Top degree programs for studying artificial intelligence
Explore the long list of undergraduate and graduate programs for students and professionals interested in studying the emerging field of artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in technology jobs. The World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs Report 2023" identified AI and machine learning (ML) specialists as the fastest growing career opportunity, projecting a 40% employment growth in the next five years. Deloitte's "State of Generative AI in the Enterprise" Q3 2024 survey found 34% of the business leaders reported hiring new talent with data-related skills needed to work with generative AI applications.
Although careers in developing AI software and models were on the increase before the COVID-19 pandemic, the disruptions it caused accelerated AI adoption. The healthcare industry implemented it to scale, improving telemedicine, advance treatment and vaccine research, and used it to predict and track virus spread.
Other businesses, such as banks and retail, have also delved into AI applications to improve services and analyze big data. Meanwhile, information-based businesses are using AI to enhance remote work and digitize processes. The generative AI explosion, beginning in 2022, intensified industries' adoption of AI as large language models such as ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms have become mainstream.
A range of new career possibilities exist for professionals skilled in AI, ML and related applications, such as expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), speech recognition, data analysis and machine vision. Educational institutions are developing more AI courses and programs to prepare the future workforce in these areas. Some offer bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in AI, while others focus on computer science disciplines with a specialty or research program in AI.
This article is part of
What is enterprise AI? A complete guide for businesses
Explore the undergraduate and graduate options below, listed alphabetically, for some prestigious programs available to kick off a career in AI.
1. Brown University
Brown University's computer science department offers courses in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Its faculty and graduate students conduct research in a variety of AI-related fields, including algorithms and theory; computer vision; data science; human-computer interaction; ML and robotics. Specialized areas include algorithmic fairness; deep learning; NLP; randomized algorithms and probabilistic analysis; reinforcement learning; and virtual reality.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. and B.A. in computer science.
- M.S. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
2. California Institute of Technology
Various departments in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at Caltech offer a variety of AI-related research areas, including machine learning, robotics and reinforcement learning. Through Caltech's Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies, students can concentrate in advanced drone research, autonomous explorers or robots in medicine.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in applied and computational mathematics.
- B.S. in computer science.
- B.S. in information and data sciences.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in applied and computational mathematics.
3. Carnegie Mellon University
The School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University offers a renowned artificial intelligence program. It was the first university to offer a bachelor's degree in the technology in 2018, and now offers a master's degree in AI-related fields. Carnegie Mellon's AI degree programs are cross-disciplinary, combining computer science, human-computer interaction, software research, language technologies, ML models and robotics.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in AI.
- B.S. in computer science.
- B.S. in robotics.
- Minor in AI.
- M.S. in AI and innovation.
- M.S. in AI engineering.
- M.S. in computer science.
- M.S. in machine learning.
- M.S. in robotics.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in machine learning.
- Ph.D. in robotics.
4. Columbia University
The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University offers both undergraduate and graduate-level courses in AI and related fields, including ML, robotics, data science and algorithms.
Available degree programs:
- B.A. and B.S. in computer science.
- B.S. in computer engineering.
- B.A. in computer science and mathematics.
- B.A. in information science.
- M.S. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
5. Cornell University
Cornell University is home to one of the first computer science departments in the United States. Established in 1965, the department offers 16 main areas of research, including computational biology, robotics, machine learning and human interaction. In addition to these specializations, the university offers AI-related research groups that include AI, ethics and policy; machine learning; NLP, computational linguistics and information retrieval; and robotics. Cornell Tech's AI research group does research into AI applications and approaches.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science.
- B.A. in computer science.
- Master of Engineering in computer science.
- M.S. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
6. Duke University
The Department of Computer Science at Duke University offers multiple AI research areas, including AI for social good, computational social choice, computer vision, ML, moral AI, NLP, reinforcement learning, robotics, and search and optimization. Duke AI Health is an initiative geared toward developing and implementing AI for healthcare. Duke's Pratt School of Engineering also has a master's program in AI.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science with concentration in AI and ML.
- B.A. in computer science.
