If you want to pursue a career in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, or robotics, there are numerous educational pathways you can take, from self-learning to bootcamps to traditional colleges and universities. Regardless of your degree level, career goals, and desired academic experience, you can find the best artificial intelligence program for you.
In this article, we’ll review some of the top artificial intelligence programs. We’ll cover the different types of academic degrees you can get, the jobs you can apply for upon graduation, and the national rankings of the best colleges and universities for AI.
10 Best Artificial Intelligence Schools at a Glance
10 Best Artificial Intelligence Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | U.S. News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person | 20 |
| Columbia University | NY | In-person, online | 15 |
| Cornell University | NY | In-person | 12 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | GA | In-person, online | 32 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MA | In-person | 2 |
| Stanford University | CA | In-person, online | 4 |
| University of California – Berkeley | CA | In-person | 15 |
| University of Maryland – College Park | MD | In-person | 42 |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | MI | In-person | 20 |
| University of Texas at Austin | TX | In-person, online | 30 |
Artificial Intelligence School Rankings: Best Artificial Intelligence Colleges and Universities
The best artificial intelligence schools have a rigorous curriculum and vibrant campus life while being affordable. With our curated list of top artificial intelligence (AI) schools, you can make an informed decision when pursuing a superior education in artificial intelligence.
The Best Schools for Artificial Intelligence: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
Depending on the career path you want to follow, there are different types of degrees you can get. These include certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and PhDs.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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The Best Schools for Artificial Intelligence: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
Depending on the career path you want to follow, there are different types of degrees you can get. These include certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and PhDs.
Artificial Intelligence Community College Certificate
Artificial intelligence courses at a community college are always going to be highly focused on a particular field of AI and geared towards particular careers. They can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to complete.
Artificial Intelligence Associate Degree
An associate degree is an undergraduate program that gives students basic technical and academic knowledge in a particular field. Associate degrees in AI allow undergraduate students to acquire relevant skills to enter the job market or further their studies in the field.
Associate degree graduates can get artificial intelligence entry-level jobs in the information technology, automotive, healthcare, aerospace, industrial, and manufacturing industries. Common courses include introductions to AI and machine learning, natural language processing, and vision.
Artificial Intelligence Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence is usually completed within three to five years. It helps students to develop strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and other relevant skills in AI applications.
This type of program requires that students learn about speech and facial recognition, language translation, data mining, and robotics. The variety of areas taught in a bachelor’s program opens many doors in a wide range of industries.
Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree
Artificial intelligence master’s degrees allow grad students to specialize in particular areas of the field, making them eligible for higher-paying jobs upon graduation. It can take one to three years to complete a master’s degree in AI.
During a master’s degree, students can conduct their own research projects and hone their skills. They are usually required to present a final capstone project and graduate with a deeper understanding of the technology and logic necessary to create AI intelligent systems.
Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate
A graduate certificate in artificial intelligence is a non-degree program that only requires students to take on half of a master’s degree workload, without having to present a final thesis. It is often used to develop a skill, refresh overall knowledge, or facilitate a career change.
Artificial Intelligence Doctorate
A doctorate degree or PhD in Artificial Intelligence is a high-intensity course that takes around five years to complete. It prepares grad students for the highest-paying jobs across all industries and allows them to pursue careers in academia.
Students develop their own research in a field they choose to specialize in. Research is usually centered on how computers can be “taught” to make decisions like human brains do. To complete the program, students must successfully defend a final dissertation.
Other Artificial Intelligence University Rankings
The best artificial intelligence schools offer more than the typical programs and certificates. In the next sections, we’ll be looking at other artificial intelligence university rankings, including online, community college, and dual-degree programs.
Online Artificial Intelligence Schools
- Pennsylvania State University – World Campus. Penn State World Campus is the online campus of Penn State University. It is considered a leader in AI research with expert faculty and hundreds of scholars who are developing and testing AI tech.
- Stanford University. Stanford University is a private research university located in California. The Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL) constantly promotes discoveries in the field and helps students advance in their academic endeavors.
- University of San Diego. The University of San Diego is a private research university. Its online Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence was developed by AI experts to provide in-depth technical training.
Community Colleges for Artificial Intelligence
- Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Chandler-Gilbert Community College offers high-quality science programs at affordable prices. Its bachelor of science (BS) in artificial intelligence and machine learning prepares students for several entry-level positions.
- Houston Community College. Houston Community College’s AAS in artificial intelligence is partnered with Intel, Microsoft, and Amazon in an effort to train students for a broad range of in-demand careers that call for AI skills.
