From recommending movies and series on OTT platforms to writing emails and articles, artificial intelligence (AI) has come a long way and now governs almost every aspect of modern life. Contrary to popular belief, AI has generated unique employment opportunities across industries, and completing AI courses can help kickstart a career. There’s no dearth of online courses that provide in-depth knowledge on leveraging AI, but one should consider certain aspects when shortlisting one.

Tips for choosing an AI course

Identify specific AI skills to learn
Artificial intelligence is an immensely vast domain, with every application serving a distinct purpose. While it is a good idea to understand the basics of AI overall, mastering specific AI tools and skills can help one specialize. For example, those in the field of content and marketing can choose to specialize in AI content creation tools or email marketing applications powered by AI. Knowledge of these skills can help them increase their workplace productivity and enhance their job prospects.

Gauge current AI skill level
The type and level of AI courses for beginners differ from those for experts. So, it is important to gauge one’s level of AI proficiency in general and specifically in relation to the given AI application or one’s field. This helps one understand the type and level of AI course to opt for.

Check the course content and curriculum
The type and level of AI courses for beginners differ from those for experts. So, it is important to gauge one’s level of AI proficiency in general and specifically in the given AI application or field. This helps one understand the type and level of the course to opt for.

Verify the instructor’s proficiency and experience
Another essential aspect to consider is the instructor’s educational background and experience in AI and related areas, including machine learning, data analytics, deep learning, and technology in general. The instructor should also be able to impart knowledge and skills effectively to their students, ensuring engaging and enriching sessions for them.

Check the course duration and cost
Not everyone enrolling in an AI course might be able to work on it full-time—some might have to accommodate it amid their work or study schedules. One should choose a part-time or full-time course based on their bandwidth. They should look into the course duration and the number of hours to dedicate to the course per week. Also, one should compare the cost of different full-time or part-time AI courses vis-à-vis their duration, curricula, instructor expertise, etc. The best course will be one that perfectly integrates all these factors.

Gauge the method of examination
While some AI courses may have theoretical or multiple-choice questions for their exams, others may incorporate only practical examinations or a combination of both. It is a good idea to understand the examination method conducted in the course so that one is well prepared and can study for the examination well in advance.

Benefits of enrolling in an AI course

• Ensures better career prospects
  Artificial intelligence is today’s buzzword, and for good reason. It is projected to advance even further in the upcoming years and decades, so those with a background in AI have highly lucrative career prospects, regardless of the field and application they may choose.
• Enhances problem-solving skills
  Studying AI promotes critical thinking and can enhance one’s problem-solving skills considerably. Honing these skills can help one increase productivity and work quality in various job opportunities in the long run.
• Helps focus on meaningful work tasks
  By automating repetitive tasks, one can focus on other meaningful work tasks that add value to their organization and help one ascend in their career.
• Ensures long-term cost savings
  AI helps business leaders save considerable operational costs in the long run. Deploying AI increases efficiency, reduces errors, and streamlines processes. So, by completing an AI course, one can ensure long-term cost-effectiveness for their organization.

Top institutes that offer AI courses
When selecting an AI course, one should research well on the type of course, proficiency of instructors, and other factors.

• University of California
• Carnegie Mellon University
• University of California–Berkeley
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• Harvard University

The costs of each of the courses offered by these institutes may differ based on various factors. That being said, the average cost of MS in AI ranges from $13,274 to $63,938. One should set a clear budget range at the outset based on the loans available, one’s total savings and income, and the type of AI course.