Thinking About an Undergraduate AI Degree? Here’s What to Know

Artificial intelligence (AI) has now become part and parcel of our lives. Whether you want to watch a movie or create a quick sales deck, ChatGPT or Gemini are your go-to solutions. 

According to a recent McKinsey report, 88% of businesses now use AI in at least one function, up from 78% the previous year. While many organizations are still experimenting with or running pilot programs, nearly one-third have already started scaling their AI initiatives. Clearly, AI is becoming a core part of how businesses operate as a result of this rapid adoption. 

With this growth, the demand for AI experts like Machine Learning Engineers, AI Software Engineers, and Data Scientists is also rising. Pursuing an AI undergraduate degree puts you at the forefront of this shift, helping you build core skills and prepare for a wide range of AI career opportunities. 

But what exactly does studying AI involve? 
Is it the same as computer science? 
What skills do you need, and what careers can it lead to? 

Here is everything you need to know before deciding on a bachelor's degree program in AI, including subjects, skills, career options, and what to expect. 

Why More Students Are Choosing an AI Undergraduate Degree 

AI is transforming nearly every industry. Businesses use AI for data analysis, automation, decision making, and customer experience. Governments rely on AI for security, infrastructure, and planning. Healthcare uses AI for diagnosis and research. Consequently, companies need graduates who understand both real-world applications and technology. 

AI Market Landscape 

• AI is expected to create 170 million new jobs by 2030, while displacing 92 million (Gloat). 
• Nearly 89% of small businesses now rely on AI tools for their day-to-day operations (Hostinger). 
• 64% report that AI is driving innovation within their organizations (McKinsey). 
• The U.S. dominates private AI investment, with $109.1 billion—almost 12 times the amount invested by China (Hostinger). 

An AI degree for undergraduate students prepares you to work at the intersection of computer science, data science and business innovation. Instead of focusing only on coding, modern AI programs combine technical knowledge with problem solving, ethics, and global awareness. 

Students studying AI today may be preparing for careers that do not yet exist. Universities are designing programs that emphasize interdisciplinary learning, international exposure, and support internship opportunities to enhance real-world readiness. 

What is an AI Undergraduate Degree? 

An AI undergraduate degree is a specialized technology program that focuses on building intelligent decision-making, reasoning, and learning systems. 

While traditional computer science degrees cover a broad range of topics, a bachelor's degree in AI focuses more deeply on areas such as: 

• Machine learning basics 
• Data science and AI 
• Robotics and automation 
• AI programming languages Python and R 
• Natural language processing 
• Computer vision 
• Ethical AI and responsible technology 
• AI applications in real world industries 

Most programs also include business, communication, or international studies courses to help students understand how AI is used in global environments. 

AI Degree Requirements: What Students Should Expect 

Before enrolling, it is important to understand the typical AI degree requirements. Programs like these combine mathematics, programming, and analytical thinking, but they are designed to teach these skills gradually. 

Common admission expectations include: 

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Basic math background 
• Interest in technology or computer science 
• English proficiency for international students 

Most universities design their AI degree for international students, providing foundation support and hands-on learning to help them develop technical skills during the program. 

AI Subjects You Will Study 

Every university structures its curriculum differently, but most AI degree programs include a mix of technical, analytical and real-world topics.

Programs that combine technology with business and global studies prepare students to work in international environments where AI is applied in finance, marketing, healthcare, logistics, and government. 

Computer Science versus AI Degree 

Students often compare computer science and AI degrees before choosing one. 

Computer Science 

• Broad technology degree 
• Covers programming, networks, software 
• Flexible career options 

 AI 

• Specialized and future-focused 
• Focus on machine learning, automation, data science 
• Designed for AI and analytics careers 

Students who want to work with intelligent systems often choose an AI degree because it offers deeper knowledge in these areas. 

Skills You Gain While Studying AI 

Students who study AI develop skills that are valuable across industries and support the real-world application of AI. 

