow AI or ANI.
- Artificial general intelligence or AGI.
- Strong AI or ASI.
- Reactive machines.
- Limited memory.
- Theory of mind.
- Self-awareness.
- Natural language generation. Machines process and communicate in a different way than the human brain. ...
- Speech recognition. ...
- Virtual agents. ...
- Biometrics. ...
- Machine learning. ...
- Robotic process automation. ...
- Peer-to-peer network. ...
- Deep learning platforms.
- What Is Artificial Intelligence? In 1956, the term Artificial Intelligence was defined by John McCarthy. ...
- Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI) ...
- Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) ...
- Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) ...
- Reactive Machine AI. ...
- Limited Memory AI. ...
- Theory Of Mind AI. ...
- Self-Aware AI.
- Software #1: Viso Suite Platform.
- Software #2: ChatGPT Software.
- Software #3: Jupyter Notebooks.
- Software #4: Google Cloud AI Platform.
- Software #5: Azure Machine Learning Studio.
- Software #6: Infosys Nia.
- Software #7: Salesforce Einstein.
- Software #8: Chorus.ai.
- Artificial Intelligence. ...
- Machine learning is a method of data analysis that automates analytical model building. ...
- Deep Learning. ...
- Natural Language Processing. ...
- Computer Vision.
- Maps and Navigation. AI has drastically improved traveling. ...
- Facial Detection and Recognition. ...
- Text Editors or Autocorrect. ...
- Search and Recommendation Algorithms. ...
- Chatbots. ...
- Digital Assistants. ...
- Social Media. ...
- E-Payments.
The real world projects from the industry experts would definitely give all the course takers to become a practical expert for the field of AI for Robotics. The course usually takes 2.5 to 3 months to complete and can be easily done along with a full-time job!
What skills are required for AI? ›
- Programming. Whatever Artificial Intelligence career you're looking to pursue developing a strong knowledge of programming languages is a key skill that you need to harness. ...
- Database Modelling, Data Warehousing and Data Processing. ...
- Machine Learning. ...
- Knowledge of Intelligent User Interfaces (IUI) ...
- Problem Solving.
Machine Learning without programming is occupying that space and making AI accessible for everyone. This is because you can gain Artificial Intelligence without a single line of code, whether your business is large or small.