From working its way into the lives of Gen Zers to changing our careers, AI is a continuously developing technological advance. Despite its newness and the reservations people may have about AI, it continues to become a more mainstream part of our culture. AI’s rapid development has also left room for the introduction of artificial intelligence programs within universities to better prepare students for the industry.
As AI continues to become a more integral part of businesses, there’s a growing need for AI support roles, and in 2022, about 35% of businesses reported hiring software engineers for AI-related positions. But for those interested in those positions, the proper training and education is required. Here are 12 of the best colleges to study artificial intelligence.
- Stanford University
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Stanford is one of the top colleges offering an artificial intelligence program. Students can earn a bachelor’s of science in computer science on the artificial intelligence track and a master’s of science in computer science with different artificial intelligence specializations. The university is also home to an artificial intelligence research lab. As part of their online professional education programs, Stanford also offers a few different 10-week artificial intelligence programs. Though all online, the courses are taught by Stanford faculty and allow registered students to explore AI specialization in different areas.
- University of Georgia
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Known for its comprehensive tech programs, the University of Georgia offers two degrees that explore computer science and artificial intelligence. Degrees are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university’s Franklin College of Art and Sciences is home to the Institute for Artificial Intelligence, where students also have the opportunity to complete a PhD in artificial intelligence.
- Carnegie Mellon University
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Located in Philadelphia, Carnegie Mellon University is home to the first bachelor’s of science in artificial intelligence that was established in 2018. The completely AI-dedicated program offers students a wide range of courses in machine learning and computation, as well as ethics and social responsibility. The program offers a core group of courses and leaves room for multiple electives to be taken during the program of study. Interested students can see a full breakdown of the courses on the program’s website. Students enrolled in the program can also take part in artificial intelligence research through the university’s extensive research projects and groups.
- University of Southern California
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The University of Southern California offers graduate students an opportunity to study artificial intelligence through its master’s of science in computer science — artificial intelligence. With one of the oldest computer science programs in the United States, USC offers students a wide range of research labs for students to take advantage of. But to be considered eligible for enrollment, students must have first completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
- Purdue University
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As part of the university’s computer science program, Purdue offers a machine intelligence track where students can explore courses in artificial intelligence, data mining, machine learning, and robotics. The machine intelligence track includes four required courses and two electives. While the program is geared toward undergraduate students, interested graduate students can also get access to the research areas.
- California Institute of Technology
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The California Institute of Technology (CalTech) offers a machine learning and artificial intelligence study track within their bachelor’s of science in computer science program. Students can study multiple courses covering distributed systems, robotics, machine learning, and others. CalTech’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships are also available to students interested in research opportunities. At the end of the track, students will complete a capstone project that reflects their degree.
- University of Pennsylvania
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Instead of a specific track or specialization, students at the University of Pennsylvania have the opportunity to study a dual degree program. Through the Penn School of Engineering and Science department, students choose between a bachelor’s of applied science or a bachelor’s of science in engineering. There are multiple research areas and groups available on campus for students enrolled in the program and students also take a few general education courses to complement their program of study.
- University of Texas at Austin
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As a part of their bachelor’s degree in computer science, the University of Texas at Austin offers students a concentration in machine learning and artificial intelligence. The course is 12 credit hours and requires one foundation course and three elective courses. Within the program, students can participate in research areas such as an AI laboratory, Machine Learning Research Group, the UT Austin Villa Robot Soccer Team, and others.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a professional certificate program in machine learning and artificial intelligence. The program consists of at least 16 days of courses which primarily take place in June, July, and August on MIT’s campus. The courses are taught by MIT faculty, many of whom have worked closely with machine learning and the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. There is a non-refundable $325 fee and once enrolled, students can apply for the individual courses they wish to take the year of enrollment.
- Oregon State University
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At Oregon State University, students can customize their bachelor’s of science in computer science by choosing one of 10 track options — one of the options is artificial intelligence. This track offers students the opportunity to study courses like intelligent robotics and they have access to the university’s various research opportunities. The research group exposes students to multiple hardware and software disciplines and the faculty is known for their cross-department collaboration to bring students the best experience.
- Indiana University — Bloomington
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Indiana University — Bloomington offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees for students interested in studying artificial intelligence. The university’s bachelor’s of science in intelligent systems engineering is a standalone undergraduate degree in AI. While dedicated completely to artificial intelligence, the program allows students to choose a concentration to complement their studies. The bachelor’s of science program is completely hands-on and project-based with a senior capstone project at the end and students can work with faculty on different research projects from the beginning.
For graduate students, the master’s of science in human-computer interaction design and master’s of science in intelligent systems engineering offer students a more advanced program that merges technology and design. While the human-computer interaction design program is a set two-year program with specific required courses and electives, the intelligent systems engineering programs curriculum is fully customizable.
- University of Rochester
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The University of Rochester offers a master’s of science in computer science with specializations in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The program’s curriculum allows students to focus on one area or take courses across the field. An undergraduate degree in computer science isn’t necessary because the university also strongly considers students whose undergraduate work demonstrates strong technical skills. Graduate students also have access to many research opportunities and interested undergraduate students can also participate in the research groups while earning their bachelor’s of science in computer science.
