Key takeaways
- An Artificial Intelligence degree can equip you with a wide range of skills that lead to high-paying career opportunities.
- You can pursue an AI degree at an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level.
- Through the program, you will develop skills such as programming, machine learning, interactive user interface design, and more.
- With a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue jobs such as a data scientist, software engineer, AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, and so on.
- In the last 8 years, there has been a 323% increase in the employment of AI skills professionals, indicating that the skilled professionals in the field are in high demand.
- The top schools for an AI degree include:
- 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
- The ROI for an AI degree is:
- In-state: 8361%
- Out-of-state: 3272%
Getting started…
An artificial intelligence (AI) degree leads to high-paying career opportunities in a field where innovation and passion are a must. Through an AI degree, you can become part of the skilled professional pool that is in high demand among employers. Whether you aspire to help restructure organizations and the way they operate or would like to offer simplified solutions and methods for complex problems and operations, this is the right degree for you.
In this guide, you will find program details for Artificial Intelligence degrees, career opportunities, and a list of colleges from which you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in AI.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence is the process of creating machines that can mimic human intelligence. Their main feature is that they can learn in real time through the data input they receive and alter their behavior or responses based on what they have learned. It does so through sophisticated neural networks, which are computational models that process large volumes of data through interconnected nodes.
Additionally, AI systems use Natural Language Processing (NLP) and computer vision. NLP enables machines to understand human language, whereas computer vision allows for object identification and sorting, including image and video processing. Through different NLP algorithms, AI professionals train machines to understand human speech, text, and writing, including context and sentiment analysis.
AI professionals are at the forefront of innovation in our digitally driven-world. Today, we have AI writing tools such as ChatGPT, and AI Tools to detect AI-generated content, along with other, more sophisticated tools and technologies. From fully automated self-driving cars to Tesla’s Optimus, a humanoid helper, the advancement in AI in recent years is truly astounding.
If you want to be a part of a field that is at the forefront of innovation and technological advancements, an AI degree is ideal for you.
How to learn Artificial Intelligence?
A formal education in Artificial Intelligence is the ideal way to learn the skills and develop comprehensive knowledge in the field of AI. The degree not only helps you learn about the program or the field, but also helps you obtain a respected credential, which can help you advance your career and become eligible for a wider range of job opportunities in the field.
You can pursue an AI degree at varying levels, from associate to PhD.
Associate’s degree in AI
A 2-year community college offers associate degrees, which last 2 years and feature around 60 credits. The goal of the program is to equip students with the skills and workforce training needed for entry-level roles in AI. After graduating with an associate degree, students become eligible for a bachelor’s program.
Bachelor’s AI degree
At the undergraduate level, a bachelor’s degree has a much better scope in the professional field than an associate’s. The program lasts 4 to 5 years and features 120 credits. Generally, the credits are divided between course categories such as general education, core-specific, and electives. Through the comprehensive curriculum, you will develop a wide range of skills, allowing you to pursue a wider range of job opportunities in AI.
Learn more: How Do I Start a Career in Artificial Intelligence? | Career Roadmap
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
A Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence can help professionals develop advanced or specialized skills within AI. It also presents a wealth of career advancement opportunities in the field. With a master’s degree, graduates become eligible for senior or managerial-level positions, leading teams, and AI projects.
Artificial Intelligence PhD
If you want to be part of the research and development field in AI, a PhD is the degree level for you. To be eligible for a PhD program, you need to have completed a master’s degree and be passionate about research and project development in the field. With a PhD, you become eligible for jobs in teaching, professorship, and research.
Bachelor’s degree in AI — Program details
At the undergraduate level, a bachelor’s degree offers the most value for your time and money. Through it, you will develop the full range of competencies required by AI professionals, including technical and professional skills. You can pursue either a standalone AI degree or pursue Artificial Intelligence as a major in a Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or IT degree.
Any program that features a curriculum focused on programming, mathematics, and machine learning is an excellent choice and this includes engineering programs, such as a bachelor’s in software engineering. It is important to note that finding a stand-alone degree in AI in the US might prove to be a bit of a challenge, as not many US colleges and universities offer an AI degree.