Key skills include: 

• Programming and software development 
• Data analysis and statistics 
• Machine learning modeling 
• Problem solving 
• Ethical AI understanding 
• Global communication skills 

Since AI is used worldwide, many programs emphasize teamwork, international collaboration, and real-world projects. This is particularly relevant as 72% of employers report difficulty filling AI roles (Manpower Group). 

Careers With an AI Degree 

One of the biggest advantages of an AI undergraduate degree is the wide range of career opportunities. In the United States labor market, for example, AI professionals are in high demand, and technology occupations have higher salaries than the average salaries.  

Below are common careers with an AI degree with typical salary ranges based on US labor statistics and industry reports.

Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indeed salary guides, industry reports. 

Why AI is Considered a Future-Proof Career Choice 

AI continues to grow across industries. Organizations are investing in automation, data, and intelligent systems to stay competitive. 

An AI degree for undergraduate students prepares you for this future by building a strong foundation in STEM disciplines that drive innovation and problem-solving across industries. An AI degree for undergraduate students prepares you for this future by teaching skills that cannot easily be automated, including: 

• Designing intelligent systems 
• Interpreting complex data 
• Building ethical technology 
• Solving global problems 
• Working across disciplines 

Students who combine technical knowledge with global awareness are especially valuable in international organizations. 

Why International Experience Matters in AI Education 

AI is a global field. AI systems are developed by international teams and used by companies around the world. An AI degree for international students that includes global learning and interdisciplinary courses can provide a strong advantage. 

Students benefit from: 

• Multicultural learning environments 
• Global technology case studies 
• International teamwork 
• Business and technology integration 
• Real world problem solving 

Graduates with knowledge of both technology and global business are better prepared for leadership roles in the evolving field of AI. 

Is Undergraduate AI Degree Right For You? 

An AI undergraduate degree may be right if you: 

• Enjoy technology and problem solving 
• Are curious about machine learning 
• Want global career opportunities 
• Like math, logic or data 
• Are interested in robotics and automation 
• Want a future focused career 

You do not need to be an expert before starting. In most programs, the fundamentals are taught step-by-step. 

There is a lot more you can explore and achieve with an AI degree beyond these paths. You do not need to be an expert before starting, most programs teach the fundamentals step by step. 

From Data to Decision: Prepare for AI Career with Schiller 

Schiller International University offers a BSc in Applied Mathematics and AI. The program is designed to bridge technical AI training with real-world and business-oriented applications. 

Offered across campuses in Madrid, Paris, Heidelberg, and Tampa, with the option to transfer after your first year, this multi-campus exposure provides practical experience across borders. 

The curriculum covers tools like Python, SQL, Power BI and JavaScript, and includes professional certifications from companies such as Google, AWS, and SAP, built directly into the program. Our model suits students who want their AI education to come with a global context and practical exposure from the start – especially those considering careers in multinational companies or technology-driven business environments. 

You get to work on projects integrating machine learning, data analysis, and software engineering, with collaborations involving companies such as Airbus, IBM, Deloitte, and KPMG. The emphasis is on learning by doing, rather than theory alone.  

Find out how the BSc in Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence can help you to pursue a career in AI.  

FAQs 

Q1. What can you do with an undergraduate AI degree? 

You can work as an AI engineer, data scientist, robotics engineer, software developer, or technology consultant in many industries. 

Q2. Is a bachelor’s degree in AI worth it? 

Yes. AI is one of the fastest-growing fields, and graduates with AI skills are in high demand worldwide. 

Q3. What subjects are included in an AI undergraduate program? 

Subjects usually include machine learning, programming, data science, robotics, mathematics, statistics, and ethical AI. 

Q4. Do you need strong math skills to study AI? 

Basic math is helpful, but most programs teach mathematics gradually as part of the degree. 

Q5. What careers can you pursue with an AI degree? 

Possible careers include AI engineer, machine learning specialist, data scientist, automation engineer, cybersecurity analyst, and software developer.