- Minor in AI applications and implications.
- Master of Engineering in AI.
- M.S. in computer science with concentration in AI and ML.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering.
7. Georgia Institute of Technology
The College of Computing at Georgia Tech offers a variety of interdisciplinary degrees and research programs, including the Institute for People and Technology and the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines. The Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines is home to some of the most cutting-edge research areas, including control, AI and cognition, interaction and perception.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science.
- Minor in robotics.
- M.S. in computer science.
- M.S. in human-computer interaction.
- M.S. in robotics.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in human-centered computing.
- Ph.D. in ML.
- Ph.D. in robotics.
8. Harvard University
Harvard University's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers programs in computer science and AI. Research areas include artificial intelligence; computational and data science; human-computer interaction; and machine learning. In 2021, Harvard created the Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence. Harvard has dedicated resources to understanding the effect of AI as it develops.
Available degree programs:
- B.A. in computer science.
- Combined B.A./M.S. in computer science with artificial intelligence research.
- M.S. in computational science and engineering.
- M.S. in data science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT's Laboratory for Computer Science opened in 1963. In 2003, it merged with the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory to form the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. Today, it offers various AI-related research groups, including AI and ML; algorithms and theory; human-computer interaction; and robotics.
Available degree program:
- B.S. in AI and decision-making.
- B.S. in computer science and engineering.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science and engineering.
10. Princeton University
Princeton offers AI research opportunities through its Department of Computer Science, as well as hands-on development of and experimentation with AI systems through its Visual AI Lab. AI-related research areas for computer science students include human-computer interaction, machine learning, NLP and robotics.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in Engineering in computer science.
- B.A. in computer science.
- M.S. in Engineering in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
11. Purdue University
Since Fall 2022, Purdue University has offered bachelor's degrees in AI. In April 2023, it launched the nation's first Institute for Physical AI, which focuses on strategic areas of AI, including agricultural data, neuromorphic computing, deepfake detection, smart transportation data and AI-based manufacturing. The Department of Philosophy runs the Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence Lab to research real-world AI applications.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. and B.A. in AI.
- B.S. in computer science.
- B.S. in computer engineering.
- M.S. in AI.
- M.S. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
12. Stanford University
Stanford University offers both undergraduate and graduate-level computer science degree programs in its School of Engineering. The Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory has been researching the field of AI since 1962. The school's electives include AI for Social Good and AI: Principles and Techniques.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science with AI concentration.
- M.S. in computer science with specialization in AI.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
13. University of California, Berkeley
UC, Berkeley conducts research in various AI-related fields. The Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab specializes in computer vision, machine learning, NLP and robotics. Also, the Robotics and Intelligent Machines Lab has a Biomimetic Millisystems Lab; People and Robots Initiative; Laboratory for Automation Science and Engineering; and Robot Learning Group.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science.
- B.A. in computer science.
- M.S. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
14. University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA's Samueli School of Engineering includes computer science and electrical and computer engineering departments. Research areas include AI, graphics and vision and human computer interaction.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science.
- B.S. in computer science and engineering.
- B.S. in computer engineering.
- M.S. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science or electrical and computer engineering.
15. University of Georgia
The Institute for Artificial Intelligence at UGA was established in 1995, originally as the Artificial Intelligence Center. Its cognitive science degree program offers four concentrations: AI foundations, philosophical foundations, psychological foundations, and language and culture. Within the AI program, there is coursework focused on AI methodologies, data mining and robotics.
Available degree programs:
- B.A. in cognitive science.
- Minor in cognitive science.
- M.S. in AI.
- Ph.D. in AI.
16. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois offers computer science degrees through its Siebel School of Computing and Data Science. The university's Center for Artificial Intelligence Innovation provides opportunities for advanced AI research. The university system also runs the Artificial Intelligence Lab at its Chicago campus focused on real-world applications of AI methodologies. Examples of lab projects include data mining for manufacturing and design processes, as well as automating the evolution of linguistic competence in artificial agents.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science.
- B.S. in mathematics and computer science.
- B.S. in statistics and computer science.
