Emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) Majors As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionise various sectors, its influence on higher education is becoming significantly greater. If you're interested in artificial intelligence (AI) and want to enter or expand your skills and knowledge in the evolving world of AI, this article is for you.
Universities around the globe are recognising the demand for AI expertise and we gathered notable lists of institutions that designed universally accredible degree programs specifically touching on artificial intelligence as these majors fall under the tree of the computer science department.Besides the emerging AI majors, colleges are responding by integrating AI-focused courses into their programs. This shift is creating new opportunities for students to learn and discover AI to integrate it into their own fields and other various aspects of life.
AI Degree Programs Several universities now offer majors specifically dedicated to AI. These programs cover a range of topics, including machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, computer vision, data science and a couple more aspects that makeup AI.
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (UAE) The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is an Institution dedicated to advancing AI education and the world’s first AI university, that admirably believes that AI touches everything. It offers specialised Master's and Ph.D.s in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, and Natural Language Processing, designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills with applications to real world scenarios. Supports undergraduate education through research internships, allowing students from various institutions to engage alongside leading experts in pioneering AI research and tech companies such as GE Healthcare, IBM and even with some institutions on this list. All these combos prepare students for ethical AI challenges and the futuristic development of the next generation of AI innovators.
Carnegie Mellon University (USA) Carnegie Mellon University is known for its School of Computer Science and its pioneering role in AI since the 1950s plus having the nation's first bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence. CMU leads in Master’s and Ph.D., programs in AI and has a strong focus on research and innovation where students work closely with faculty on groundbreaking AI projects such as its contribution to creating the first autonomous vehicle and developing the Mars Rover's AI capabilities. This universal integration not only prepares students for future AI careers but also speaks volumes to CMU's reputation globally in AI.
Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) Nanyang Technological University offers a Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence. It's one of the most highly regarded tech universities globally. The university attracts talented faculty and students from around the world, fostering a diverse and dynamic learning environment. NTU's research initiatives in AI have led to advancements in healthcare technologies, smart cities, and more. It's an opportunity to work hands-on experience and opportunities to work on innovative AI projects.
University of Toronto (Canada) University of Toronto offers MSc and PhD programs in studies such as machine learning and deep learning and top tier practices of AI applications in various fields. U of T peaks the universities in Canada collaborating with the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence a non-profit organisation that's made for developing AI as students gain practical experience through internships and collaborative projects implementing AI solutions in areas such as healthcare, finance, and robotics.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) MIT's specialised Bachelor of Science in AI and Decision Making blends AI with economics and operations research to come up with the ultimate outcomes. The curriculum uses courses in algorithm design and probabilistic modelling that tackle complex problems using AI. AI is also used in fields like biology, economics, and urban planning not to mention their first AI laboratory in the world that created foundational AI concepts such as neural networks and expert systems, while AI is being embedded in campus life through smart buildings, AI-driven research projects, and collaborations with industry leaders like Google.
AI Interdisciplinary Integration AI's integration into higher education is multifaceted where universities are linking AI into existing programs, offering specialised courses, for example, Masters of Engineering – Artificial Intelligence Specialisation. These efforts aim to prepare students for the growing number of careers that require AI proficiency.
Another example, AI in healthcare programs combines computer science to boost medical training, while AI in business programs blend AI with management and finance to help forecast. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students can apply AI knowledge across various industries. Here are some examples and ways that AI is being incorporated into higher education:
ETH Zurich (Switzerland) Federal Institute of Technology Zurich offers specialised AI courses that are part of its comprehensive computer science curriculum. They integrate a wide range of courses that blend deep theory with practical skills in robotics, data science, and biomedical engineering. Albert Einstein and other notable figures graduated there and students enjoy the strong culture of innovation from their AI research which led to breakthroughs, like advanced machine learning algorithms and innovations in autonomous systems.
