More and more, Artificial Intelligence is becoming an inescapable part of daily life. From self-driving cars to voice-controlled digital assistants to translation software, Artificial Intelligence has made life easier and more streamlined. It should come as no surprise to learn, then, that the AI industry grew 270% in the four years prior to 2019. This rapid expansion has led to a concurrent growth in employment in AI areas such as data analytics, deep learning, robotics, and cybersecurity.
If launching a career in this exciting field interests you, then you may be considering pursuing a degree in Artificial Intelligence. Read on to learn what to look for when choosing an AI master’s program.
1. Expert Faculty Members
Some of the most important relationships you’ll form during graduate school will be with your professors and faculty members. These teachers will guide your education and can frequently act as professional references following graduation. As such, it’s important that whichever school you enroll in employs faculty members who are true experts in their field. University of Bridgeport’s faculty members are recognized as leaders in innovation and research. In fact, UB launched the first master’s in Artificial Intelligence program in Connecticut.
2. Specialization Options
Any master’s in AI program worth exploring will offer students the opportunity to pick at least one specialty. University of Bridgeport, for example, offers students the choice of specializing in one or more of the following areas: Robotics and Automation, Deep Learning and Computer Vision, Data Sciences and Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity.
3. Quality Curriculum
Curriculum is everything. It’s the bread and butter of graduate school. It trains you for the important work you’ll do during school and, even more crucially, after graduation. Therefore, when selecting a graduate program, you should consider reviewing the curriculum requirements for their degree in AI. At UB, AI graduate students are required to complete 34 credit hours prior to graduation. Coursework can depend on which areas they’d like to specialize in. Here’s a breakdown of classes based on the offered areas of specialization at University of Bridgeport.
Robotics and Automation Courses
- Introduction to Robotics
- Advanced Robotics
- Computer Vision
- Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles
Data Sciences and Data Analytics Courses
- Data Mining
- Big Data Analytics
- Hadoop and NoSql
- Blockchain and Crypto Currency Technologies
Deep Learning and Computer Vision Courses
- Computer Vision
- Deep Learning
- Autonomous Vehicles
- Advanced AI and Deep Learning
Cybersecurity Courses
- Network Security
- Software and Application Security
- Cryptography
- Cloud Computing
4. Well-Equipped Facilities
Whether you’re interested in pursuing Data Sciences or Robotics, it’s important that your future school has the equipment and facilities required to adequately prepare you for the rigors of your future career. For example, University of Bridgeport offers students interested in Robotics access to The Interdisciplinary Robotics, Intelligent Sensing, and Control Laboratory, a state of the art 3D manufacturing facility for robotic manipulators, autonomous robots, sensory interpreters, and unmanned aerial vehicles and drones.
5. Affordability
Graduate school can be, famously, expensive. That’s why it’s important to find a program that fits your lifestyle and your budget. Though there’s a very good return on investment for master’s degrees in AI, you shouldn’t have to break the bank to earn your degree. University of Bridgeport strongly believes in making higher education accessible. That’s why there is never an application fee for graduate students, and the financial aid office offers the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships as well as resident assistantships. Furthermore, the cost of tuition itself takes affordability into account. Lastly, UB works with students to make sure that paying their bill is as stress free as possible by offering payment plans as well as guidance on accessing federal and private education loans.
Is a Master’s Degree in AI Worth it?
Artificial Intelligence is an ever growing field, rife with possibility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer and information research sector is expected to grow by 22% between now and 2030, exponentially faster than the national average. However, though there are a number of job opportunities available to skilled computer engineers and information research scientists, those who hold a master’s in AI have a distinct advantage in the job market. Many companies expect job applicants to hold, at least, a master’s degree. In fact, 88% of data scientists have a master’s degree. This trend holds true across other careers in the computer science and artificial intelligence realm. For this reason alone, earning a master’s in AI is well worth the investment.
Artificial intelligence is a growing field in need of qualified and talented people. The first step to beginning your own journey in this evolving profession is earning a master’s degree in AI. Choosing the right graduate program can mean defining the trajectory of your life and career after graduation. It’s important that your future school has the resources to support you, the faculty to train you, and the curriculum to prepare you.
Are you ready to earn your master’s in Artificial Intelligence? Earn your degree in AI at University of Bridgeport! Learn more about the program, here.