Best Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programs

There is a lot to be said about computers and what they can do for us. With how advanced technology is today, there is very little we can’t do with the help of computers. This is especially the case with artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence (IA) is everywhere in our world today. In fact, AI is responsible for many the technological advances we have right now. If you’re looking to work in the part of computer science known as AI, this article consists of information on artificial intelligence and a list of some of the best AI programs.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

There have been many definitions for artificial intelligence, but the best way to describe AI is the combination of engineering and science to make intelligent computer programs and similar intelligent machines. When we say “intelligent” computers and machines, we’re referring to machines or programs that understand human intelligence and can help perform tasks and solve problems.

A perfect example of AI can be found in home security systems. Security systems today can be programmed to not only send alarms to homeowners if an intrusion is detected, but they can also detect if the intruder is a stranger or a family member. They can also take pictures of the intruder and even let you know what time the intrusion took place.

A home security system is just one example of artificial intelligence. AI is part of our daily lives in more ways than we can even imagine. Here are some examples of how we use artificial intelligence without realizing it.

• Navigation and maps – Navigation and GPS systems use AI to make traveling easier than ever before.
• Facial recognition and detection – The ability to not only detect a person’s identity but also to provide information on an individual has been extremely helpful to law enforcement.
• Autocorrect – As frustrating as autocorrect may be at times, it can be helpful when writing an article or typing a text.
• Social media – Probably one of the most used forms of artificial intelligence. An example is when they put an ad on your social media page based on what you’ve looked at in the past. Another example is recommending potential friends based on your current friend list.
• Algorithms used for recommendation and search – When you go to a streaming service on your TV, it will often show you movies and shows based on what you’ve watched in the past. This is using algorithms.
• Digital assistants – Digital assistants help you in many ways. They’ll make a call for you based on your command. Examples of this are Alexa or Siri.
• Chatbots – Chatbots are used by many online companies to answer customers’ questions without actually having a human answer the questions.
• E-payments – Artificial intelligence is used every time your computer makes an electronic payment for you.

Artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing field that should continue to grow to keep up with the advancing technology. AI is widely used by computer and research scientists, and these professionals are expected to see a job growth of 21 percent between 2021 and 2031 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Growth can also be found with investigation and security services, a group that uses artificial intelligence regularly.

Who Needs an AI Degree?

Does the idea of working in AI appeal to you? The great news is that artificial intelligence programs are offered at all degree levels including certificate programs. Many colleges also offer online programs. Anyone interested in the field of AI should consider pursuing a degree. If you want a job in a rapidly growing field, you might want an AI degree. If you want a career that offers very good wages, you might want to consider artificial intelligence.

A degree in AI can lead to jobs as research engineers, hardware engineers, machine learning engineers, data scientists, machine learning engineers, business intelligence developers, or software engineers, among others. It can also lead to high positions working for companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.

Stats and Facts About AI Programs – Why You Should Get One

One of the best reasons why a person should consider an AI degree is because it offers not just good wages but also jobs that are in demand. The value of the global artificial market size is expected to experience a 37.3 percent growth annually between 2023 and 2030.

This is a huge size growth and increase from the 136.55 billion reported in 2022 according to the Market View Research. Here are some interesting facts and statistics on AI degrees as well as why someone might want to earn this degree based on a report by Techjury.

• By the end of the year 2023, there should be about eight billion voice assistants powered by AI.
• Almost 50 percent of Americans use digital voice assistants.
• The use of artificial intelligence can increase a business’s productivity by 40 percent.
• The adoption of AI worldwide is currently at 35 percent, which is a four percent increase from 2021.
• About 75 percent of businesses intend to use artificial intelligence as a means of fraud protection.
• Although AI does help create more jobs, it’s also expected to eliminate 16 percent of American jobs.
• AI will make about 30 percent of jobs extinct by 2030.

Earning a degree in artificial intelligence is the first step toward a career in this career. Below you will find a list of what might be the best AI programs. Some are on-campus programs, and some are online programs.

15 Best Artificial Intelligence Programs

1. Carnegie Mellon University

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Prerequisites – Must be accepted in CMU’s College of Computer Science and complete the Concept of Artificial Intelligence course as well as general education courses.
• What You Will Learn – Students develop a strong knowledge of AI and teaches students how language, vision, and large databases can help technology enhance human capabilities.
• Online or On Campus – This is an on-campus program.
• What Makes this the Best? This program is ranked as the best AI programs due to its tuition, curriculum, and the fact that the school offers both a double AI major and a minor in AI.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making

• Prerequisites – Must complete general education courses, linear algebra, and high-level programming courses.
• What You Will Learn – Students will learn the basics of AI and how it integrates into computer science. They also learn how to use AI with computers, social media, and technology in general.
• Online or On Campus – This is an on-campus program.
• What Makes this the Best – This program inter-laps computer science and engineering to provide students with a well-balanced education.

