As AI becomes more and more present in our daily lives, it’s important to know the best colleges to study artificial intelligence. Five years ago, there was no such thing as a degree in artificial intelligence. Now, artificial intelligence programs are starting to pop up at universities around the country. Here’s everything you need to know about how to study artificial intelligence — not including having it write your college essays for you!
In this guide on the best colleges to study artificial intelligence, we’ll cover:
- What is artificial intelligence?
- The best AI majors and programs for artificial intelligence
- How to get a machine learning degree
- Why artificial intelligence is going to become one of the top 10 college majors
- Potential careers for someone with a degree in artificial intelligence
Before we dive into how to study artificial intelligence and the best programs for artificial intelligence, let’s take a few steps back: what is artificial intelligence?
What is Artificial Intelligence?
To study artificial intelligence, you first need to understand what it is. When you say AI, many think of ChatGPT, or those weird images where someone has eight fingers. But, it’s a lot more than that. If you decide to study artificial intelligence, of course you’ll learn much more. For now, though, let’s talk about a few examples of AI.
One of the fundamental elements of AI is machine learning. Machine learning enables machines to learn from data and improve their performance without explicit programming. Students who want to study artificial intelligence must learn about machine learning’s foundational theories and applications. Often, what we call “artificial intelligence” is really just an application of machine learning.
Large Language Models and Beyond
Some of these applications include generative programs like ChatGPT and image generators. The program learns trends and information from huge amounts of data and uses those to generate more. Natural language processing is another application of AI, and allows machines to understand, interpret, and respond to human languages. Everything from voice typing to generated voices uses natural language processing.
Robotics is another place AI can be used. Hardware can be programmed to refine and optimize their own movements in order to accomplish a goal. This can be anything from improving energy efficiency or mimicking the gait of a living animal.
AI can mean so many different things, and the potential for AI to change industries is enormous. In healthcare, predictive models can help doctors diagnose patients; in finance, automated trading facilitates the investment of huge sums of cash. The possibilities are endless, and AI is here to stay. All the more reason to study artificial intelligence!
How to Study Artificial Intelligence?
To study artificial intelligence, you’ll have to master a few different subjects.
Bad news for my humanities people: for your degree in artificial intelligence, you will undoubtedly need to take math class. Linear algebra is critical for understanding how data is presented and transformed in AI contexts, as are calculus and statistics. In your artificial intelligence program, they won’t skimp on the math.
You’ll also need to learn some computer science. Programs for artificial intelligence will emphasize proficiency in programming languages, particularly Python, but potentially other languages like R or Java. To study artificial intelligence, you’ll need some computer science theoretical basics like an understanding of algorithms and data structures.
Since AI is applicable in so many areas, the study of artificial intelligence is one that should be interdisciplinary. That is to say, you should learn something other than math and coding in your artificial intelligence program. For example, integrating psychology can improve user experience design, which is important for a job like a product manager. On the other hand, ethics is crucial for responsible AI development. Please, if you want to study artificial intelligence, don’t skip your ethics class. Our future probably depends on it.
Can I major in Artificial Intelligence in College?
As of very recently, you can in fact study artificial intelligence in college as your major. AI majors, minors, and AI certificate programs are becoming more and more common.
Even though many schools only offer AI courses, some are beginning to offer full AI majors or minors. For example, Carnegie Mellon offers a BS in Artificial Intelligence, and Georgia Tech offers a Minor in Applications of AI and Machine Learning. Stanford University has a BS in Computer Science with AI specialization — and you know the machine learning courses Stanford offers are top tier.
However, even if you don’t pursue an AI major, AI certificate programs, or course on AI, you can still study artificial intelligence in college. You might just have to get a bit more creative.
For instance, to study artificial intelligence at Harvard, which doesn’t have an AI major, your major should be similar to programs for artificial intelligence. Luckily, Harvard is one of the best colleges for computer science, so it won’t be too much of a sacrifice. Additionally, Harvard offers artificial intelligence courses, so there are still ways to study artificial intelligence there. Remember that even without a degree in artificial intelligence specifically, you may be able to enter the industry, since it’s still growing.
