Key takeaways
- To start a career in AI, a college degree is a must-have, especially for entry-level jobs in AI
- Core AI courses in college programs prepare you for a professional career, such as:
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Programming for AI
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Mathematics for AI (like Linear Algebra, Calculus)
- Probability and Statistics
- Discrete Mathematics
- Computer Organization and Architecture
- Top schools for a relevant AI degree are:
- Princeton University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- University of Texas-Austin
- Ohio University
- Columbia University
- Arizona State University
- Rhode Island College
- Keiser University
- Boise State University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Capitol Technology University
- Dakota State University
- Oakland University
- Marymount University
- You can choose AI courses and certifications that help you take an early start in your AI career
- Best AI courses and certifications include:
- Google AI Professional Certificate
- Artificial Intelligence Courses by Harvard
- Microsoft AI & ML Engineering Professional Certificate on Coursera
- IBM Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) course
- University of Pennsylvania – AI For Business Specialization on Coursera
Many young high school graduates are now interested in fields like Artificial Intelligence. With growing AI integration in day-to-day tasks related to organizational management and business intelligence, AI professionals are definitely in demand. However, young people find it challenging to find a suitable roadmap that allows them to start a career in AI. So, in this article we provide a detailed look at the various steps you can take to start a rewarding career in AI. Let’s start!
How to start a career in AI after graduating from high school?
Getting a college degree in AI is one of the highly recommended ways to start a career in AI. Have a look at more details!
College degree in AI
One of the strongest and most effective ways to start your career in AI is through a professional college degree. Most of the entry-level AI jobs, even apprenticeships and trainee programs, require at least a bachelor’s degree in AI. Therefore, many young people who have work experience in AI or a related field may be equipped for a professional career, but a degree validates their capabilities.
There are many ways a degree in AI prepares individuals for a career in AI. So, we strongly recommend college planning once you are close to graduating high school, so you can build a successful career in your desired field. Let’s explore why a college degree in ai is almost essential to start a career in AI.
Firstly, a bachelor’s degree in AI may offer you several options for concentration tracks, with the most popular ones being: Machine Learning (ML) and Data Science
- Computer Vision (CV) and Image Processing
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Machine Learning (ML) and Data Science
- AI for Business and Analytics
Additionally, there are some complex subjects that are thoroughly taught throughout the AI degrees, such as:
- Mathematics
- Data science
- Computer science
- Behavioral science
- Calculus
These subjects are essential for an in-depth understanding of AI models. Furthermore, an AI degree is an interesting and interdisciplinary major. As a result, you develop a ton of technical and transferable skills including:
- Programming languages and coding
- Software development
- Data analysis and modeling
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Logical thinking
- Algorithm design
- Data organization
- Communication and report writing
- Working with large datasets
- Understanding the ethical implications of AI
Coursework in AI degrees
Furthermore, the coursework in an AI degree is exactly what you need to start your career in AI as a young high school graduate. Typically, the degrees include strong coursework that covers more than the basics, enabling you for a successful career in AI. Some core AI courses included are:
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Programming for AI
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Mathematics for AI (like Linear Algebra, Calculus)
- Probability and Statistics
- Discrete Mathematics
- Computer Organization and Architecture
- Operating Systems
- Database Systems
- Software Engineering
AI degree requirements
There are some particular AI degree requirements that can vary from college to college, as well as from different levels of education. Here is an overview of the different degrees in AI and their prerequisites:
|
Degree level |
Prerequisites |
| Bachelors in AI |
|
| Masters in AI |
|
| Doctoral degrees in ai |
|
There are minimum scores and grades required by colleges for various programs. These minimum benchmarks vary significantly, with higher-ranked colleges like Harvard having much more complex and tough admission requirements. Based on these requirements, the admission rates of different schools also vary, with schools like Yale or NYU having lower admission rates. Therefore, having a deeper understanding of admission requirements and standards of the college can help you prepare more effectively and shortlist the colleges more suitable for your profile.
Top schools for a degree in AI
One of the biggest challenges many young high school graduates face is selecting the right college or university. This is because there are a ton of options available, especially for trendy and growing fields like AI. As a result, an overwhelming pool of options makes it rather difficult than easy to make the right choice. There is a lot of information and factors to consider, such as:
- College location
- Online or hybrid flexibility
- Tuition fees and other charges
- Faculty quality
- Campus resources and facilities
- Student life
- Financial aid options
- Admission rates
- Graduation rates
However, the easiest way to shortlist the best AI colleges and universities for your career is to consider the exact AI college program offered, and the tuition cost. This helps you plan for college effectively and choose options that are financially feasible only.
Related: What are the top schools for a bachelor’s in AI?