- Wayne Community College. Wayne Community College offers an artificial intelligence program that is 100% online. It prepares students for AI-related positions in manufacturing, finance, engineering, and more.
Undergraduate Schools for Artificial Intelligence
- Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon University is one of the best schools for artificial intelligence. It was the first to offer a bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence in the U.S.
- Illinois Institute of Technology. Illinois Institute of Technology’s bachelor of science degree in artificial intelligence is the only undergraduate AI program in the Midwest. It prepares students to implement AI techniques in medicine, robotics, and business intelligence.
- Purdue University. Purdue’s School of Science offers a bachelor of science in artificial intelligence. Students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with access to world-leading artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Graduate Schools for Artificial Intelligence
- Boston University. Boston University offers a great master of science in artificial intelligence program. Students take graduate courses and work under the supervision of expert faculty across seven different research groups.
- Fairfax University of America. Fairfax University of America offers an MS in artificial intelligence and machine learning. It requires the completion of 36 credits and provides the necessary flexibility to be accessible to students with various backgrounds.
- Stevens Institute of Technology. Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university in Hoboken, NJ. It offers a master’s degree in applied artificial intelligence. This program gives students great hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
Artificial Intelligence Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- University of Georgia | Double Dawgs Dual Degree Program. The University of Georgia offers a dual degree program that allows students to either get a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts in computer science alongside an MS in artificial intelligence.
- University of Maryland – College Park | Combined BS/MS Program in Computer Science. Students can enroll in this dual degree program and earn an MS in computer science a year in advance. Students learn the basics of AI, machine learning, and practical skills in these fields.
- The University of Texas at Austin | Integrated Five-Year CS BS/MS Program. With this program, students can earn a BS and MS in Computer Science within five years. It prepares students for competitive Ph.D. programs and professional positions.
Schools With Accelerated Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Full Sail University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence Concentration. Full Sail University’s programs all follow an accelerated model. This means that BS students can graduate in half the time of a typical bachelor’s degree, spending less money on housing and living expenses.
- Saint Louis University | Data Science BS to Artificial Intelligence MS Accelerated Program. Saint Louis University offers an accelerated, combined BS (data science) and MS (artificial intelligence) degree. This program includes 140 credits with an optional final thesis.
Is Graduate School for Artificial Intelligence Worth It?
For many people, graduate school for artificial intelligence can be worth it. Graduate programs allow students to become specialized in focused AI areas, which often opens many doors in the job market and gives graduates more agency when it comes to the career paths they can follow and the industries they can work in.
What Jobs Can You Do With an Artificial Intelligence Degree?
The jobs you can do with an artificial intelligence degree include computer and information research scientist, lead data scientist, and software developer. AI degree holders can also pursue careers in machine learning and as robotics engineers.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
People with AI skills can earn around $143,000 per year, on average.1 How much you get paid depends on your education level, experience, company, and location.
According to PayScale, people with Bachelor’s Degrees in Artificial Intelligence earn $93,000, per year, on average.2 Meanwhile, someone with a Master’s Degree in AI can make an average of $102,000 per year, and a PhD holder in this field earns $115,000 annually, on average.3,4
Highest-Paying Artificial Intelligence Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Master’s degree | $145,0805 |
| Lead Data Scientist | Doctorate degree | $149,3676 |
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $81,8527 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Master’s degree | $123,6788 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $83,5999 |
| Computer Programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $73,66910 |
| Robotics Engineer | Master’s degree | $97,25611 |
| Research Engineer | Doctorate degree | $94,43912 |
| Web Developer | Associate degree | $69,34813 |
| Associate Software Engineer | Associate degree | $80,52314 |
Best Jobs With an Artificial Intelligence Degree
Some of the best jobs with an artificial intelligence degree include web development, AI education, computer engineering, and data science. These jobs require different types of artificial intelligence degree levels.
In the next sections, we’ll review some of the best artificial intelligence degree jobs you can qualify for with different levels of AI degrees. We will also present a few internship opportunities you might find in the field.
Artificial Intelligence Associate Degree Jobs
The best artificial intelligence associate degree jobs include computer support specialists, web developers, and associate software engineers, These positions are usually reserved for beginners and act as a stepping stone to higher positions in the field.
Top Artificial Intelligence Careers With an Associate Degree
Artificial Intelligence Bachelor’s Degree Jobs
The best artificial intelligence bachelor’s degree jobs include software developers, computer programmers, and computer system analysts. These types of jobs require some theoretical knowledge in the field as well as practical experience in programming and coding.
Top Artificial Intelligence Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree
Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degree Jobs
The best artificial intelligence master’s degree jobs are computer and information research scientist, machine learning engineer, and robotics engineer. To pursue these types of careers you require specialized training, such as what a master’s degree can provide.