As we mentioned above, not pursuing an AI major could actually be a good thing. That way, you can still study artificial intelligence while learning a field where you’ll likely be using it, like economics, medicine, or design.
Where to Study Artificial Intelligence?
So where should you get your degree in artificial intelligence?
There are multiple factors to take into consideration when figuring out which artificial intelligence program to choose from. Do you want programs for artificial intelligence that focus on large language models? Or do you want to take a course on AI that teaches you to build robots that dream of electric sheep? There are also some colleges with explicit AI majors, and some that just have AI certificate programs. Always research your college before applying, and see whether their offerings align with your goals.
When choosing where to study artificial intelligence, consider all of the regular things you would when choosing a college: faculty expertise, research focuses, available courses, the reputation of their math and computer science departments. There are also extracurricular activities that can enrich your degree in artificial intelligence, like Bruin AI at UCLA or MSAIL at UMICH.
Even though you’re focused on getting your degree in artificial intelligence, remember to weigh factors that will affect your quality of life: how big do you want your school to be? Do you want to go somewhere rural, or somewhere in the city? Is Greek life going to be a part of your college experience? What’s the financial aid program like? Just because you’re getting a degree in artificial intelligence doesn’t mean you can’t use your natural intelligence to assess what school is best for you.
10 Best Artificial Intelligence Programs
Here’s a list of the top 10 undergraduate programs for students who want to study artificial intelligence in any form. This could mean a full degree in artificial intelligence, machine learning degree, supplementary artificial intelligence program, AI certificate programs, or course on AI.
10 Best AI Programs
- Carnegie Mellon University
Known for its rigorous AI major, Carnegie Mellon University is a great place to get your degree in artificial intelligence.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
One of the best colleges for computer science and STEM fields, MIT offers exceptional research opportunities in AI and machine learning. At MIT, you can study artificial intelligence from various angles — with a degree in artificial intelligence from MIT, the world is your oyster.
3. Stanford University
Located in the heart of the tech world, Stanford University is right near Silicon Valley. The machine learning courses Stanford has are top-notch, and Stanford emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications of AI in their artificial intelligence program.
4. University of California, Berkeley
At UC Berkeley, there’s a strong focus on interdisciplinary studies, and the school provides extensive resources for AI research and collaboration between majors.
5. Georgia Institute of Technology
Already a big name in engineering, Georgia Tech offers a major in artificial intelligence and machine learning within its College of Computing.
6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
At this university, your degree in artificial intelligence will be completed alongside award-winning research groups and professors.
7. Cornell University
Cornell emphasizes AI’s use in sustainable agriculture, urban design, and medicine. This way, they integrate the ethical, philosophical, and public policy skills with the technical application of AI in their course on AI.
8. California Institute of Technology
CalTech, another technical college renowned for STEM, as well as one of the best colleges for computer science, has esteemed faculty that work specifically in the AI department to enable their students to study artificial intelligence.
9. University of Washington
To study artificial intelligence at WashU, you’ll have to major in related fields like computer science or engineering.
These programs represent the best options for those looking to pursue a degree in artificial intelligence. They all provide solid foundations and unique opportunities to study artificial intelligence through artificial intelligence programs and AI certificate programs.
Learning Artificial Intelligence in College
Still wondering “is AI a good major?” Let’s see what you’ll actually be learning when you study artificial intelligence.
For your degree in artificial intelligence or artificial intelligence program, you’ll likely learn about these core concepts:
Core Concepts in AI Programs
Machine Learning: Machine learning classes generally study both theoretical concepts and practical applications, focusing on algorithms that improve through experience. This means that the algorithms learn – hence, machine learning. For most people, their first course on AI will delve into the concepts of machine learning.
Optimization: According to UTexas, optimization coursework includes exploring the background on linear programming, convex programming, and learning algorithms for large-scale convex optimization. Optimizing an AI model means challenging it in order to improve it.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP classes will explore how machines understand and respond to human language by analyzing syntax and semantic structures. This is super important for developing chatbots like ChatGPT and other virtual assistants.
