Over the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has transitioned from a futuristic concept to a cornerstone of daily life. AI has seamlessly integrated into diverse sectors like healthcare, finance and even the arts, revolutionizing how we work and live. The ubiquity of AI in our modern world highlights the ever-growing importance of specialized education in this field.
Having the right degree is crucial for a successful career in the AI sector. Pursuing a specialized education in AI provides a comprehensive understanding of the field and unlocks opportunities for a rewarding career in an industry that shapes the future of human advancement.
The Artificial Intelligence Landscape
Over the last decade, artificial intelligence has seen an unprecedented surge in growth and application. What began as simple conveniences offered by personal assistants like Siri and Alexa has rapidly expanded into more sophisticated, AI-driven solutions across various fields. Today, AI plays a pivotal role in revolutionizing industries such as medicine and finance, showcasing its capability to drive innovation and efficiency.
Industries Touched by AI
The impact of AI extends across the entire spectrum of industries, demonstrating its ubiquitous nature. According to McKinsey, generative AI is poised to significantly transform all industry sectors. Particularly, banking, high-tech and life sciences stand to gain the most. In banking alone, estimated potential annual value additions are between $200 billion to $340 billion if AI use cases are fully realized.
Similarly, the retail and consumer packaged goods sectors could see an impact ranging from $400 billion to $660 billion annually. Forbes further highlights that 16 industries, including logistics, healthcare and customer service, will greatly benefit from AI advancements, reinforcing the technology’s widespread applicability and potential for future growth.
Importance of Education in AI
In light of AI’s rapid expansion and deep integration into various sectors, the need for proper education and training in this field has never been more critical. The right academic and practical foundation is essential for anyone looking to forge a successful career in AI. This educational grounding not only provides the theoretical knowledge necessary to understand AI’s complexities but also equips individuals with the practical skills needed to apply AI solutions effectively.
In considering the range of job opportunities and the depth of knowledge required to excel in them, it’s clear that investing in AI education is the first step to securing a place in this exciting field. This foundation sets the stage for aspiring professionals to contribute meaningfully to AI’s ongoing evolution and application across industries.
Common Job Titles in AI
Artificial intelligence career opportunities are as diverse as the field itself. With AI’s integration into various sectors, the range of job titles and roles available to AI professionals is vast and continually evolving. Here are some of the most common AI job titles and what they entail.
| Career Path | Description | Median Annual Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| Big Data Analyst | Find meaningful patterns in data by looking at the past to help make predictions about the future. | $123,210 |
| User Experience (UX) Designer/Developer | Work with product engineers to help them understand how customers can best use their products. Understand how people use technology products and how computer scientists can apply that understanding to produce more advanced software. | $80,892 |
| Natural Language Processing Engineer | Explore the connection between human language and computational systems; this includes working on projects like chatbots and virtual assistants. | $118,000 |
| Researcher | Work with computer science and AI research. Discover ways to advance AI technology | $81,084 |
| Research Scientist | Be an expert in applied math, machine learning, deep learning and computational stats. You’ll be expected to have an advanced degree in computer science or an advanced degree in a related field supported by experience. | $142,000 |
| Software Engineer | Develop programs in which AI tools function. The role may also be referred to as a Programmer or Artificial Intelligence Developer. | $93,427 |
| AI Engineer | Build AI models from scratch and help product managers and stakeholders understand results. | $201,000 |
| Data Mining and Analysis | Find anomalies, patterns, etc. within large data sets to predict outcomes. | $133,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Use data to design, build and manage ML software applications. | $155,888 |
| Data Scientist | Collect, analyze and interpret data sets. | $156,000 |
| Business Intelligence (BI) Developer | Analyze complex data sets to identify business and market trends | $97,810 |
| Big Data Engineer/Architect | Develop systems that allow businesses to communicate and collect data | $198,000 |
| Robotics Engineer | Design, build and test robots or robotic systems. | $100,640 |
| Computer Vision Engineer | Develop and work on projects and systems involving visual data. | $127,436 |
*The salary figures mentioned in this blog post reflect the latest available data at the time of writing. However, these figures can fluctuate due to changes in the job market, economic conditions and industry demand. Please consider checking recent sources for the most up-to-date information.
