Artificial intelligence (AI) technology constitutes some of the most noteworthy and groundbreaking innovations of the modern era. AI technology is designed to mimic human thinking and automate processes; it is capable of assessing situations, making decisions, implementing creativity, and acting autonomously. It’s truly the technology of the future, but it comes with a host of responsibilities and ethical concerns as well.
By pursuing a master’s degree in artificial intelligence, you can develop an advanced understanding of the capabilities of this technology and learn the AI skills needed to navigate this realm. With an emphasis on ethical decision-making and responsible implementation, this degree program helps equip you with the advanced skills to pursue AI roles in various sectors.
Core Technical Skills Developed in AI and Machine Learning Courses
Within an AI graduate degree program, you can become proficient in the core technical skills that anchor the AI engineering field. According to IBM, artificial intelligence first emerged in the 1950s after World War II, and since then, technology researchers and developers have been building more advanced AI structures. Today, generative AI is dominating the AI and machine learning (ML) landscape, with this advanced technology having the capability to create original content that mimics human-generated content.
As you complete the required courses for an AI degree program, you will develop these core technical skills:
Programming and AI Development
Programming is integral to most advanced AI technology, which is why it is important to become fluent in the leading programming languages if you are interested in pursuing AI-adjacent roles throughout your career. Programming skills are used to further AI development through:
- Generating code
- Detecting and fixing bugs in software programs
- Improving software security
- Streamlining project management
- Completing architecture design
- Completing user experience (UX) design
Machine Learning and Model Training
Machine learning is defined by IBM as the process of creating models that have the ability to train algorithms to make decisions or predictions. Throughout a graduate-level degree program in AI, you will learn about the most common types of algorithms used in model training, such as:
- Linear regression algorithms
- Support vector machines (SVMs)
- Logistic regression algorithms
- Clustering algorithms
Deep Learning and Neural Networks
Deep learning is an advanced form of AI technology used to simulate the function of the human brain. In order to effectively implement deep learning, AI professionals must be able to create neural networks. During an AI graduate degree program, you will learn how to build and implement neural networks that possess the ability to:
- Process data
- Analyze complex data and provide personalized results
- Identify patterns and relationships that exist within the data
Data Science and Analytics Skills
While an AI master’s degree program will focus specifically on AI skills, it also allows you to improve your data science and analytics skills — which are transferable competencies that can be leveraged in nearly any type of AI role. Below are the key data science and analytics skills you can learn throughout your graduate degree program:
Information Storage and Retrieval
One of the core competencies you will develop is data storage and retrieval. This skill focuses on how to efficiently store and retrieve large datasets, which is essential for data analysis and AI applications. Through coursework in Information Storage and Retrieval, you will learn to handle vast amounts of structured and unstructured data.
Data Mining and Analysis
Another key area in the AI master’s program is data mining and analysis. This skill involves extracting useful information from large datasets, which is crucial for making data-driven decisions in AI. You will gain experience with various techniques for identifying patterns, trends, and insights in data through the Data Mining and Analysis course.
Data Visualization
Data visualization is a critical skill for conveying insights and findings from data in an accessible way. In this program, you’ll focus on mastering the use of data visualization tools to present complex data sets clearly. Through the Data Visualization course, you will gain proficiency in creating meaningful visual representations of data to help communicate insights to both technical and non-technical audiences.
AI Soft Skills Needed for Success
By its very nature, the AI field is anchored by technology, thus requiring those in AI roles to have advanced technical skills. However, that doesn’t negate the importance of soft skills. In fact, soft skills can help you better leverage your technical and practical AI skills in order to achieve higher-level positions in your field or industry.
These are the AI soft skills that you have the opportunity to hone throughout your degree program:
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
One of the most common misconceptions about AI technology is that it can replace all human functions, but the reality of the matter is, humans in AI roles must be able to think critically in order to implement AI technology effectively. Focusing on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills throughout your graduate degree program will make you better-positioned for success after graduation and for leadership positions in the AI field.
Ethical AI and Responsible Innovation
According to UNESCO, the rise of AI technology has ushered in a new era of ethical concerns. Core among these include biases embedded within algorithms, the potential to exacerbate human inequities that already exist, and the technology’s impact on climate change. By enrolling in a degree program that is rooted in ethics and encourages responsible innovation, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to use this powerful technology in the best possible way.
Communication and Collaboration
Ideally, those in AI roles know how to communicate clearly and effectively, particularly when collaborating with others who do not possess an advanced understanding of AI technology and its many uses. Throughout your graduate degree program, you will be able to channel your communication skills in preparation for leadership positions in the field.
Adaptability and Continuous Learning
If there’s anything constant in the technology sector, it’s change. Industry experts expect AI technology to continue to grow and evolve considerably in the coming years, requiring those in AI roles to be adaptable. While enrolled in your graduate degree program, you can discover the importance of continuous learning — and maintain that commitment to education throughout your career.
Creativity and Innovation
Your ability to be creative will allow you to set yourself apart amid the era of AI and machine learning advancements. An artificial intelligence degree program gives you the freedom to try out new ideas and stretch your imagination as you learn more about the compelling capabilities of AI technology.
How These Skills Apply to AI Roles
Selecting a graduate degree program rooted in technical and practical skill development and enhanced by soft skill development prepares you to pursue a range of AI roles in numerous capacities. According to CIO, some of the leading AI roles today include:
- Data scientists
- Machine learning engineers
- Data engineers
- AI prompt engineers
- AI designers
Wondering How to Acquire AI Skills? Find out at Texas A&M University
Thought leaders across the technology sector believe that AI technology will play a driving force in some of the most significant advancements in the coming years. As a result, professionals with AI skills are anticipated to be in high demand.
At Texas A&M University, we offer an Online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree, through which you can develop the advanced skills required to be at the forefront of these dynamic changes. Designed to equip you with advanced skills in AI, machine learning, and ethical decision-making, this graduate degree program enables you to apply your knowledge and niche skill set across a wide range of industries. Request more information about our online graduate degree programs today.