Deep Learning: Now it’s getting deep. Deep learning focuses on neural networks, teaching students to analyze vast amounts of data and extract valuable insights.
Computer Vision: Often taught as a component of deep learning, computer vision teaches machines to interpret visual information. This is critical for AI applications like self-driving cars (yup, that’s AI too).
Robotics: Robotics focuses on the integration of AI software with robotic hardware, and combines programming, machine learning, and tactile building skills. These classes are all about how to create something that can sense and perceive its surroundings.
For anyone trying to study artificial intelligence, it’s vital to remember the importance of hands-on learning through practical projects or research groups. Therefore, when you’re choosing which college’s artificial intelligence program to attend, consider the research you’ve done on programs. Even if the school has a fascinating course on AI or interesting programs for artificial intelligence, their research opportunities might be lackluster. Plus, some locations are better positioned to give you lab access to related industries. For example, Boston is a biotech hub, and of course the Bay Area is startup central.
For students still wondering “is AI a good major?”, if these concepts sound interesting to study, you’ve got part of your answer.
Best Courses in Machine Learning
For your degree in artificial intelligence, you’ll need to take courses in machine learning (ML). Programs for artificial intelligence emphasize ML because it’s an essential part of AI: in order to have artificial intelligence, the program has to be able to learn from its mistakes.
AI at Harvard
Harvard University has one of the best courses on machine learning as part of its computer science major. Computer science is one of the top 10 college majors worldwide, and it’s incredibly popular at Harvard. Harvard’s course covers the conceptual mathematical underpinnings of ML with practical programming tasks to give students a strong foundation in machine learning. ML is essential to programs for artificial intelligence, and Harvard understands that.
Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon
Carnegie Mellon has an artificial intelligence program that offers four different foundational ML courses! Even though you can’t get a full machine learning degree, this is about as close as you could get. However, only a few of these courses are geared towards undergraduates. We’ll talk more about master’s in artificial intelligence and other graduate artificial intelligence programs below.
Summer Programs at Stanford
If you’re looking for great machine learning courses, Stanford is another option. They even have a summer program geared towards high school students who are looking for a challenging pre-college development opportunity.
Do you think you might be interested in programs for artificial intelligence but aren’t positive you want to major in AI? Try taking a free online course on AI or machine learning to see if you want to pursue a degree or certificate. Coursera offers machine learning courses, and MIT has an introduction to machine learning course that you can take online for free.
Graduate Programs in Artificial Intelligence
There are both benefits and drawbacks to pursuing graduate programs in AI, like a master’s in artificial intelligence. Of course, graduate programs for artificial intelligence provide advanced knowledge and skills, access to research opportunities, state-of-the-art resources and technology, and higher earning potential.
However, with the field’s quick development, many graduates may instead immediately enter the private sector and work at a startup or on cutting-edge research. Especially in STEM fields like computer science, engineering, and data science, a master’s degree may not be as useful as a Ph.D.
Here are some top tier graduate schools for AI:
Top AI Graduate Programs
University of Michigan
UMich offers an MS in artificial intelligence, which focuses on helping students tailor their AI learning to their professional needs.
Stanford University
Stanford offers the Masters of Science in Computer Science with AI specialization — not a full AI degree, but a specialized computer science master’s. At Stanford, you’ll learn logical reasoning, robotics, natural language processing, cognition, and how to apply AI in areas like biology and text processing.
UC Berkeley
Berkeley offers a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with Computer Vision and AI specialization, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science with AI specialization. This lets AI specialists choose their broader area of expertise. Berkeley also offers joint M.S./Ph.D. programs, where students can earn an MS and then their Ph.D.
(Pro tip: if a university offers a joint master’s and Ph.D. — which most do, as you usually earn your master’s in the first year of a Ph.D. program — apply for the Ph.D. Even if you drop out after the master’s, they’ll still have paid you to go to school instead of the other way around!)