However, an AI major is widely available and easily pursuable in combination with a relevant program, especially a computer science or software engineering degree.
AI program curriculum
The program curriculum depends on whether you are pursuing an Artificial Intelligence major or a BS in Artificial Intelligence. It also varies depending on the college, faculty, and the set of learning outcomes. But regardless of where you study and what program you follow, you will have to take courses in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data analytics, humanities and arts, engineering, and AI.
The following are courses offered in most colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in AI:
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math Foundations for Computer Science
- Differential and Integral Calculus
- Matrices and Linear Transformation
- Probability Theory for Computer Scientists
- Calculus in Three Dimensions
Computer Science Core
- Principles of Imperative Computation
- Principles of Functional Programming
- Parallel and Sequential Data Programming
- Great Theoretical Ideas in Computer Science
- Introduction to Computer Systems
Artificial Intelligence
- Introduction to AI
- Neural Computation
- Cognitive Robotics
- Planning Techniques for Robots
- Introduction to Natural Language Processing
- Introduction to Machine Learning
- Deep Reinforcement Learning and Control
- Machine Learning for Structured Data
- Generative AI
- Bayesian Methods in Machine Learning
- Introduction to Convex Optimization
- Advanced Methods for Data Analysis
- Machine Learning for Text and Graph-based Mining
- Human AI Interaction
- Designing Human-Centered Software
Typically offered electives
- Ethics and Robots
- AI, Society, and Humanity
Admission requirements in AI programs
The admission requirements to any bachelor’s degree feature some key components and certain specific admission requirements. While the specific requirements vary depending on the college, program type, and your previous qualifications, the key components are essentially the same. These include:
- High school diploma
- Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT)
- Recommendation letters
- Personal essay
The specific admission requirements for students applying for a bachelor’s degree after high school graduation include:
- High school diploma with a strong foundation in:
- Mathematics – at least 1 or 2 years
- Statistics with a focus on calculus
- Computer Science
- Minimum high school GPA varies from college to college
- Minimum SAT/ACT Scores with additional minimum required scores in components such as mathematics.
- 2-3 letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
However, if you are applying after obtaining an associate’s degree, the requirements will vary. You will need to submit the official transcript of your associate’s degree, meet the credit transfer criteria, and have taken the required courses in relevant fields.
We suggest associate degree graduates reach out to on-campus education counselors to better understand the admission requirements and determine how many previously earned credits are transferable.
Graduation requirements
Now, admission and graduation requirements are different. So, graduation requirements are the aspects you need to fulfill during your college journey, such as a minimum number of credit hours.
So, a bachelor’s degree typically features 120 to 135 credits. These credits are distributed among the different components or sections within a bachelor’s degree, such as general education, core-specific courses, and electives.
Moreover, in an AI degree, you might also need to take at least one or two courses in different AI specializations, such as Machine learning, Human AI Interaction, Data Science, Robotics, Perception and Language, and Ethics in AI.
General graduation requirements include:
- Completion of required credits as per the listed distribution
- Minimum GPA
- Completion of Internship
- Submission of the capstone project
Areas of focus in Artificial Intelligence
The Artificial Intelligence field is vast, and the career opportunities in it are also diverse. To further enhance your career prospects, you can strengthen your expertise in different areas of study within the field by choosing relevant electives and undertaking tasks in your field of interest when working on projects. These are offered as specialization tracks, or sometimes referred to as concentration areas, emphasis, or so on. So, some popular areas of focus in ai degrees are:
Robotics
Robotics in AI is a field of study that teaches students how to create robots with human-like intelligence. Through the program, the students learn to write algorithms that enable robots to solve problems, think critically, and make decisions.
Here, students will take courses in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. You will learn different AI tools and techniques, and the use and incorporation of sensors and technologies for optimal results.
Courses in robotics can include:
- Principles of Robotic Theory
- Computer Vision
- Fundamentals of Information Retrieval and Web Searching
- Principles of Machine Learning
Data Science
The fields of data science and AI are very closely related and somewhat dependent on each other. Data Science is the study of data to find patterns and solve pressing problems. Through statistical analysis and the use of computer science, data science professionals analyze data, identify patterns and trends, and find areas of improvement. AI professionals use the data to improve the technology and enhance developments in AI.
