International study programs: Artificial Intelligence
The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has risen in mainstream popularity thanks to generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
The anticipated demand for advanced AI knowledge makes a postgraduate degree in artificial intelligence a worthwhile degree program option. Learn more about this specialty popular international study program in computer science below.
About artificial intelligence programs
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, AI could drive an increase in the world’s total economic gains by as much as 45% by 2030.
Although some U.S. universities offer artificial intelligence as a bachelor’s degree, you’ll typically find in-depth academic AI programs as a master’s degree. Master’s AI programs are typically provided by the school’s Department of Computer Science and typically require 12 to 24 months to complete, according to Coursera.
All artificial intelligence programs differ in their features and coursework. Some AI master’s programs offer multiple tracks for students to choose from, like machine learning, AI policy and management, vision and graphics and robotics.
The goal of an AI master’s program is to demonstrate your competence in complex artificial intelligence on a theoretical and applied level. Graduate-level courses might include statistical analysis, ethics in AI, deep learning and more. Most programs also require you to complete a thesis or capstone project as part of their master’s program requirements.
Demand for artificial intelligence degrees
Artificial intelligence degrees are a growing curriculum within U.S. higher education. Data USA reports that 712 graduate students were awarded a degree in artificial intelligence in 2022, the latest year for which data is available. While that figure might appear low, it may be due to the limited number of students accepted into AI master’s programs.
For example, some of the most prestigious AI master’s in artificial intelligence programs only accept about 40 students per year.
Many U.S. colleges and universities, however, are anticipating the high demand in this field of study by developing new AI degree programs, hiring faculty who are knowledgeable in computer science and AI and initiating on-campus construction of AI research centers.
AI master’s degree ROI
Although applying for an AI graduate program is competitive, its return on investment (ROI) can be worth it for international students. Graduating students with a master’s degree in a computer science field experience more than a US$900,000 increase in their net lifetime earnings, according to The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity.
5 jobs you can get with an AI degree
The application of AI and how its results are used in the workplace vary between industries. Below are just a few occupations that you can pursue with a graduate degree in artificial intelligence and their pay ranges, updated June 6-17, 2024, according to Glassdoor.
1. Natural language processing engineer
Annual base pay range: US$104,000-US$141,000
Annual average salary: US$121,385
If you’ve ever used the auto-correct feature on a smart device or had Gmail automatically sort your email messages into categories, chances are you’ve encountered natural language processing (NLP).
As an NLP engineer, you’ll train computers to understand human communication. You’ll develop NLP systems that aid in speech pattern recognition and program a computer to process and analyze speech patterns. You’re also responsible for analyzing NLP systems results and making optimizations or corrections as needed.
2. Deep learning engineer
Annual base pay range: US$94,000-US$152,000
Annual average salary: US$119,811
Deep learning teaches computers how to process and interpret data in a way that mirrors the human mind. As a deep learning engineer, you’ll develop deep learning models that identify complex data patterns in images, text and sound. An application of deep learning, for example, is when your smartphone transcribes a voicemail into text for you.
You’re responsible for ensuring the deep learning systems you’ve created can handle complex data and practical applications efficiently.
3. Machine learning researcher
Annual base pay range: US$105,000-US$175,000
Annual average salary: US$135,296
The other specializations discussed above, machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence. Using a massive amount of data, machine learning trains systems on how to execute tasks and solve complex problems the way a human might behave.
Machine learning researchers typically analyze large data sets, create machine learning models, perform signal processing and alpha research, and analyze results to improve results and predictions. For example, your research and work might be used to enhance the accuracy of facial recognition on social media, or identify underlying behavior patterns in an e-commerce user account for hyper-targeted product marketing.
4. Data scientist
Annual base pay range: US$90,000-US$140,000
Annual average salary: US$112,121
As a data scientist, you might use machine learning to gather large data sets and analyze them. The insights you gain with the help of AI can help you interpret business results and predict future outcomes toward a company’s objectives.
5. AI research scientist
Annual base pay range: US$71,000-US$129,000
Annual average salary: US$94,889
AI research scientists are responsible for developing advanced AI systems and models. They stay up to date with the latest algorithms and techniques in AI by designing and testing models for machine learning and deep learning systems.
They often work alongside computer programmers to ensure the algorithms they design are accurate and reliable. Some AI research scientists might also share their research in professional AI journals and publications.
Final thoughts: Getting an artificial intelligence degree
Creating a plan for how you’ll pay for graduate school is likely just as important as deciding whether an AI degree is for you. Although federal financial aid for study in the U.S. might be limited as an international student, you still have options to support your education.
Some private lenders recognize that students who pursue a STEM-based graduate program, like artificial intelligence, go on to acquire lucrative professional careers. For this reason, enrolling in an AI master’s program might help your chances of getting a private student loan.
If you need additional financial aid to help pay for your AI degree program, learn how an MPOWER Financing education loan can help.
