Top institutions still offer computer science as a major, but more and more are beginning to offer a four-year “AI” degree expressly in response to the growing demand for AI jobs.
These courses focus on subjects like machine learning, computing algorithms, data analytics, and advanced robotics, going beyond the fundamentals of computer science. The start of the University of Pennsylvania’s B.S.E. in Artificial Intelligence program is scheduled for fall 2024. Fall 2018 saw the introduction of a Carnegie Mellon program, long before the term “gen AI” became popular, and fall 2022 saw the start of MIT’s program. In addition to many other colleges and universities that offer AI coursework inside their computer science departments, Purdue University offers an undergraduate major in AI.
AI-specific degree programs are becoming more popular as a result of a talent shortage in firms for this rapidly expanding industry. AI-specific talents account for half of the highest-paid tech skills, according to Indeed.com, an employment website. Nevertheless, considering how swiftly technology is evolving, there is considerable doubt regarding the usefulness of a four-year degree focused just on artificial intelligence. However, proponents assert that an emphasis on AI could be beneficial for resume building, provided that the curriculum is well-grounded in computer science and other essentials.
What prospective students, their parents, and anyone considering returning to school for a new job should know about a four-year AI degree is as follows:
STEM foundations are still vital
Kerem Koca, CEO of cloud service provider BlueCloud, advised students interested in pursuing a degree in artificial intelligence (AI) to seek out a program that teaches basic knowledge, including statistics, mathematics, computer science concepts, and engineering. These subjects provide the groundwork for a career in an AI-related field. He stated that although the underlying technology is changing, these fundamental principles do not, and they may nevertheless equip students for success in the face of such changes.
Maria Flynn, president and CEO of Jobs for the Future, an organization that promotes worker opportunity and education, stated in an email that it is crucial that AI degrees and other education training programs place equal emphasis on teaching students how to learn and how to develop an intellectual curiosity as well as transferable skills like leadership, communication, and critical thinking.
AI degree spike since 2011
At the undergraduate and graduate levels, there are many distinct programs with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, and for more than ten years, the number of offerings and degrees given has been rising.
AI degrees have defied the overall trend in education since 2011, with positive degree conferral growth versus negative growth across all degree fields, according to the Georgetown University Center for Security and Emerging Technology. At the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, degree awards specifically relevant to AI grew even more quickly than STEM degrees overall. The study’s analysis of government data and additional sources related to the higher education sector characterized the rise in AI degree conferrals as “dramatic,” with a 120% increase in both bachelor’s and master’s degrees since 2011.
Relevance of education in the rapidly evolving tech sector
Considering how quickly the job market is evolving and the increasing number of firms that have stated that they will hire workers without a degree as long as they possess the necessary, industry-specific abilities, some students may question if they really need a degree at all.
The strategy of hiring people without degrees appears to have failed, according to recent research. However, data from the Ladders career site indicates that a degree is still necessary for the highest paying jobs—which includes software engineers.
For most people just starting out in the workforce, a four-year degree is still a significant step forward, according to Celeste Grupman, CEO of Dataquest, a company that provides institutions with labs and instructional materials on artificial intelligence. It is among the top considerations for potential employers. While not having one could disqualify you, having one won’t.
AI vs. computer science
Students should analyze the program’s curriculum carefully, as well as how it differs from a typical computer science curriculum, the program’s expected career trajectory, and the program’s expected economic outcomes. It’s evident from product marketing that anyone can add “AI” to an already-existing product. Flynn advised students to enquire as to what specific facets of AI they will be studying.
Students should also think hard about what they desire. Do they want a technical program that offers lectures and foundational content on AI technology, or are they searching for something that exposes them to AI and allows them to experience utilizing it? According to Flynn, individuals should also think about if their ultimate goal is to have more general education that will serve as a basis for career growth down the line, or if they want to have specific knowledge and abilities that will enable them to enter the workforce immediately.
You don’t want a degree in hammers if you’re an architect. Understanding zoning, hammers, and how to construct a home that supports a family are all things you wish to be knowledgeable about. The same is true with AI, according to Nichol Bradford, executive-in-residence at SHRM, an association for human resources professionals, who also specializes in human intelligence.
How to gain an edge with employers
According to David Leighton, CEO of WITI, an organization for professionals interested in technology, certain employers would view an AI-specific degree more favorably than a general computer science degree. They stand out, in his opinion.
However, nobody is really certain at this point in time what the future worth of a degree like this will be. According to Koca, having an online degree in 2000—assuming it was ever a thing—would have looked amazing. It wouldn’t be as relevant now. However, in 2002, you could have found employment wherever if you had it. An AI degree might be comparable in this regard.
In light of the ambiguity, some experts advised students to make sure the fundamentals of computer science are covered whether they choose to pursue a regular computer science degree or one focused on artificial intelligence. On the other hand, those who choose the former path might think about enrolling in courses on artificial intelligence and data science, as these subjects may be crucial for future careers. As stated in an email by Bryan Ackermann, head of AI strategy and transformation at the management consulting firm Korn Ferry, students may need to bridge the practical application gap themselves after graduation.
