by our College Data Analytics TeamArtificial Intelligence was the 599th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 518 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 128 over the prior year, a growth of 24.7%.
This year's Best Artificial Intelligence Schools ranking compares 22 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of AI programs later in this article.
One of the most important skills you will need for a career in artificial intelligence is using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions and considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one are all required skills for careers related to this major.
artificial intelligence degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional AI certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are various different levels of AI degrees. You can get anything from a in artificial intelligence to the highest AI degree, a . How long it takes to complete some common AI degree levels is shown below.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to AI, with approximately 64.3% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to AI tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 70.0% |
| Master’s Degree | 17.0% |
| Doctoral Degree | 5.5% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 2.8% |
| Some College Courses | 1.7% |
Most workers in AI have at least a bachelor's degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in artificial intelligence careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the AI career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your AI degree? Artificial Intelligence careers are expected to grow 24.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to artificial intelligence.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Software Applications Developers | 1,086,600 | 30.7% |
| Systems Software Developers | 472,100 | 11.1% |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 33,200 | 19.0% |
As you might expect, salaries for AI graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for artificial intelligence graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers AI grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $123,850 |
| Systems Software Developers | $114,000 |
| Software Applications Developers | $108,080 |
With over 71 different AI degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased AI school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Artificial Intelligence that might interest you.
Artificial Intelligence is one of 5 different types of Computer Information Systems programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Computer & Information Sciences | 51,681 |
| Information Technology | 31,531 |
| Informatics | 2,726 |
| Other Computer & Information Sciences | 1,887 |
| Human-Centered Technology Design | 91 |