- M.S. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
17. University of Maryland
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Maryland is affiliated with 16 research areas, which include AI and robotics; graphics, visualization, augmented reality and virtual reality; human-computer interaction; and computer vision and machine perception. In addition to its degree programs, its research centers include the Center for Automation Research, Computational Linguistics and Information Processing Lab, and Human-Computer Interaction Lab.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science.
- Combined B.S./M.S. in computer science.
- M.S. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
18. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is home to the prestigious Michigan Robotics. The institute has more than 30 full-time faculty. The university also runs the Michigan AI Laboratory, a research group giving graduate students hands-on experience in working with AI. In addition to its degree programs, the college offers several AI specialty labs on the topics of assistive technology, constraint-based reasoning, human-centered computing, and multiagent and economic systems.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. and B.S.E. in computer science.
- B.S.E. in computer science.
- B.S. and B.S.E. in data science.
- B.S.E. in robotics.
- M.S. in computer science and engineering.
- M.S. in data science.
- M.S. in robotics.
- Ph.D. in computer science and engineering.
- Ph.D. in robotics.
19. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota offers AI research opportunities for computer science and engineering students. Areas include AI, computer vision, human-robot interaction, and AI in areas such as medicine, agriculture and manufacturing.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. and B.A. in computer science.
- B.S. in data science.
- M.S. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
20. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania offers an undergraduate degree in AI through its School of Engineering and Applied Science, the home of its computer science program. AI labs include robotics, automation, sensing and perception, and AI in biomedical imaging.
Available degree programs:
- B.S.E. and B.A.S. in computer science.
- B.S.E. in computer engineering.
- B.S.E. in AI.
- M.S.E. in computer and information science.
- M.S.E. in AI.
- M.S.E. in robotics.
- Ph.D. in computer and information science.
21. University of Pittsburgh
The computer science department at the University of Pittsburgh includes an Intelligent Systems Program for graduate studies, with degree focuses such as machine learning, algorithms, intelligent systems, AI and biomedical informatics. Research groups include NLP and information retrieval, AI and law, and ML and decision-making. The Center for AI Innovation in Medical Imaging is an innovative center for AI breakthroughs in medical imaging.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science.
- M.S. in computer science.
- M.S. in intelligent systems.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in intelligent systems.
22. University of Southern California
The Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) at USC has a reputation as a leader in AI. The program is a university-affiliated research center sponsored by the U.S. Army. ICT conducts research and development in AI and other fields.
Available degree program:
- B.S. in computer science.
- M.S. in computer science with an AI concentration.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
23. University of Texas at Austin
As one of the largest educational institutions in the U.S. in terms of students, the University of Texas offers more than 170 fields of study. Computer science degrees can include a concentration in ML and AI. The school has several AI-related research groups, including the AI Laboratory; Machine Learning Research Group; Neural Networks Research Group; and Robot Perception and Learning Lab.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. and B.S.A. in computer science.
- M.S. in computer science.
- M.S. in AI.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
24. University of Washington
The University of Washington offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science and engineering, with varying focuses in data science, machine learning, robotics, NLP and AI.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. in computer science.
- B.S. in computer engineering.
- M.S. in computer science.
- M.S. in AI and ML.
- Ph.D. in computer science and engineering.
25. Yale University
Yale's computer science department was originally founded on the cutting-edge theories of computation, AI, numerical analysis and systems. Today, it focuses on foundational concepts, as well as interdisciplinary studies, offering joint majors with the electrical engineering, economics, mathematics and psychology departments. AI-related research areas include robotics, NLP, AI and ML.
Available degree programs:
- B.S. and B.A. in computer science.
- M.S. in computer science.
- Ph.D. in computer science.
Cameron Hashemi-Pour is a technology writer for WhatIs. Before joining TechTarget, he graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and received a master of fine arts degree in professional writing/communications. He then worked at Context Labs BV, a software company based in Cambridge, Mass., as a technical editor.
Katie Terrell Hanna produces optimized content and content marketing strategies in fields including analytics, cloud computing and digital transformation.
