Artificial intelligence has generated significant buzz and intrigue in recent years with its increasing popularity in the world of technology and science. A.I. has many applications, including intelligent home appliances and computers that can talk and play games with people as well as search the internet autonomously.
The demand for A.I. engineers continues to grow, and the starting salary in the U.S.A. is $156,648 a year. That’s significantly higher than the average graduate salary. A.I. engineer salaries can be as high as $266,500 for top positions.
We have covered affordable degrees in related fields such as data science, and computer science.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
In the field of computer science, artificial intelligence (A.I.) seeks to create intelligent machines with human-like behavior. This means that scientists in the field of artificial intelligence are always looking to develop computer programs that possess human abilities, such as reasoning and learning.
A.I. is a large and increasingly diverse field that includes many sub-disciplines, such as machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, robotics and more.
Difference Between Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are two technological fields that have many similarities. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they, in fact, refer to two different technologies.
| Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning |
| It is a field of computer science dedicated to creating intelligent machines. | Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that deals with computer algorithms able to learn from experience. |
| AI aims to make smart computer systems, like humans, solve complex problems. | The goal of machine learning is to enable computers to learn from data to give accurate output. |
| In AI, we make intelligent systems to perform tasks as a human would. | In ML, we teach machines with data to perform various tasks and give accurate results. |
| AI has a wide scope | ML has a minimal scope. |
| AI develops a system that can perform complex tasks. | ML creates machines that perform only specific tasks they have been trained for. |
Online Artificial Intelligence Degrees.
Online artificial intelligence degree programs, which explore the field of computer science from a variety of different angles and help students develop skills that are in demand by today’s employers, can be valuable investments for those interested in exploring this exciting new field.
Online A.I. programs listed in this article are available as follows:
| Degree | Credits (may vary) | Duration | Admission Requirements (Vary by the college) |
| Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) | 60 | 2 years | Highschool Transcripts |
| Bachelor of Arts (BA); Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BAS); Bachelor of Science (BS) | 120 | 3-4 years | High school GPA of 3.25 or higher OR ACT composite score of 21 or higher |
| Master of Science (MS); Master of Professional Studies (MPS) | 30-70 | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in a related field, some experience with programming and data analytics. |
Online Artificial Intelligence Associate’s Degrees
#1. Wallace State Community College
Program: Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence AAS
Tuition: $125 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 80% of students receiving aid.
The Computer Science Program prepares students for careers in the computer industry or small business environment. The program offers distinct pathways, including Technology, Data Analytics A.A.S., Systems Engineering Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Cloud Computing.
#2. Wayne Community College
Program: Artificial Intelligence Engineer, AAS
Tuition: $1,216.00 per semester (in-state); $4,288.00 per semester (out of state)
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 73% of students receiving aid.
The AI curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers.
The coursework covers a variety of subject areas related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning theory and hands-on training in multiple domains. Graduates qualify for entry-level positions such as AI engineer, AI project manager, and others.
Online Artificial Intelligence Bachelor’s Degrees
#1. Bellevue College
Program: BAS in Software Development, Artificial Intelligence Concentration
Tuition: $232.26 per credit hour (resident); $653.27 per credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Financial Aid: Available, with 41% of students receiving aid.
The BAS in Software Development, with an AI Concentration, is a broad-based software engineering degree at the undergraduate level that focuses on artificial intelligence and its related fields.
Use statistical algorithms, natural language processing and usability testing to build skills you can apply to various AI applications.
#2. Indiana University
Program: Artificial Intelligence, BA
Tuition: $299.05 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 80% of students receiving aid.
The Online BA in Artificial Intelligence will prepare you to enter the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. The program will help you develop the skills that employers seek in machine learning, bot development, robotic process automation and cognitive computing. Problem-solving is at its core. Understand how to use artificial intelligence, bot platforms and frameworks to automate tasks from start to finish.
#3. South College
Program: BS in Computer Science with a Concentration in Artificial Intelligence
Tuition: $310 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.
South College’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program with a Concentration in Artificial intelligence gives students the opportunity to explore how human behaviour can be used to build useful technological frameworks.
This program trains students to plan, create, and implement artificial intelligence that has real-world applications—helping countless people live better lives.
#4. Colorado State University
Program: Specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Tuition: $350 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #2 Colleges with the Best Professors in Colorado
Financial Aid: Available, with 81% of students receiving aid.
