When looking back on the last couple of years, the most polarizing topic that comes to my mind time and time again is artificial intelligence and its uses. It can feel daunting to see how quickly AI has advanced, and how much more advanced it’s projected to get. And although some may feel strange about AI as a whole (and, in many cases, rightfully so) many people are excited about AI for its ability to lead to new career paths. In fields like programming and technology, AI has quickly opened up a world of new expansions and possibilities. But for Gen Zers interested in seizing these opportunities, it can be daunting to know where to start.
To help provide some guidance, in recent years, colleges and universities across the world have been creating, revising, and implementing courses and programs with AI in mind. And who can blame them? The field of AI is young, vibrant, and — let’s face it — prosperous. According to a 2024 survey conducted by Her Campus, 58% of Gen Z respondents said they believe Gen Z will have a positive impact on their professional lives. (That said, more than 75% of the respondents also admitted they have at least some fear about AI’s influence in the workplace.)
If you’ve been thinking about looking into a career in AI and want an education that will help expand your understanding of how to work with it in a responsible way, below are 11 colleges with AI programs that could help you achieve that goal.
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is well known for having numerous leading specialty science, technology, and medical programs. Currently, the university offers a bachelor of science in Computer Science with an artificial intelligence option.
Carnegie Mellon University
When thinking of colleges with robust AI programs, Carnegie Mellon should be one of the first that come to mind. The university is essentially the birthplace of AI, and has been studying the field for more than 50 years. (Yes, AI is really that old!) A B.S. with a focus in artificial intelligence is the most prominent AI program at the school, but other majors — such as AI engineering and machine learning — are also available.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Home to Tech AI, an AI hub developed by the university, Georgia Tech has more than 1,000 faculty and students engaging in AI. In the College of Computing, there are numerous labs, as well as graduate and PhD programs that focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
When I think of colleges with strong technology and engineering programs, MIT is one of the first that come to mind. The school has begun to offer a professional certificate in machine learning and artificial intelligence, which is meant to be completed on campus during the summer months.
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a college that heavily focuses on STEM fields, and that now includes AI. A master of science program that focuses on AI is available on the Dearborn campus, as well as other education opportunities that can be found on the college’s website.
Stanford University
Stanford is currently offering an online artificial intelligence professional program to help with the understanding and creating of models and algorithms, as well as the study of machine and deep learning.
Ohio State University
Ohio State has created its own AI center, AI(X) Hub, and the school is heavily leaning into AI research, development, and hands-on applications. Starting with the class of 2029, Ohio State is also now offering AI fluency, an initiative designed to help students implement AI within their fields of study.
Oxford University
Currently, Oxford’s Saïd Business School is offering an online Artificial Intelligence Programme. This six-week study is designed to learn about the uses, workings, and possibilities that AI has to offer in a business and managerial setting.
National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore studies and uses AI in a wide variety of applications. The school offers a bachelor of computing in artificial intelligence, as well as a dual degree, dual major, and a minor that focuses on AI implementations, coding, and study.
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is a prominent math, computer, and technology university, so it’s no surprise that it’s ahead of the curve in implementing the study of AI into its curriculum. Currently, the university offers a bachelor of computer science with an artificial intelligence specialization. The school also offers a professional master’s degree in data science and artificial intelligence.
ETH Zurich
Located in Switzerland, ETH Zurich is among the top international colleges when it comes to AI usage and research. Home to the ETH AI Center, the school is consistently working on AI applications and exploration. Currently, ETH Zurich offers numerous programs that focus on AI, including a master’s degree in robotics, systems, and control.