Data science courses in AI can include:
- Statistical Methods for Data Science
- Introduction to Data Science
- Probability Theory for Computer Scientists
Machine Learning
Through machine learning, students learn to train robots to learn from their experiences and the data gathered. AI professionals incorporate data science, programming, and other disciplines to create systems enabling robots or AI machines to gather information, process data, derive lessons, and highlight areas of improvement. It is through machine learning that AI modern-day robots, AI machines, and programs are made possible:
Courses in the field include:
- Computational Data Analysis
- Network Science
- Machine Learning Theory
Natural Language Processing
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is what gives AI machines and programs the ability to understand human language. It includes writing algorithms that will enable machines to understand the meaning of text, its structure, context, and more. It is a comprehensive area that also includes understanding the different dialects, slang, and grammar. Natural Language Processing is what makes possible the creation of AI assistants, and chatbots.
Courses in this area of study include:
- Speech Processing
- Computational Perception
- Scripting Languages
Human-Computer-Interaction
Human-computer interaction is the study of how humans interact with computers. In this area of study, you will learn how to design interfaces, gather user feedback, and analyze and incorporate it to create improved systems. Here, you will learn how to use the latest technologies, including eye-movement tracking, speech recognition, Cloud computing, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR).
Learning outcomes to expect — In-demand skills you learn in an AI degree
AI is at the forefront of all technological advancements in nearly all areas of the global economy as its applications are far and wide. From the face detection software on our phones, chatbots, and virtual assistants, to fraud prevention, healthcare, and even supply chain automation, AI is being used everywhere.
For a career in AI, you need some essential technical and professional skills.
Programming
Regardless of which career path you want to follow after obtaining a degree in AI, programming is a foundational skill essential for all roles within Artificial Intelligence. Whether you want to go into Machine Learning, Algorithm Development, or any other field, knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, Lisp, and others is essential.
Data Modelling, Data Processing and Analytics
Data modeling, processing, and analysis are essential for advancements and improvements in Artificial Intelligence. Through data modeling, professionals create physical models for how data will be stored and used. Moreover, employers prefer professionals with a wide range of data modeling, warehousing, and organizational models, such as computational, logical, and physical models. Additionally, knowledge of data modeling techniques such as the Dimensional model, Entity-Relationship model, data warehouse model, and more is a plus.
Machine Learning
Machine learning specialists enable AI systems to learn from data. Professionals able to design systems that can unearth patterns from huge amounts of data and continuous learning are what will help developed systems compete and thrive in today’s environment. Within machine learning algorithm optimization, neural networks, training, current AI, and other machine learning techniques.
Intelligent User Interface (IUI)
The Intelligent User Interface (IUI) is a type of user interface that uses AI to create interactive user interfaces that improve overall user experience. Key skills for this field include being able to understand user intent, personalize the experience, provide proactive assistance, and enable natural interactions.
Colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in AI
College planning and finding the best AI college for undergrad can be quite challenging, especially for specialized fields such as a BS in Artificial Intelligence. You can either use the AI College Search Tool or find a suitable option from colleges offering an AI degree listed below.
Top 4 colleges offering a degree in AI:
| 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) |
In addition to these top 4, there are also some other state and private funded schools that have higher acceptance rates and easier admissions, such as:
College name |
Program |
Tuition |
| University of Texas-Austin | Machine Learning & 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) |
| Marymount University | Artificial Intelligence (B.S.) | $41,236 per year for full-time enrollment (source) |
Note: Data is as of March 2026.
More colleges to check out
Other than these, you can explore some other colleges, such as:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Stony Brook University
- Oakland University
- John Brown University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Nebraska Omaha
- Indiana University
Find out more: What are the top schools for a bachelor’s in AI?
Can I pursue an Artificial Intelligence degree online?
Whether you want to pursue an AI degree online or on campus, there are plenty of US colleges and universities that offer a bachelor’s degree in the field. Online programs for a technical program, such as Artificial Intelligence, may not seem like the best option, but it does offer significant advantages that outweigh the cons for some.