So, here is a curated list of top schools and universities for a college degree in AI:
College name |
Program |
Tuition |
| Princeton University | Bachelor of Arts (AB) or Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) | $68,140 (source) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making | $32,155 per academic year (College COA) |
| Stanford University | B.S. in Symbolic Systems with an AI concentration | $22,577 per quarter (College COA) |
| University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign | B.S. in Computer Science | Illinois resident: $18,046-$23,426
Non-resident: $38,398-$46,498 (source) |
| University of Texas-Austin | Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Concentration | In-state: $10,858-$13,576 per year Out-of-state: $38,650-$46,498 per year
(Source) |
| Ohio University | Artificial Intelligence, B.S | In-state: $14,582 per year
Out-of-state: $25,796 per year (source) |
| Columbia University | Artificial Intelligence Minor | 2025-2026 academic year costs update |
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business | In-state: $13,534 Out-of-state: $37,072 (source) |
| Rhode Island College | Bachelors in AI | In-state: $5,053 per semester Out-of-state: $13,333 per semester (source) |
| Keiser University | Artificial Intelligence BS Degree | $39,189 per year (US News) |
| Boise State University | Bachelor of Science in AI Science | In-state: $9,364 per academic year
Out-of-state: $28,478 per academic year (Source) |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence | $51,648 per academic year (source) |
| Capitol Technology University | Bachelor of Science (BS) in Artificial Intelligence | $13,635 for academic years 2026-2027 (source) |
| Dakota State University | Artificial Intelligence, BS | In-state: $9,084 per year Out-of-state: $12,276 per year (source) |
| Oakland University | Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence | $590.50 per credit hour (source) |
| Marymount University | Artificial Intelligence (B.S.) | $41,236 per year for full-time enrollment (source) |
Note: Data is as of March 2026.
Courses and certifications in AI
It is true that a bachelor’s degree or a higher professional degree is almost essential to start a career in AI. However, this does not mean that bachelor’s degrees are the only way, and that additional certifications and courses are of no help. In fact, many popular research and tech hubs like Google and IBM offer phenomenal courses and certifications in AI that help you start your career in AI.
Here are some ways a course, certification, or online specialization helps you start a successful career in AI:
- Most AI courses cover fundamentals that help set the foundation for a hands-on experience
- Courses require you to complete projects and assignments, such as using virtual labs, that enhance your practical knowledge
- Certificates are an excellent way to validate your skills, capabilities, and work experience
- Courses offer a focus in various subfields, such as generative AI and ML, providing greater flexibility and growth possibilities in your career
|
Course |
Details |
| Google AI Professional Certificate |
|
| Artificial Intelligence Courses by Harvard |
|
| Microsoft AI & ML Engineering Professional Certificate on Coursera |
|
| IBM Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) course |
|
| University of Pennsylvania – AI For Business Specialization on Coursera |
|
AI degree jobs for beginners
Entry-level jobs in any field or industry typically require less work experience and basic educational qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree. So, if you are wondering how you can start a career in AI, learning about entry-level jobs can be the best way. Other than entry-level AI jobs, there are also preliminary options such as internships, training programs, apprenticeships, freelance work, and gig-based work that you can explore.
Many portals and jobs boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and UpWork are excellent platforms to take a start from.
Finally, here is a brief list of top entry-level AI jobs:
- Big data engineer
- Data analyst
- Technology risk manager
- Deep learning engineer
- Transcriptionist
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Business intelligence developer
Other than these, you can also explore the top highest paid AI jobs in fields such as:
- Machine Learning Engineering
- Natural Language Processing
- Data Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
Read more: What jobs in AI can I get with a bachelor’s degree? | Career Guide
Conclusion
In conclusion, bachelors in AI is perhaps the best choice for people who want to start a career in AI as beginners or even intermediate individuals. Moreover, college bachelor degrees are not only for high school students, but also for some qualified adults. You can also choose to enroll in a bachelor’s program if you have fundamental knowledge or basic experience level through freelance work and internship opportunities. In addition to that, you can also complement your AI learning journey with courses and certifications that further enhance your capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
How to be an AI engineer?
In AI engineering, there is a complex intersection of machine learning, data science, and software engineering. Therefore, AI engineers are trained specialists responsible for developing and deploying AI models and algorithms, ensuring their functionality and effective performance. As compared to AI jobs focused on data science, such as ia researcher roles, an AI engineer is more on the frontline, developing strong air systems that are production-ready.
Moreover, AI engineers work on software integration, AI model monitoring, ensuring AI model scalability, and use advanced tools like TensorFlow. Therefore, AI engineers are highly technically sound, therefore, have a complex roadmap to follow. Some important steps to keep in mind are:
- Getting a foundation in AI engineering with a degree in computer science, data science, and AI
- Learning advanced coding and programming languages such as Python
- Study and learn machine learning through additional resources such as courses and certifications
- Build a portfolio to attract the right employers
- Pursue internships and short-term freelance projects to learn technical skills
- Choose specific degree specializations such as ML, NLP, computer vision, and generative AI
Following these steps should enable you to start your career as an AI engineer. Lastly, a career as an AI engineer is very rewarding, with an average annual salary of $109,615, with potential for growth and increment over the years.
Is AI a high paid job?
AI is an extremely high in-demand career path that comes with various subfields and specialization tracks that you can explore. In AI careers, you can find high-paying jobs such as AI engineering, NLP specialist, data science, and data analysis. Moreover, AI specialists get excellent compensation packages, because the expertise required by organizations are highly technical. In addition to this, most of the AI jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, which consequently makes AI jobs highly paid. The average annual earnings in AI jobs can range between $145,000 and $170,000.
Can I get into AI careers without a bachelor’s degree?
Companies like research labs and tech hubs require hands-on and practical knowledge for AI-specific jobs and work. Therefore, many companies tend to hire individuals without any bachelor degrees. However, a bachelor’s degree is a validation for your skills and expertise, helping not only find higher paying AI jobs, but also progress in your career. Sp, while an AI degree is not necessary to enter the AI job market, it can definitely help you land better jobs and ensure professional growth.