If you have an interest in computer science and want to get noticed by employers, this undergraduate specialization might be the ticket.
With just five additional lower-division courses, you can earn a specialization along with your bachelor’s degree through CSU Global. When you graduate from the program, you’ll have all of the skills and confidence necessary to pursue a career in IT or computer science field—no matter what industry it’s found within.
#5. Kansas State University
Program: Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems Bachelor’s Degree
Tuition: $351.20 per credit hour
Accreditation And Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #2 Best Colleges in Kansas
Financial Aid: Available, with 88% of students receiving aid.
The bachelor’s degree in machine learning and autonomous systems is designed to give students a deeper understanding of the scientific, technological and social aspects of machine learning and autonomous systems.
By learning how to program modern programming languages, you will be able to develop and implement machine learning algorithms into autonomous systems frameworks.
#6. Dakota State University
Program: Artificial Intelligence, BS
Tuition: $464.90 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #4 Colleges with the Best Academics in South Dakota.
Financial Aid: Available, with 94% of students receiving aid.
With this BS in AI, students understand the different types of artificial intelligence and its applications. They can investigate how it becomes possible to do these things.
Students learn the basics of computer science and math, as well as elements of ethics and societal impact. Students also focus on how to apply artificial intelligence ethically in their projects through operations like logistics or decision-making.
#7. Maryville University
Program: BS in Computer Science
Tuition: $500 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #6 Best Online Colleges in America
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving aid.
This online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Maryville will prepare you for a career involving the technical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills needed to be successful at the forefront of computer science.
The online computer science degree will also include a certificate in one of six exciting and future-focused fields: artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cybersecurity, data science—or software development.
#8. University of Arizona
Program: BAS Applied Computing- Applied Artificial Intelligence Emphasis
Tuition: $500 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 95% of students receiving aid.
The Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) emphasis focuses on developing and applying AI algorithms to solve practical problems.
In this emphasis, you will learn how to use machine learning, statistical analysis and data analytics tools to solve real-world problems. This emphasis will prepare you for Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering and Information Security career.
#9. Full Sail University
Program: BS Computer Science — Artificial Intelligence Concentration
Tuition: $783 Per Credit Hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Financial Aid: Available, with 80% of students receiving aid.
The Computer Science bachelor’s degree program with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence at Full Sail University will teach you the skills needed to design, develop and implement your own AI solutions.
You will learn advanced concepts in machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing. Project-based learning is integrated throughout this degree program, giving you the opportunity to build professional skills and strengthen your resume with hands-on experiences.
#10. Davenport University
Program: BS in Computer Science with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Tuition: $885 per credit hour (resident) $598 per credit hour (non-resident)
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving aid.
A computer science degree from Davenport University can give students access to a wide range of job opportunities.
Students can customize their degree by choosing one of three cutting-edge specialties: artificial intelligence (AI), gaming and simulations—or computer theory and algorithms. The small size of the classes means students can form relationships with faculty with extensive experience working in the industry.
#11. University Of Advancing Technology
Program: Artificial Intelligence BS
Tuition: $6,950 per 9 credit semester
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #3 Best Colleges for Computer Science in Arizona
Financial Aid: Available, with 89% of students receiving aid.
UAT’s Artificial Intelligence degree is a path to becoming an expert in computer science and how AI (Artificial Intelligence) works. Advanced coursework covers applying principles of natural language processing, machine learning and behaviour simulation driven by big data sets.
Students learn to apply computer science approaches and AI concepts as they develop solutions to real-world projects within production studio settings.
#12. Saint Leo University
Program: Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, B.S.
Tuition: $12,495 per semester
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.
A Bachelor of Science in Robotics & Artificial Intelligence offers graduates a wide variety of career options. The curriculum will provide students with broad skills and a deep understanding of fundamental theory and practical applications required to develop, implement, and evaluate robotics technology.
10 Affordable Online Artificial Intelligence Master’s Degrees
#1. South College
Program: Computer Science (MS) with a Concentration in Artificial Intelligence
Tuition: $310 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 94% of students receiving aid.
The MS in Computer Science program with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence is specifically designed to prepare students who are already familiar with computers and software, but need to learn how machines can be made more intelligent.
This program aims to train students in machine learning and data science so that they will be able to work with adaptive algorithms, heuristic optimization techniques, and distributed intelligence approaches such as neural networks and pattern recognition systems—and discover new knowledge from the large amount of information collected by computer applications.