Top Artificial Intelligence Careers With a Master’s Degree
- Computer and Information Research Scientist: $145,0805
- Machine Learning Engineer: $123,6788
- Robotics Engineer: $97,25611
Artificial Intelligence Doctorate Jobs
The best artificial intelligence doctorate jobs include lead data scientists, research engineers, and postsecondary AI professors. PhD holders usually occupy senior positions in artificial intelligence. They’re also eligible to pursue careers in academia and research.
Top Artificial Intelligence Careers With a PhD
- Lead Data Scientist: $149,3676
- Research Engineer: $94,43912
- Postsecondary Teachers in AI: $146,47516
How Can I Pay for Artificial Intelligence School?
You can pay for your artificial intelligence school by applying for grants, scholarships, federal student aid, and graduate assistantships. These payment and funding options differ from school to school and will vary depending on your education level.
- Grants. This form of financial aid can be granted by several federal institutions and doesn’t need to be repaid.
- Scholarships. Private and non-profit organizations sometimes offer full or partial scholarships to students, often based on academic merit.
- Federal Student Aid. To get aid from the federal government, you need to fill and deliver the FAFSA. Colleges use this application to determine which students get financial aid and how much they get.
- Graduate Assistantships. PhD students and some master’s degree students get the opportunity to pay for their tuition through research and/or teaching assistantships.
Choosing the Best Artificial Intelligence School for You
If you’re looking for the best artificial intelligence school, it’s important that you search for accredited colleges and academic programs that fit your needs and prepare you for your chosen career path.
Accreditation
When choosing an artificial intelligence school, regardless of the type of program you’re applying for, it’s important to pick an accredited school. This helps you be confident that you’re getting the best education possible and that the program is approved by industry experts.
Curricular Content
Artificial intelligence has many different areas on which you can focus. Different programs allow you to get different specializations, so it’s important to confer the curricular content of the AI programs you want to join during your school search.
Career Preparation
Higher-paying jobs in artificial intelligence require higher levels of knowledge and practical skill. If you want to be eligible for technical careers upon graduation, you’ll want to look for schools that provide hands-on experience and prepare students for the job market.
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Artificial Intelligence?
Yes, it matters what kind of college you go to for artificial intelligence. While most AI programs cover the same basic courses, they offer different types of specializations. The amount of career preparation, in-person experience, real-world problem solving, and one-on-one faculty time varies by institution, so it is important to choose a program that meets your needs.
Artificial Intelligence University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Artificial Intelligence
We ranked the best artificial intelligence schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by U.S. News & World Report and the Department of Education’s College Scorecard.17,18 To further refine our artificial intelligence university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth of artificial intelligence degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Artificial Intelligence
https://careerkarma.com/blog/artificial-intelligence/
https://careerkarma.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-projects/
https://careerkarma.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-apprenticeships/
Best Artificial Intelligence Schools FAQ
Which are the best AI blogs for learning?
Some of the best AI blogs for learning include AWS Machine Learning Blog, The Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Blog (BAIR), IBM developer Artificial Intelligence, and Microsoft’s The AI Blog. These have an artificial intelligence focus and are great places to learn about AI research and deployment.
What is an artificial intelligence apprenticeship?
An artificial intelligence apprenticeship is a training program where people work directly in the field under the supervision of an expert to upgrade their skills. Apprentices can practice developing and programming complex algorithms as they develop their portfolios.
Do I have to enroll in a college or university to learn artificial intelligence?
Not at all! There are several alternatives to learning AI, including self-teaching, apprenticeships, and artificial intelligence bootcamps. These are short-term, certificate programs that can be completed in a number of months, with a lower cost than traditional education. These programs offer intensive courses in many AI fields.
Which are the best AI YouTube channels?
Some of the best AI YouTube channels include Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, The TWIML AI Podcast with Sam Charrington, and Henry AI Labs. These channels can help you learn about artificial intelligence for free.
Sources
1https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Skill=Artificial_Intelligence_(AI)/Salary
3https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_(MS)%2C_Artificial_Intelligence/Salary
5https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_and_Information_Scientist%2C_Research/Salary
6https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Lead_Data_Scientist/Salary
7https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Software_Developer/Salary
8https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Machine_Learning_Engineer/Salary
9https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_Systems_Analyst/Salary
10https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_Programmer/Salary
11https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Robotics_Engineer/Salary
12https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Research_Engineer/Salary
13https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Web_Developer/Salary
14https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Associate_Software_Engineer/Salary
15https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Computer_Specialist/Salary
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
