Artificial Intelligence Degree Guide
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow rapidly, many people are exploring ways to study the field. While standalone AI degree programs are still rare, especially at the bachelor’s level, many schools offer AI concentrations within other degrees.
The most common degrees with AI concentrations include computer science, data science, and engineering — but which degree is best for a career in AI?Ideally, an artificial intelligence degree offers an ideal path, but limited availability means other options are often more practical. Computer science programs are a popular choice since AI is a subfield. However, data science is also valuable, offering strong AI-related skills and high demand in the job market.
In this guide, you’ll learn about various AI-related degrees, what they cover, and how to choose the right degree program for your career goals.
What Is an Artificial Intelligence Degree?
Traditionally, artificial intelligence degrees operated as specializations within computer science and engineering. Sometimes, you could find a standalone graduate certificate in artificial intelligence.
Today, however, more schools offer degrees in artificial intelligence specifically or a combination of AI with public policy or neural computation and statistics. This diversity of AI programs underscores the importance of researching and understanding your academic and career options before selecting a degree.
We’ve created a list to narrow down your options. Our list considers how the “best” AI degrees fit into one of three categories.
- Most Fundamental: Degrees that study AI specifically or its major principles
- Most in Demand: Programs related to AI with high demand in the job market
- Most Relevant: Degrees that often appear on AI job postings
Most Fundamental
Some schools offer programs specifically for AI, but it’s more common to find degrees with concentrations covering the field:
- Computer Science: Computer science programs focus on programming, algorithms, data structures, and computer systems. Computer science is the backbone of AI and fundamental to understanding and developing AI algorithms and systems.
- Data Science: A bachelor’s in data science teaches techniques for extracting insights and making predictions about data. Data science enables AI systems to learn from data, forecast outcomes, and take action, increasing their effectiveness.
- Robotics: Robotics degrees explore the design and development of robotic systems, including those that use AI. Robotics is a physical embodiment of AI systems, capable of independently interacting with environments and performing tasks.
Most in Demand
Some of the fastest-growing jobs today are related to AI. The World Economic Forum predicts a 30% growth for data analysts, machine learning specialists, and business intelligence analysts from 2023-2027. Demand for degrees in these related fields could also be on the rise:
- Data Analytics: Data analytics programs teach how to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making. They often combine mathematics, statistics, computer science, and business. Data analysts use their backgrounds to optimize AI models.
- Machine Learning: Machine learning degrees are less common but provide a crucial skill set. Machine learning is a type of AI capable of learning from or adapting to data without human assistance. Machine learning specialists help businesses improve efficiency.
- Business Analytics: Business analytics programs teach how to collect and analyze data. Some programs introduce the use of AI technologies and concepts to make business decisions, including data analysis, prediction, and optimization.
Most Relevant
The same degree requirements apply across most AI job postings. Besides popular degrees like computer science and data science, numerous others provide the skills to work in AI. The most relevant AI-related degrees include:
- Mathematics: Mathematics is at the core of AI. A bachelor’s in mathematics provides a strong foundation in AI-related areas such as linear algebra, mathematical modeling, and optimization techniques.
- Statistics: Statistics programs are highly relevant for their focus on data analysis, training with statistical software, and emphasis on data visualization.
- Engineering: Engineering degrees often include systems thinking courses, which could apply to how an AI interacts between components and subsystems. Courses teaching programming are also common.
Reality Check: Can I Get a Job in AI Without a Degree?
In some AI-related roles, you can substitute certifications and programming knowledge for a degree. For example, you can get a job as an AI project manager, data engineer, AI writer, or prompt engineer without a degree. However, more complex technical or research-oriented roles often require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Artificial Intelligence Programs: Bachelor’s to Master’s Degrees
Institutions typically offer AI degrees as concentrations in programs like computer science and data science at the graduate level. Bachelor’s degrees in AI are rare, but some schools, like Carnegie Mellon University, offer these programs. You can also find AI degrees and concentrations in data analytics and business analytics programs, which are among the most in-demand types of degrees. Other relevant AI degree areas include mathematics, statistics, and engineering.
What to Consider Before Applying to an Artificial Intelligence Program
A quick search for an AI program can yield many results, with various types of artificial intelligence programs offered by schools and organizations. Sort through the information to identify the program that best aligns with your goals and needs.
Accreditation for Artificial Intelligence Programs
Make sure your college or university holds institutional accreditation with an agency recognized by the Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Institutional accreditation gives you access to federal financial aid and your degree more credibility in the marketplace.
Some universities seek programmatic accreditation for select majors. No recognized agency accredits AI programs, but ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission offers programmatic accreditation for undergraduate computer science degrees.
Ensure Your AI Focus Area Is Offered
While sometimes AI operates as its own focus area, many schools continue to segment their degrees. You may be able to pursue your interest in robotics, machine learning, or data analytics as a specialization. At the graduate level, you could explore the overlap between AI and other fields, such as public policy or neurobiology.
Admission Requirements
You may need an academic background in AI to qualify for admission to your program. Admission committees often look for evidence of formal training in the discipline. Still, if you hold a different degree, you may be able to submit certifications, exam results, or other evidence of your preparation for an AI degree.Standard application requirements include:
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT
- A personal statement or essay
- A resume or CV highlighting AI experience (graduate level)
- Ability to demonstrate relevant AI background and knowledge (graduate level)
- GRE/GMAT scores (graduate level)
What Can You Do With an Artificial Intelligence Degree?
An artificial intelligence degree can prepare you to pursue a career as a computer science engineer, data scientist, business intelligence analyst, AI program manager, or AI ethics consultant. Your ability to apply AI tools and techniques to solve problems in business, government, or another market sector can go a long way in landing employment.
| 6 Artificial Intelligence Careers | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) | Minimum Degree Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | $98,670 | -10% | Bachelor’s |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $103,790 | 11% | Bachelor’s |
| Database Administrators and Architects | $107,480 | 9% | Bachelor’s |
| Data Scientists | $112,590 | 36% | Bachelor’s |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $140,910 | 26% | Master’s |
| Computer Science Professor | $96,690 | 6% | Doctorate |
Artificial Intelligence Degree Salary
Because artificial intelligence degrees are so new, we’re still collecting data that can communicate their return on investment. Meanwhile, since AI is a subfield of computer science, we can look at what CS majors earn to get an idea of the landscape, and right now, it looks bright.
How Much Does an Artificial Intelligence Degree Cost?
Artificial intelligence degrees usually fall under the umbrella of computer and information sciences. Consequently, the National Center for Education Statistics does not track tuition data for AI programs. However, computer science degrees should give us a good starting point for understanding how much an AI degree costs.
| Degree Level | Online Programs | Traditional, On-Campus Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | $7,860 | $12,920 |
| Master’s | $7,710 | $14,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Intelligence Degrees
The highest-paying careers in AI include computer scientists, information research scientists, and computer network architects. According to the BLS, computer and information research scientists earned a median salary of $171,200 as of May 2024. Computer network architects earned a median annual income of $130,390. Other high-paying AI roles include database architects ($135,980) and data scientists ($112,590).
