AAI 550 – New Student Orientation

Interested in Taking Your Machine Learning Career to the Next Level?

Whether you’re considering a bootcamp or looking for alternative educational options to advance your machine learning career, we invite you to take a look at the University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program.

What is the difference between an AI bootcamp and an ML bootcamp?

The bootcamps will be very similar and, in some cases, the content may overlap since machine learning falls under the umbrella of artificial intelligence. ML bootcamps are more specific to ML practices, techniques and knowledge.

Is a bootcamp enough to help my artificial intelligence career?

The right bootcamp will certainly help any artificial intelligence or machine learning career. If you’re looking for more in-depth knowledge or want to take your career even further, you may consider an AI master’s degree program, which is typically longer and significantly more robust.

What is the average cost of a ML bootcamp?

Again, this depends on the program and your time commitment. Some individual ML courses are less than $100 while full-time, immersive ML bootcamps may range from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $20,000. Many programs offer payment plans, financial aid and scholarships to help offset the cost. You could also look into whether your employer will fund all or part of a bootcamp.

How long does an ML bootcamp take to complete?

It depends on the program and whether you select a part-time or full-time option. Most bootcamps range from a few months to a year.

What is a machine learning bootcamp?

A machine learning bootcamp is a program that offers specialized ML skills and knowledge. It’s often shorter than a master’s degree program.

What is the benefit of a master’s degree in artificial intelligence?

A master’s degree is a great way to expand the number of available AI job opportunities, especially since an advanced degree is often required, especially for higher-level jobs. A master’s degree will also give you greater earning potential and illustrate that you’re invested in your career and the industry.

Do any AI careers require a master’s degree? 

Most top-level AI jobs will typically require a master’s degree, including research scientists, AI engineers and big data engineers. Most AI roles will require applicants to have solid knowledge and skills with MATLAB, C/C++ and Python programming.

What is the outlook for a career in AI?

Extremely promising. In fact, there are more artificial intelligence jobs than skilled professionals to fill them, and the AI world has shown no signs of slowing down, so the demand is very high.

What skills and background do I need to pursue a career in artificial intelligence?

It’s important to have a strong background in math, science, engineering, and command of at least one of the following programming languages: Python, C and MATLAB.

If I’m interested in a career in AI, where do I start?

The first step is to conduct research, which includes talking to current AI professionals and researching reputable colleges and programs that offer AI-related degrees. You at least need a bachelor’s degree in math and basic computer technology to start, and an advanced degree in artificial intelligence is also something to consider if you’re looking to stand out from other applicants and learn real-world experience from industry experts.

What is the average time commitment of an ML course or certification program?

It depends. One course could average a few hours, but some certifications could take anywhere from 25–60+ hours, depending on the program. Most, if not all, certification programs are part-time and many are even self-paced, which means you can align them with your current workload.

How do I know which ML certification program is right for me?

Doing your research is an important first step. If possible, speak with professionals who have gone through different certification programs. Read online reviews and don’t be afraid to contact a program with any questions.

How are ML courses and certification programs different?

Courses are typically shorter and less expensive, whereas certification programs are often more time intensive.

What are the major differences between ML courses?

Some introductory and entry-level courses cover a wide variety of high-level concepts while others may be more specialized. ML courses will also differ in terms of cost and time commitment.

What should I think about when selecting an ML course?

We recommend thinking first about whether the course aligns with your career goals and whether it is appropriate for your experience, skills and background. Other important considerations include cost, flexibility and time commitment.

Interested in Advancing Your Artificial Intelligence Career? 

Whether you’re considering an artificial intelligence course or looking for alternative educational options to elevate your AI career, we invite you to take a look at the University of San Diego’s Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program.

Designed to prepare graduates for success in this vitally important and fast-growing field, this online artificial intelligence master’s degree program has been developed by AI experts in close collaboration with key industry and government stakeholders to provide in-depth practical and technical training. Please contact us today with any questions or to request more information.

When should I consider a master’s degree over a certificate program?

If you’re looking for a more advanced, comprehensive education, a master’s degree is probably the right fit. In many cases, certifications are specialized, whereas a master’s degree would provide a broader range of knowledge and experience.

How do I know which AI certification program is right for me?

Do your research. If possible, speak with professionals who have gone through different certification programs. Read online reviews and don’t be afraid to contact an organization or program with any questions.

What are the major differences between AI courses?

Courses will differ in terms of content, price and time commitment. Beginner-level courses may cover a variety of topics, whereas more intermediate or advanced options may focus on a particular area or specialization.

What should I think about when selecting an AI course?

There are a lot of factors — cost, time commitment, course content or specialization, flexibility, just to name a few. You also want to find a course or program that aligns with your career goals.

What are some of the top NLP blogs and resources?

We recommend Github’s curated list of NLP content, Analytics Vidhya, and IBM’s comprehensive blog.

What is a natural language processing engineer?

An NLP engineer is someone who works with speech patterns and AI speech recognition so that when people communicate with technology, the electronic device “understands” what they are saying.

Do I need an undergraduate degree in science or engineering?

One of the program’s admission requirements is a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, IT, Electrical Engineering or a related STEM field from an accredited institution. Candidates who possess real-world experience or research experience will be best positioned for acceptance into the program.

Is a GRE or GMAT required for admission?

Candidates who have a GPA above 2.75 are not required to take a GRE or GMAT; however, a standardized test such as GRE or GMAT is recommended for applicants with a GPA under 2.75.

What skills and experience are important for success in the Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program?

Applicants should have some knowledge and experience with Calculus and Linear Algebra. Students will also be expected to have some familiarity with reading and writing computer code.

How much does the online artificial intelligence master’s degree cost in tuition?

The Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence online program is 30 total credits at $925 per credit, for a total tuition of $27,750. Thanks to available federal financial aid, most students find the program to be a valuable, affordable investment that quickly pays for itself.

What is the duration of the program?

Designed to be completed in 20 months over five semesters, the program requires students to complete two 7-week-long courses each semester — beginning with two introductory courses — for a total of 30 academic units. The master’s degree you will earn as an online graduate student is of the same quality and rigor as that earned by campus-based students.

How much programming experience is required?

Applicants should have some knowledge and experience in at least one of the following programming languages: Python, C, and MATLAB.

Are there some recommended resources to help prepare for the MS-AAI program?

Here are some free recommended resources for preparing for the Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program:

Khan Academy: Calculus
Khan Academy: Statistics
Math is Fun: Statistics
Khan Academy: Linear Algebra
Calculus eTextbook by Gilbert Strang
LearnPython.org: Free interactive Python tutorial
Introduction to R by Udemy
Free Matlab tutorial

Does USD offer career development/advising support?

The University of San Diego is committed to steering you on a path toward educational and professional success. Right from the start, you’ll receive support and guidance from experienced University of San Diego advisors who are invested in helping you achieve your education goals!