Artificial Intelligence Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

An Artificial Intelligence major studies how to build computer systems that learn, reason and understand language and images. Artificial intelligence majors, a newer offering at many colleges, build on computer science and mathematics.

An Artificial Intelligence major includes coursework in programming, linear algebra and probability, machine learning, neural networks and deep learning, and natural language processing and more. You build skills such as machine learning, programming, data preparation, and mathematical modeling. Typical degrees: bachelor's and master's degrees.

Typical courses include programming, linear algebra and probability, machine learning, neural networks and deep learning, natural language processing, and AI ethics. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Artificial Intelligence is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, and a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s. Part-time study takes longer.

Bachelor's and master's degrees. In the latest federal data, 29 colleges reported certificate awards, 6 colleges reported associate awards, 18 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, and 46 colleges reported master’s awards.

Career paths connected to artificial intelligence include data scientist, software developer, computer systems analyst, software qa tester, statistician, and IT manager. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include data scientist (typical training: 4–6 years), software developer (typical training: 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio), computer systems analyst (typical training: 4 years), software qa tester (typical training: 6 months–4 years), statistician (typical training: 2 years after a bachelor’s), and it manager (typical training: Bachelor’s plus 5+ years of IT experience).

Artificial Intelligence majors build skills such as machine learning, programming, data preparation, mathematical modeling, and responsible AI practices.

Good pairings include Mathematics (AI depends heavily on linear algebra, calculus and statistics), Philosophy and Ethics (prepares you to weigh fairness, privacy and safety questions in AI), Psychology (connects AI to how people think, learn and use technology), and Business (helps you apply AI to real business problems).

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as data scientist, software developer, and computer systems analyst, and enjoy subjects like programming and linear algebra and probability. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes programming, linear algebra and probability, and machine learning; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

84 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

New York (6), California (5), Florida (5), Pennsylvania (5), and Arizona (4), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

80 of the colleges that offer artificial intelligence also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Artificial Intelligence studies how to build computer systems that learn, reason and understand language and images. Computer Science studies how computers and software work and how to design programs that solve problems. Artificial Intelligence leads to careers such as data scientist and software developer, while Computer Science leads to careers such as software developer and web developer.

Artificial Intelligence studies how to build computer systems that learn, reason and understand language and images. Information Technology focuses on setting up, running and supporting the computer systems organizations depend on. Artificial Intelligence leads to careers such as data scientist and software developer, while Information Technology leads to careers such as IT support specialist and network administrator.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to artificial intelligence, such as Data Scientist Training.