National University of Singapore (Singapore) National University of Singapore provides an AI specialisation in its computer and engineering Master’s programs where students explore AI through special classes in computational linguistics and real life applications. These programs train computing professionals in advanced principles, and algorithms, to work on projects such as Singapore's Smart Nation plan a plan that uses AI to boost public services and make cities more sustainable.
University of Tokyo (Japan) The AI program at the University of Tokyo focuses on integrating AI with robotics and autonomous systems. This program encourages students to engage in teamwork research with industry partners and government agencies.
AI Minor Programs For students who do not want to commit to a full AI major, many institutions offer minors in AI. These programs provide foundational knowledge and skills in AI, allowing students from diverse fields to incorporate AI expertise into their primary area of study.
Australian National University (Australia) ANU Offers a minor in AI that complements various primary degrees. The program covers core AI principles and applications, providing students with a versatile skill set.
University of California, Berkeley (USA) UCAL Offers an AI minor through its College of Engineering where students study core courses in machine learning and AI, along with electives that allow students to explore specialised topics such as computer vision and AI ethics.
Stanford University (USA) An honorable mention would be Stanford’s Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence, which includes courses on machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. This program is designed for working professionals and students who wish to deepen their understanding it’s also highly flexible, allowing students to take courses online, and it typically requires the completion of 12-15 units.
Professional certificate programs are shorter and focus on quick skill-building, making them easy to showcase on LinkedIn. However, given their online nature and layout, they are less practical experience compared to the hands-on learning and research found in university degrees.
Shaping the Future of Education The demand for AI expertise is only expected to grow.
According to an article by the World Economic Forum (Resource 1), AI and machine learning specialists are among the top emerging job roles, while an IMF report (Resource 1B) stated that Artificial intelligence will impact 40% of jobs around the globe, rising to 60% in developed economies, with almost half of them experiencing negative effects. Yet that report goes on to say how AI will create more jobs.
Additionally, a study by Gartner (Resource 3) predicts that AI will create 2.3 million jobs by 2025, while eliminating only 1.8 million, leading to a net gain of half a million jobs, and just like the saying goes, developments that eliminate jobs will end up creating more.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of computer and information research scientists, which includes AI specialists, “will grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations” (Resource 2). It's also worth mentioning that such population statistics can even grow further over time.
AI's impact on education extends beyond specialised programs. The AI powered tools and platforms are transforming how education is delivered, from personalised learning experiences to intelligent tutoring systems. This integration of AI into the educational infrastructure itself is creating a more dynamic and adaptive learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions What is the Job Outlook for AI? The job outlook for AI specialists is very promising, with AI related positions are expected to grow greater. Average salaries for AI roles are competitive, and range from $90,000 to $140,000, depending on the specific role and level of experience.
For example, AI research scientists typically earn between $112,000 and $145,000, while machine learning engineers earn between $110,000 and $136,000. Even in jobs not labelled as "AI positions" knowing about AI can help. People working in areas like finance, healthcare, marketing, and operations can use AI to boost their work performance, which will lead to their jobs being valued more and earning better salaries.
What are key topics covered in AI-focused majors? Majors that focus on AI cover a broad range of subjects to give students a full understanding and set of skills. The main topics include machine learning neural networks natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics.
Students also learn about AI ethics, data science, and the math behind AI such as linear algebra, calculus, and probability. Hands-on projects and real-world applications play a big part in the course work giving students the chance to use what they've learned in theory to solve actual problems.
How will AI Affect jobs? AI will transform jobs by automating routine tasks, potentially displacing some roles while creating new opportunities requiring advanced skills. It will enhance productivity, allowing workers to focus on complex and creative tasks.
For example, in manufacturing, AI can manage assembly tasks, and in services, AI chatbots can handle basic inquiries. New fields like AI ethics and AI-driven healthcare will emerge. The overall impact depends on how quickly workers can adapt and up-skill, leveraging AI to enhance human capabilities and create more fulfilling roles.
