Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the top advanced technologies that has gained immense popularity in recent times. This is why many tech companies are increasingly leaning towards creating top-quality AI-based products and services. Consequentially, there has been an increase in demand for individuals with specialized expertise in AI. As a result, many aspiring professionals seek popular courses to acquire the essential skill sets and knowledge needed to pursue a career in this domain.

Introduction to AI courses
The primary goal of a typical AI course is to demonstrate the various ways in which computers can be programmed to automate and perform tasks like humans. These courses are commonly offered by online education and learning platforms and esteemed universities renowned for their exceptional technology programs. Most of these courses are accessible at three levels – introductory (beginner), intermediate, and advanced. A basic understanding of mathematics, including linear algebra, is usually the prerequisite for enrolling in these courses.

Tips to find the right AI course

Identify the objective
Before choosing an AI course, it is crucial to determine the learning goals. These goals should specify the AI skills one wants to acquire. Besides this, one must also consider whether one wants to specialize in a particular area of AI, such as natural language processing, machine learning (ML), or computer vision. It also helps to identify whether one would be interested in gaining practical experience in AI application development or prefer to focus on the theoretical aspects. Identifying these factors will help find a suitable course that aligns with one’s AI learning goals.

Evaluate the skill levels
Different AI courses cater to different skill levels. For instance, there are beginner courses designed for those with no programming experience. On the other hand, there are highly advanced courses aimed at experienced developers seeking to specialize in AI. So, one must evaluate one’s skill levels to pick a course that matches one’s abilities. Ideally, beginners should look for AI courses that cover the introduction and fundamentals of AI without requiring prior knowledge. Those with some programming experience should explore AI programs that delve deeper into its concepts and practical applications.

Check the course content
A typical AI course covers key aspects, including machine learning, deep learning, statistics and exploratory data analysis, natural language processing, and computer vision. When looking for an AI course, make sure these modules, along with certain AI techniques and skills, are included to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the technology.

Look at the format of the course
Generally, AI courses are delivered in varying formats. These include online courses, boot camps, and traditional classroom-based courses. When picking a course, one needs to consider the formats that are compatible with one’s schedule and learning style.

Consider the course duration and cost
While some courses run for a few weeks, others require several months to a year of commitment. So, one needs to choose a course that will fit their schedule. Besides this, make sure to look at the cost of the course and check if it includes any certification fees. Generally, AI courses can range anywhere between $1500 and $5000, depending on the specific program chosen. Those with a specific budget can filter out the options that can easily fit within their financing limit. One can also check certain educational platforms that offer free online courses accredited by top universities.

Some of the top educational institutes/platforms that offer AI courses include:

• Carnegie Mellon University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of California – Berkeley
• Udemy
• Harvard Business School
• Coursera
• Stanford University