Master’s vs Bachelor’s: Which Degree Is Best for AI?
Academic achievement significantly influences career opportunities in artificial intelligence. While bachelor’s degrees lay a foundational understanding of AI, master’s degrees open doors to specialized careers and leadership positions.
Advancing with a Master’s Degree
A Master of Science (MS) or doctoral degree in AI helps professionals secure advanced roles more quickly. These degrees explore AI in greater detail, offering specialized development of high-demand skills. Graduates are often poised for roles that require a deep understanding of AI, leading projects and innovations.
Salary and Career Prospects
There’s compelling evidence that professionals with advanced degrees in IT and AI command higher salaries. A recent study shows that individuals with an MS in IT-related fields can earn significantly more—up to 40% in some cases—than those with just a Bachelor of Science (BS). This premium reflects the advanced expertise and leadership capacity of master’s degree holders.
Educational Trends in AI
Data reveals a gap in the AI field: 63% of AI specialists have a BS, but only 17% possess an MS. This gap signifies a unique opportunity for master’s graduates to stand out and secure pivotal roles in the industry.
For aspiring AI professionals, pursuing a master’s degree, such as the one offered by the University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program (USD MS-AAI), can be a career game-changer. This program equips students with the theoretical insights and practical skills necessary for high-impact roles in AI, preparing them for the challenges and innovations of tomorrow.
6 Degree Options for AI Careers
According to Zippia, the backgrounds of AI specialists vary, with:
- 19% majoring in computer engineering
- 16% majoring in computer science
- 9% majoring in electrical engineering
- 6% majoring in mechanical engineering
- 50% majoring in other fields including mathematics and statistics
The choice of major may depend on the specific area of AI students wish to enter. For example, those interested in robotics might prefer a degree in mechanical engineering over computer science for an undergraduate program.
Artificial Intelligence Degrees
AI degrees specifically tailor education to the nuances of the field, covering areas such as neural networks, deep learning and natural language processing. USD’s MS-AAI program stands out with its innovative, hands-on curriculum designed to meet the needs of industries and employers.
Taught by expert practitioners, the program equips graduates with the technical strategies and skills necessary to apply AI in real-world scenarios, culminating in a Capstone project that demonstrates their AI competencies.
Data Science Degrees
A data science degree provides an understanding of how to collect and manage valuable insights from vast datasets, a critical skill in AI for making data-driven decisions. While not commonly offered at the undergraduate level, a solid grounding in data science is invaluable for AI professionals.
Computer Science Degrees
A degree in computer science offers the root knowledge of programming, algorithms and computational problem-solving. This versatility prepares graduates for a wide range of AI subfields, from machine learning to AI software development, making it a popular choice for aspiring AI professionals.
Robotics Engineering Degrees
For those drawn to the integration of AI and machinery, a degree in robotics engineering can be particularly appealing. These programs blend electrical, mechanical and computer engineering courses, teaching students to design and build robotics machinery as well as program it. Applications of AI-enhanced robots span healthcare, defense and space exploration, among others.
Mathematics Degrees
Mathematics degrees focus on the essential role of mathematical models in AI systems. A Bachelor of Science in mathematics with advanced courses in calculus, data structures, and complex variables, equips students to develop efficient AI algorithms. This deep understanding of mathematical principles is crucial for advancing AI technology.
Statistics Degrees
Degrees in statistics focus on the art and science of drawing accurate conclusions from data. Students learn to gather, analyze, and interpret data, which is crucial for refining AI models to ensure precise and consistent predictions. This analytical rigor enhances the reliability and effectiveness of AI solutions, preparing graduates for careers in various fields such as government, banking, and finance.
Choosing Your Path in AI
An MS in AI provides a strategic advantage by deepening your expertise beyond undergraduate studies in fields such as computer science or engineering. It equips you with specialized knowledge and skills essential for advanced AI roles, setting you apart in the competitive AI industry.
For guidance on pursuing a master’s in AI and how it aligns with your career goals, download our eBook, 8 Questions to Ask Before Selecting an Applied Artificial Intelligence Master’s Program. This resource will help you navigate your educational and professional journey in AI.