#2. University of Houston-Victoria
Program: MS Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence
Tuition: $417 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 95% of students receiving aid.
The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence is designed to prepare you for the exciting and growing field of artificial intelligence.
Through the use of TensorFlow, students learn to build neural networks and become fluent in Statistical Machine Translation as well as Deep Semantic Similarity Models (DSSM). They also develop an understanding of intelligent agents who can plan their own actions without human intervention or control and develop strategies for solving real-world problems.
#3. Colorado State University
Program: MS Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Tuition: $500 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 81% of students receiving aid.
The MS degree in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), is one of the first programs of its type in the nation and provides students with rigorous training in deep learning and application AI. The course covers topics such as machine learning, computer vision, statistics, natural language processing and robotics.
#4. Maryville University
Program: MS in Artificial Intelligence
Tuition: $765 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving aid.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from Maryville University is a 100% online program that prepares you to thrive as the future of AI unfolds.
The program provides students with the concepts and techniques needed to develop state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, as well as leadership skills that can help build a more technologically advanced world.
#5. University of San Diego
Program: MS Applied artificial intelligence
Tuition: $925 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regionally accredited by WASC
Financial Aid: Available, with 82% of students receiving aid.
The University of San Diego’s innovative online master’s degree in artificial intelligence trains students for the important, fascinating work ahead.
This program emphasizes the design and development of AI-enabled systems that are responsive to real-world constraints, ethical concerns, protection of user privacy, and responsibility for system outcomes—and benefit society as a whole.
#6. The Pennsylvania State University
Program: Master Of Professional Studies in Artificial Intelligence
Tuition: $1,046 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Financial Aid: Available, with 65% of students receiving aid.
The Master of Professional Studies in Artificial Intelligence degree program is a 33-credit online graduate curriculum that can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to identify, acquire, process and prepare relevant data sets.
This online program trains students in the technical skills needed to develop and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies across a variety of applications.
#7. SMU Lyle School of Engineering
Program: MS Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence Specialization
Tuition: $1,350 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Financial Aid: Available, with 78% of students receiving aid.
The Online Master of Science in Computer Science with a Specialization in Artificial Intelligence is a rigorous program, designed for professionals who work as computer scientists or software engineers and want to learn how to implement effective artificial intelligence (AI) solutions
Students learn to develop strategies that mitigate the challenges of artificial intelligence, while always looking for ways in which they can advance their careers.
#8. Drexel University
Program: MS in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Tuition: $1,396 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education and ranks #8 Colleges with the Best Professors in Pennsylvania.
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.
An interdisciplinary MS in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning program at Drexel University is focused on three topics: theory of computation and algorithms, data science and analytics, and AI/ML applications.
You will work on real projects using advanced tools and state-of-the-art systems. This means that the knowledge you gain in this program can be immediately applied to your workplace.
#9. University of Southern California
Program: MS Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence)
Tuition: $2,309 per unit
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by WASC and ranks #1 Colleges with the Best Student Life in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 70% of students receiving aid.
The MS degree in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), is one of the first programs of its type in the nation and provides students with rigorous training in deep learning and application AI. The course covers topics such as machine learning, computer vision, statistics, natural language processing and robotics.
#10. Johns Hopkins University
Program: MS Artificial intelligence
Tuition: $4,920 per 3-credit course
Accreditation and Ranking: Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and ranks #1 Colleges with the Best Academics in Maryland
Financial Aid: Available, with 65% of students receiving aid.
The online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program balances theory with practical application, giving you the skills to apply AI concepts in real-world situations. The program curriculum is designed by experts from Microsoft and its partners, reflecting the latest trends in technology.
10 Free Online Artificial Intelligence Courses
In recent years, free online courses covering everything from the basics to advanced implementation have become plentiful. Some of them assume a certain level of technical ability and are aimed at people who want to dive straight into coding their own artificial neural networks.