Moreover, many people assume that online bachelor’s degrees do not have the same worth or potential. However, the reality is far from this. This is because online bachelor’s degrees have similar coursework and material, as well as similar requirements, such as a minimum of 120 credit hours. The only difference exists in the mode of delivery, with the online medium being much more convenient and accessible to more students.
Before you make a decision on which mode of delivery to attend, carefully consider the pros and cons of an online program.
Pros and cons of an online AI degree
|
Online AI Degree — Pros |
Online AI Degree — Cons |
| Remote or distance learning without any requirement to commute to campus, best for working professionals, parents, or those with unpredictable schedules | Less structured deadlines can lead to procrastination, require self-motivation and time management |
| Use of discussion boards and virtual chats that foster communication | Limited face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers, making networking a challenge |
| Virtual labs and cloud-based tools accessible online, good exposure to industry-level tools | Limited access to physical lab hardware and on-campus facilities like equipment and lab instructors |
| Availability of recorded lectures allows repeated review and self-paced learning | Access to limited direct, spontaneous feedback, with impersonal virtual support |
| Online communities connect students globally | required personal equipment upgrade, especially basic essentials like laptops and webcams |
| Typically lower tuition and no commuting costs also saves on housing and meal plans | Challenging for those who learn better in person, with a high risk of feeling isolated |
| Changing attitudes of employers towards online credentials | Teamwork relies entirely on online communication |
| Great for self-motivated learners | |
| May use remote resources for coding/AI environments |
Colleges offering an AI degree online
Should you decide that an online program is the right fit for you, here is a list of colleges where you can pursue the program.
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Bachelor’s Degree: Artificial Intelligence | In-state: $330 per credit
Out-of-state: $499 per credit (source) |
| Arizona State University Online | Online Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business | In-state: $13,118 per academic year (source)
Out-of-state: $16,376 per academic year (source) |
| Strayer University | BS in Information Technology with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence | $1,555 per course (source) |
| Colorado State University Global | Choose the AI specialization in the following degrees:
|
$9,000 per year (source) |
| Capella University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | $350 – $415 per credit (source) |
Note: Data is as of March 2026.
Artificial Intelligence jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree
Degrees in AI lead to financially rewarding career opportunities in an exciting and innovative field. You become eligible for many AI jobs, such as roles in engineering, robotics, and other computer and IT occupations. Moreover, computers and IT are one of the fastest-growing fields in the US.
Read more: What jobs in AI can I get with a bachelor’s degree? | Career Guide
So, here are some most common jobs in AI that have the best pay scale, such as:
|
Top-paying AI jobs |
Average yearly pay |
| Data engineer | $131,000 |
| Robotics engineer | $141,000 |
| Software engineer | $148,000 |
| Data scientist | $153,000 |
| AI research scientist | $192,000 |
| Computer vision engineer | $162,000 |
| Database Architects | $123,100 |
| AI Engineer | $101,775 |
| Natural Language Processing Engineer | $107,282 |
| Deep Learning Engineer | $115,864 |
Note: Data is as of March 2026.
Artificial Intelligence industry overview and hiring trends
The global Artificial Intelligence market is vast, with many diverse applications. Some of these opportunities and applications include speech recognition, self-driving cars, image processing, chatbots, and so much more. Moreover, advancements in the field have even enabled the creation of some of the leading tech solutions, such as Tesla’s self-driving cars and the Humanoid Robot Assistant.
According to reports by Statista, the global AI market is projected to grow with a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 27.67% in the next five years until 2030. Moreover, in 2026, the market size is expected to reach US$347.05 billion. In 2030, the market will be valued at USD $826.70 billion.
Furthermore, Fortune Business Insights reports that OpenAI attracted the highest amount of funding in 2023 across the globe. Anthropic and Scale by AI come in second and third; however, OpenAI leads by a significant margin. These statistics clearly show that Generative AI is leading the AI industry and attracting the most investment, with ChatGPT leading the way.