3. University of Advancing Technology

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Prerequisites – Online students must have a computer with internet access, microphone/webcam, Microsoft Office, and Adobe editing software. On-campus students must provide a transcript with a GPA of 3.0 and must complete general ed courses.
• What You Will Learn – Students learn the development and theory of tools used to stimulate thoughts, and pattern behaviors through software. They also become familiar with various AI applications.
• Online or On Campus – This program is offered as both an on-campus and online program.
• What Makes this the Best – It offers both synchronous and asynchronous courses and teaches students using state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

4. Maryville University

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Prerequisites – No GRE or Application fee; must have a bachelor’s degree.
• What You Will Learn –This 33-credit hour program provides students with a real-world look at the techniques and theories of artificial intelligence, including computer programming, machine learning, and deep learning. It also puts a focus on project-based learning.
• Online or On Campus – This is a 100 percent online program.
• What Makes this the Best – The school also offers two post-baccalaureate certificates; one in the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, and one in advanced artificial intelligence, which allows students to choose the program that best meets their needs. They also offer an accelerated master’s in AI program.

5. DePaul University

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Prerequisites – Bachelor’s degree with 2.5 GPA; all official transcripts, English proficiency test, letters of recommendation, resume, and must have completed Calculus I and II.
• What You Will Learn – Students learn not just about AI but are also provided with the skills and knowledge needed by employers in the business world.
• Online or On Campus – This program is offered both online and on campus.
• What Makes this the Best – This is a professional master’s degree that prepares students to jump right into the job market upon graduation. All parts of the program can be done online.

6. University of Missouri

Graduate Certificate in AI, Machine Learning, and Automation in Business

• Prerequisites – This program is very relaxed in terms of prerequisites, but students should have a bachelor’s degree.
• What You Will Learn – The 12-credit hour program is a steppingstone towards a master’s degree in AI. Students learn about data science, information retrieval and analysis, robotics, and business analytics.
• Online or On Campus – This is an online program.
• What Makes this the Best – It’s all online; can be completed in two years with only one class per semester, allowing students to continue to work.

7. Stanford University

Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate

• Prerequisites – Must complete an online application. Should have a good understanding of calculus, algebra, programming, and probability theories and have a bachelor’s degree.
• What You Will Learn – You will learn the methodologies and principles of AI. You can also choose electives geared towards your area of interest.
• Online or On Campus – This is an online program.
• What Makes this the Best – It’s a highly rated program that can be completed in one to two years. It only requires 15-20 hours of study per week.

8. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Master of Science in Computer Science Artificial Intelligence

• Prerequisites – Must have a bachelor’s degree.
• What You Will Learn – This research-based 28-credit-hour program requires a thesis, which provides students with a full understanding of AI and how it works. It also covers all areas of computer science.
• Online or On Campus – This is an on-campus program.
• What Makes this the Best – Completion of this program can go towards the doctoral degree program in computer science.

9. Columbia Engineering

Artificial Intelligence Professional Certificate

• Prerequisites – Must apply, and the school contacts students regarding transcripts and other requirements.
• What You Will Learn – Students learn various AI topics, including data privacy, algorithms, robotics, machine learning, and also gain a real understanding of AI applications.
• Online or On Campus – This is an online program.
• What Makes this the Best – The program can be completed in 9 to 18 months and is designed so students can continue to work while earning the certificate.

10. Illinois Institute of Technology

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Prerequisites –Must gain admission into the Illinois Institute of Technology.
• What You Will Learn – Students first learn about computer science, statistics, and programming, and advance to learn about machine learning, game playing, and AI techniques and concepts.
• Online or On Campus – This is an on-campus four-year program.
• What Makes this the Best – It is the only undergraduate AI program in the Midwest. It offers many AI elective courses.

11. New Mexico State University

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Prerequisites – Must submit an application, high school transcripts, and provide SAT or ACT scores.
• What You Will Learn – This program teaches students about the basics of computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence. Students will also take general education courses and complete a thesis.
• Online or On Campus – This is a traditional on-campus program.
• What Makes this the Best – It’s a four-year program that allows students to successfully learn all they need to know about artificial intelligence to seek employment in that field.

12. University of Texas at Austin

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Prerequisites – Must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with an acceptable GPA.
• What You Will Learn – Students learn a wide variety of AI topics, including deep learning, machine learning, automated logical learning, and natural language processing. It offers students both theory and practice courses.
• Online or On Campus – This is an online program.
• What Makes this the Best – This affordable program can be taken online part-time or full-time and is also ranked very highly by U.S. News & World Report.

13. John Hopkins University

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Prerequisites – Must have a bachelor’s degree, submit transcripts, and satisfy GPA requirements.
• What You Will Learn – This program offers students an advanced curriculum designed to prepare them for careers in this field upon graduation. Students learn about image processing, natural language processing, computer robotics, and AI-driven technologies.
• Online or On Campus – This program is offered both online and on campus.
• What Makes this the Best – The online curriculum allows students to work and earn the degree. It also is an affordable program that allows students to do practical experiences.

14. Boston University

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

• Prerequisites – Must have a bachelor’s degree and transcripts showing they met the GPA requirements.
• What You Will Learn – This 32-credit program teaches students the basics of computer science with an emphasis on artificial intelligence. Students learn about AI coding, machine learning, imaging and become qualified to work with software engineers.
• Online or On Campus – This is an on-campus program.
• What Makes this the Best – The program consists of only 8 courses but also acts as a steppingstone towards a doctoral degree in artificial intelligence.

15. Arkansas State University

Master of Science in Applied Digital Technology with a Concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Prerequisites – Must have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA and should submit an online application and application fee.
• What You Will Learn – This 33-credit-hour program teaches students the latest machine learning trends while also offering business and technology courses that match the student’s career goals.
• Online or On Campus – This is an online program.
• What Makes this the Best – It offers affordable tuition and can be completed in one year.