Careers in Artificial Intelligence
If you decide to study artificial intelligence, you’ll have a whole world of careers open in front of you. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Popular Careers in AI
Data Scientist: Data scientists leverage AI techniques to analyze and interpret large datasets, driving strategic decisions in organizations across all sectors. Data scientists work in health, retail, finance, agriculture, and many other places.
Machine Learning Engineer: ML engineers design algorithms that allow machines to learn from data, focusing on maintaining and improving models. In other words, they design and optimize the algorithms and programs that AI runs on.
AI Ethicist: As AI becomes more prominent and raises ethical concerns, AI ethicists focus on developing guidelines to ensure responsible AI use. Their role is critical in preventing bias and ensuring fairness in AI applications. Because AI learns from our human output, AI internalizes our human biases. For example, if an AI generates a picture of a CEO, or even “someone who works in finance,” you’ll likely get a man. To fix that, we need AI ethicists.
Robotics Engineer: You make robots! How cool! You could work for the automotive industry, manufacturing, medicine, or defense.
Natural Language Processing Engineer: NLP engineers specialize in creating algorithms that enable machines to understand and interact using human language. They work on chatbots, voice recognition systems, and translation services.
AI Product Manager: As an AI product manager, you’ll oversee the development of AI-based products, bridging the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders. They ensure that AI solutions meet market needs, drive business growth, and appeal to users.
You’ve probably heard fears that AI will reduce or eliminate jobs. On the contrary, we don’t yet see AI impacting the number of jobs in creative, STEM, or business or legal areas. However, jobs like office support, customer service, and the food service industry might be in trouble.
But if you’re doing a job that leverages AI, you’re prepared for the ways in which the industry will shift in the coming years.
And here’s the best part: all of these careers in AI are incredibly lucrative — and the industry is growing. All of these jobs have an average salary of near or over $100,000 a year.
Best Colleges to Study Artificial Intelligence – Takeaways
Does your idea of a good time involve coding, engineering, math, data, or simply being on the forefront of technological innovation? If so, studying AI might be the right choice for you.
As AI continues to evolve, those with the right knowledge and skills will shape the future of technology across industries like healthcare, finance, and honestly, almost everything else. By pursuing a degree in artificial intelligence and staying engaged with current trends, you can position yourself for success.
As you decide whether to pursue AI in college, here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
5 Key Takeaways
AI isn’t just ChaptGPT
It refers to anything where a computer performs tasks that mimic human cognitive function. That includes writing, talking, translating, or simply sorting through huge amounts of data. AI includes disciplines like machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.
Strong STEM Background
You’ll need a strong STEM foundation in order to succeed in your pursuit of AI. Many students who go into fields that use AI major in one of the top 10 college majors: computer science! Other STEM fields like math and engineering can also set you up to work with AI in your career.
Explore the Humanities too
Not all schools have AI majors, but many have at least some AI certificate programs or other AI-related courses. If you do focus on AI, be sure to take classes in other disciplines like philosophy, ethics, health, or literature. You’ll always benefit from a broader understanding of the world you’re looking to change.
Consider a Path to Graduate School
Some of the top colleges for undergraduate study of AI are Carnegie Mellon, MIT, and Stanford. There are also great graduate degrees for artificial intelligence, and if you’re struggling to break into the field, a graduate degree might be a good place to start.
Consider a Variety of Career Paths
There are so many career paths to choose from with an AI-related degree. You can work in data science, as an engineer, as a product manager, or even an ethicist. All of these jobs, and the fields they work in, use AI to do tasks ranging from generating copy text, to assisting doctors with patient diagnoses, to creating self-driving cars.
Are you a high school student passionate about artificial intelligence but not sure how to convey that passion into a successful college application? Don’t worry, CollegeAdvisor is here to help. Check out our free resources, from webinars on majors like computer science, to articles about finding the best college for your STEM needs. If you need more help, we offer personalized guidance and essay-writing feedback for students who might feel more comfortable sequencing than storytelling. Whatever resource you’re looking for to support you in your college journey, you’ll find it at CollegeAdvisor.
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