In addition to this, AI applications are growing at an unprecedented rate. In February of 2023, IBM created a supercomputer designed specifically to train the company’s many AI models. Fortune Business Insight’s report also highlights Quantum AI as showing the most potential and is growing in popularity. The applications of Quantum AI are vast and can allow for better and more accurate predictions for climate change, improve risk evaluation, enhance the development of new drugs, and more.
Hiring trends in AI
Since there is a rise in the use of AI in most real-world applications, there is no doubt that the demand for AI-literate professionals in various industries. Forbes reports that there has been an over 320% increase in AI talent hiring in the last 8 years. While previously, the focus was on hiring technical AI talent, an increasing number of employers now seek professionals with AI knowledge and non-technical skills.
The ideal preferred qualification for entry-level roles and jobs in AI is a bachelor’s degree in AI or a related field. So, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Data Analytics, and more with an AI major. Make sure you research the required professional skills and competencies as per your career aspirations and choose a program accordingly.
Additionally, some jobs require certain technical skills in AI professionals, such as:
- Prompt engineering
- Data literacy
- Machine learning
AI degree ROI — Measuring the worthiness of an AI degree in college
We calculate the ROI for an AI degree using the average tuition cost and potential lifetime earnings. Here are the estimates:
| Tuition Type | Annual tuition cost | 4-Year Total |
| In-state | $11,481 | $45,924 |
| Out-of-state | $28,810 | $115,240 |
Moreover, the 4-year academic tuitions are based on assumptions such as:
- The degree takes exactly 4 years
- Tuition stays constant each year
As of now, the information we have to calculate the AI degree ROI is:
| 4-Year AI Degree Cost | Lifetime Earnings with AI Jobs | |
| In-state tuition | $45,924 | $3,885,690 in 30 years |
| Out-of-state tuition | $115,240 | $3,885,690 in 30 years |
Based on this data, we can calculate the approximate AI degree ROI.
| Tuition Type | Tuition Cost for 4 years | 30-Year Earnings | Net Gain | ROI |
| In-state | $45,924 | $3,885,690 | $3,839,766 | 8361% |
| Out-of-state | $115,240 | $3,885,690 | $3,770,450 | 3272% |
Read more: Is an AI Degree Worth It in 2026? | Find Out the Degree ROI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What level of education is required for artificial intelligence jobs?
To pursue a career in artificial intelligence, a bachelor’s AI degree is the ideal entry-level qualification. With a bachelor’s degree, you become eligible for a comprehensive range of computer and IT occupations. However, the exact education and skills required will vary depending on your career aspirations.
If you want to pursue robotics engineering, a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering with a major in AI is the ideal educational qualification. Those who want to go into interface design can pursue a degree in digital design with a major or minor in AI. Make sure you seek expert degree advice before you enroll in a program.
Is artificial intelligence to a good degree?
An artificial intelligence degree is an excellent program to pursue. It equips students with a range of in-demand skills and competencies, making them eligible for a variety of jobs in different industries. Moreover, in recent years, the demand for AI technical skills has grown exponentially, leading to a 323% increase in employment for AI talent in the last 8 years. Therefore, the scope of an AI degree is great, making it an excellent degree to pursue.
What can you do with an artificial intelligence degree?
An AI degree can lead to a variety of job opportunities in a diverse range of industries. In fact, employers across most industries are giving preference to job applicants with non-technical AI skills. With an AI degree, you develop a wide range of technical and professional skills, which lead to exciting career opportunities in the innovative field. These include job roles such as AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Natural Language Processing Engineer, and more.
Conclusion — Enroll in an AI degree and develop in-demand skills for high-paying jobs.
In summary, an AI degree at the bachelor’s level is one of the best decisions you will make for your professional career. It is a growing field and increasingly in demand. So, if you want to be part of the skilled professional pool that is in high demand, an AI degree is the ideal program for you. Through a bachelor’s degree in the field, you will develop a wide range of competencies and skills such as programming, natural language processing, machine learning, and more. After graduating with a degree in Artificial Intelligence, you can pursue many high-paying career opportunities. You can access many educational resources to help you on your college planning journey. From comprehensive educational guides to AI tools, the platform has much to offer.