Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a niche research field focused on the technology of the future. These days, it’s a must-have tool with applications in fields as diverse as manufacturing, healthcare, gaming, engineering, and economics.
The importance of Artificial Intelligence has increased rapidly, as a growing number of companies utilize these technologies to improve products and services, evaluate business models, and enhance decision-making processes. In fact, the World Economic Forum estimates employers will create 97 million new jobs in AI by 2025.
The demand for AI specialists and engineers is growing quickly– making now an optimal time to earn a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence. Let’s discuss what an AI degree is and four of the benefits to earning this degree at the master’s level.
What is an Artificial Intelligence Degree?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) degrees train the specialists who create intelligent machines and systems, which perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence, such as playing games or understanding natural language.
Typically, postsecondary AI degree programs place a significant focus on practical applications of AI. The coursework focuses on a range of introductory and advanced AI-specific topics. Graduates of AI programs will be prepared for in-demand commercial or research positions in industry and academia.
4 Benefits to Pursuing a Master’s in AI
1. AI Adoption is Growing
In the past, AI adoption was stuck in a “hurry up and wait” holding pattern, as the technology matured and became useful on a larger scale. Organizations needed to digitize their data into massive datasets that form the foundation of AI. Then, we needed computers with enough processing power to work with massive datasets to become standard in order for organizations outside of computer science to be able to use the applications of intelligent systems.
Thankfully, this criteria has now been met and all kinds of industries are realizing AI’s outsized potential. Gartner surveyed organizations in 89 countries in 2019 and found a staggering 270% jump in artificial intelligence implementation in the last four years.
Furthermore, the rate of AI adoption is speeding up exponentially due to the necessity of digital transformation during the pandemic. In 2020, many businesses started investing in AI development and integration. In fact, according to data from the financial education hub StockApps, AI startups raised a total of $73.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020 – a $15 billion increase from the start of the year.
Due to its versatility, AI makes business processes more efficient through:
- Rapid data analysis
- Driving the design and creation of new products
- Powering smarter virtual assistants
- Responding effectively to customer service inquiries
- Identifying and preventing fraud
AI is quickly creating better customer experiences and improving decision-making processes by quickly analyzing data to forecast customer needs.
2. Demand for Artificial Intelligence Skills is Still High
Much like the increase in adoption of AI by organizations, the demand for artificial intelligence skills is extremely high. Many companies prioritize applicants with Master’s in AI.
The majority of organizations want to hire talent with machine learning and deep learning skills, but there is a short supply of AI applicants, especially ones with specific, specialized, and up-to-date skills covered in an artificial intelligence degree.
By investing time in a master’s degree in AI, you obtain an important foundation of skills and knowledge which are crucial in helping you adapt to the rapid changes that are occurring in the field and our world.
3. A Master’s in AI Degree Can Lead to Jobs In Most Fields
A degree in Artificial Intelligence gives you an edge over the competition and it can apply to a lot of fields and careers such as:
- Data analyst
- UX analyst
- Researcher
- Research scientist
- Software engineer
- AI engineer
- Computational linguistics specialist
- Machine learning engineer
- Robotics engineer
Of course, this is only a miniscule sample of careers available to you as an AI professional. You could also find yourself using AI in healthcare to make faster diagnoses, a bank to improve the customer experience, or in a cyber security firm to quickly detect threats.
Our society has barely scratched the surface in knowing what AI can do. By enrolling in an AI program right now you prepare yourself to work in a variety of fields with innovative technologies that will revolutionize our daily lives.
4. AI Researchers and Engineers Will Change the World for the Better
The Partnership on AI, a nonprofit research conglomerate, asserts that “artificial intelligence technologies hold great promise for raising the quality of people’s lives and can be leveraged to help humanity address important global challenges.”
The possibilities are, indeed, endless. You can become a hiring manager and use AI to sort through applicant pools which leads to a reduction in discrimination in recruiting. You could pursue a career in waste management and use AI-powered reverse logistics infrastructure to streamline recycling. Or, since easily one of the most exciting AI applications exists in medicine, you could help develop the intelligent technologies powering drug research, COVID pandemic response initiatives, and cancer diagnoses.
Launching a Career in Artificial Intelligence
Recognized as a leader in innovation and research, the University of Bridgeport is true to its mission as a career-oriented institution that prepares students for the jobs of tomorrow.
We have the first and only Master’s in Artificial Intelligence in the state of Connecticut where instruction is exclusively face-to-face. Of course, this includes many web-assisted courses as well.
Our AI degree program has concentrations in:
- Robotics and Automation
- Deep Learning and Computer Vision
- Data Sciences and Data Analytics
- Cyber Security
Students may select one or more areas of specialization and will need to take at least three courses in each area as a part of this 34 credit hour artificial intelligence degree.
A Master’s in Artificial Intelligence can set you up for success in a variety of career fields and industries, easily earn a six-figure salary, and improve our world both locally and globally.
There is no better time to enroll in an Artificial Intelligence degree program than now. We would love to help you make our world a better place using the skills taught in our program at UB. Learn more about our admission requirements here.