Artificial Intelligence
Building systems that learn, reason, and make decisions from data.
Artificial intelligence is a newer, increasingly common standalone major (distinct from a general computer science degree) focused specifically on how machines learn from data and make decisions: machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision. It builds on the same programming and math foundation as computer science but goes deeper, faster into statistics, linear algebra, and ML-specific coursework.
Because the field moves quickly, programs lean heavily on hands-on projects, training and evaluating models, working with real datasets, and increasingly grappling with the ethics and limitations of AI systems, rather than purely theoretical study.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓Intro to Programming
- ✓Data Structures & Algorithms
- ✓Linear Algebra & Multivariable Calculus
- ✓Probability & Statistics
- ✓Machine Learning
- ✓Neural Networks & Deep Learning
- ✓Natural Language Processing or Computer Vision
- ✓AI Ethics & Society
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓Intro to Programming
- +General education requirement
- ✓Data Structures & Algorithms
- +General education requirement
- ✓Linear Algebra & Multivariable Calculus
- +General education requirement
- ✓Probability & Statistics
- +Free elective
- ✓Machine Learning
- +Free elective
- ✓Neural Networks & Deep Learning
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Natural Language Processing or Computer Vision
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓AI Ethics & Society
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Strong in math (especially linear algebra and statistics) and programming together
- ★Curious about how machines can learn from data rather than being explicitly programmed
- ★Comfortable with a fast-moving field where techniques change quickly
- ★Interested in the ethical and societal questions AI raises, not just the technical side
Common minors & double-major pairings
Mathematics · Cognitive Science · Philosophy
Roles this major could lead to
Factual, day-to-day descriptions from our Career Role Encyclopedia, not a guarantee this major leads to any specific job.
Data Scientist
Builds statistical models and machine learning systems to find patterns or make predictions.
AI / Machine Learning Engineer
Builds and deploys machine learning systems into real, working products.
Robotics Engineer
Designs and programs machines that sense and act autonomously.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Artificial Intelligence major?
Building systems that learn, reason, and make decisions from data.
What courses do Artificial Intelligence majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like Intro to Programming, Data Structures & Algorithms, Linear Algebra & Multivariable Calculus, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Artificial Intelligence program?
Artificial Intelligence coursework typically builds skills like Building and training machine learning models, Applying linear algebra, calculus, and statistics to real problems, Programming in Python and ML frameworks, Evaluating model performance and limitations.
Is Artificial Intelligence a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Strong in math (especially linear algebra and statistics) and programming together" or "Curious about how machines can learn from data rather than being explicitly programmed" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What can you do with a Artificial Intelligence degree?
Majors in this field often go on to roles like Data Scientist, AI / Machine Learning Engineer, Robotics Engineer. See our Career Role Encyclopedia for more, a major shapes what you study, not a guarantee of any specific job.
What other majors pair well with Artificial Intelligence?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Mathematics, Cognitive Science, Philosophy.
How is Artificial Intelligence different from Computer Science?
They're related but distinct. Artificial Intelligence: Building systems that learn, reason, and make decisions from data. Computer Science: How computers solve problems, from algorithms to systems. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Artificial Intelligence degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
From our guides
Printed from majoratlas.com/majors/artificial-intelligence