Some online courses are geared toward beginners, and others teach techniques that more experienced computer users can use. Here is a list of 10 free online AI courses available on the internet.
| Course | Description | Duration |
| CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python | This course introduces you to the use of machine learning in Python. | 7 weeks |
| Machine Learning by Columbia University | Use real-world examples to learn about Machine Learning models and methods | 12 weeks long |
| Intro to Artificial Intelligence by Udacity | Get an overview of modern AI and its representative applications. | 4 Months |
| Machine Learning: Regression and Classification | You will learn how to apply machine learning principles in this hands-on course. | 33 hours |
| Machine Learning Foundations: A Case Study Approach by the University of Washington | Learn about machine learning through practical case studies. | 18 hours |
| Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics by UC Davis | The course illustrates how big data and artificial intelligence are driving the computational science revolution. | 12 hours |
| AI Product Management Specialization by Duke University | Understand the Design & Development of Machine Learning Products. | 4 months |
| AI For Business Specialization by Penn University | The course provides learners with the basic concepts and strategies associated with Big Data, AI, and ML. | 4 months |
| AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization by IBM | Through hands-on experiences, learners will be able to build and deploy an AI-enabled chatbot on a website without coding. | 3 months |
| AI Fundamentals by Udacity | This course introduces students to Microsoft’s cloud-based AI solutions. | 1 Month |
What Education Do You Need For Artificial Intelligence?
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science or information technology, is the minimum educational requirement for someone who wants to become an artificial intelligence engineer.
A master’s degree in artificial intelligence may be pursued by those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Having credentials in data science, deep learning, and machine learning can help you get ahead in your job—and give you the expertise needed to succeed.
Skills Needed To Become An AI Engineer
AI engineers can come from very different disciplines. What they have in common is their ability to learn and apply knowledge of the AI field while creating new knowledge that has not existed before.
An AI engineer should have strong technical and programming skills, as well as expertise in statistics/mathematics. Therefore most AI engineers come from one of the following backgrounds:
Because AI engineering requires both a strong mathematical and statistical background, as well as a solid knowledge of programming knowledge, most people who are trained in this field come from one of the following backgrounds:
- Computer science
- Data science
- Software engineering
- Mathematics
- Statistics
Is Artificial Intelligence In Demand?
According to ZipRecruiter, the outlook for artificial intelligence jobs is excellent. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 21 percent jump in computer-related occupations between 2021 and 2031—with many job openings on computers expected as people transition from physical labour into more tech-focused positions.
Not all of these occupations are strictly within the AI machine learning job market, but many fall under its umbrella. This statistic shows that there is a growing need for people who can apply AI techniques to real-world problems.
Demand for qualified AI professionals already exceeds the number of available data scientists, and this gap is expected to continue growing.
What Jobs Can You Get With An Artificial Intelligence Degree
There are many careers available for those who want to work in AI—so many that it can be hard to figure out where to start. Here are some of the top-rated jobs in AI:
AI jobs offer excellent opportunities, but acquiring the necessary skills can be complex. Many online resources and services are available to help those who lack formal engineering or computer science education get started.
Artificial Intelligence Salary
The average salary for an AI engineer in the US is around $165K. This figure is significantly higher than that of a data scientist, who earns about $130K on average.
The AI engineer’s salary is higher than a software engineer’s, which is around $100K at an intermediate level. Just like any other job role, the salaries vary based on the location and company—but not by much; this field has recently exploded with high demand for qualified personnel across many industries.
Artificial Intelligence Certifications
Standard AI certificates test your skills in various programming languages, such as Java and Python. A certificate program tests your mastery of linear algebra and basic statistical knowledge. Depending on the subspecialty, a certificate program may test you in various neural network architectures and signal processing techniques.
| Certification | Cost | Duration |
| Artificial Intelligence: Course from Kellogg School | $2,600 | 2 months |
| Springboard Machine Learning Career Track | $13000 | 6 months |
| Designing and Building AI Products and Services | $2,950 | 8 weeks |
| eCornell Machine Learning Program: Certificate from Cornell University | $3,600 | 3.5 months |
| Machine Learning: Fundamentals and Algorithms: Certificate of Completion from Carnegie Mellon University | $2,500 | 10 weeks |
Is A Career In Artificial Intelligence Worth It?
Artificial intelligence IS a good career. It’s an exciting field with many opportunities for advancement and growth. In fact, many people choose to pursue careers in AI because of the endless possibilities it offers—there are always new problems to solve and new technologies to explore.
AI is working in numerous fields, from health care to retail, helping people find and diagnose medical conditions. Transportation uses self-driving vehicles and trains, businesses use data mining to evaluate performance figures, and manufacturing companies use robots for assembly.
Through innovations like robotics and data analytics—technologies that mimic human intelligence—we will be able to explore new realms of possibility for many years to come.
