Your Guide to Studying Artificial Intelligence in the US

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics engineering are interdisciplinary fields that combine technology and engineering to create automated software with human-like intelligence. AI and robotics engineering students gain advanced knowledge about coding, algorithms, data analysis, machine learning, and more. With AI roles expected to grow 15.8% from 2024 to 2030, AI and robotics engineering graduates can benefit from multiple career opportunities across a variety of industries.

If you’re wondering, “what is artificial intelligence?”, read on to learn more about artificial intelligence courses, robotics programs, and the career pathways you can consider as an AI or robotics engineering major in the US.

What Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Engineering?

As the world moves towards an increasingly automated future, the importance of learning about AI and robotics is becoming more apparent. At its core, artificial intelligence technologies perform or complete tasks that typically require the human brain: understanding visual and audio cues, making decisions, recognizing speech patterns, etc. AI technologies assist organizations in running more efficiently, provide solutions to complicated challenges, and deliver high-quality products and services. Robotics engineering combines the principles of AI, computer science, and engineering specifically to build robots.

The most visible applications of AI are on mobile devices, such as facial recognition and voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. More advanced applications are demonstrated in the health care sector: AI can be used to track patients’ overall health, surgeons can use robotics to practice complex operations, and doctors can generate diagnosis and treatment plans with higher accuracy. 

From finance, retail, cybersecurity, automotive manufacturing, and more, AI and robotics are transforming various industries.

As more organizations are implementing AI and robotics into their work for more efficient, error-free, and cohesive workflows, it is becoming increasingly important for international students to understand and learn about robotics engineering and be able to confidently answer, “what is artificial intelligence?”  

Why Study AI and Robotics in the US?

The US is home to 585,000+ tech companies, which makes up 35% of the global technology market. Studying artificial intelligence and robotics at a US university allows you to learn from world-renowned experts and gain valuable experience from hands-on projects while pursuing your degree. You may also participate in diverse research ventures, where you can explore what AI technology contributes to automation.

Artificial intelligence courses cover in-depth topics such as engineering geological modeling and infrastructure sustainability, and also teach how to develop, implement, and maintain intelligent systems to solve complex problems. Additional topics in artificial intelligence courses include machine learning algorithms, robotics engineering principles, natural language processing techniques, and related subjects.

Teaching methods and campus resources at US universities give you a deep understanding of how AI and robotics are implemented across various industries. Laboratories, research centers, and faculty support students in developing solutions that improve working conditions and organizational results. (For example, high-risk jobs such as getting rid of toxic waste are now handled by robots.) 

At US universities, you can expect to learn how to engineer robots to perform difficult tasks. Let’s take a closer look at potential career pathways you can take with a major in AI and robotics.

Career Opportunities with an AI or Robotics Degree

AI and robotics engineering is a rapidly growing field. The World Economic Forum predicts that AI may lead to an increase of 12 million jobs globally by 2025. For students studying AI and robotics, this means there are many diverse career opportunities available across different fields.

Here are some careers you may work toward, along with an estimate of their potential annual earnings in the US, Brazil, China, and India: 

Source: SalaryExpert

AI and robotics are exciting fields to study as you are constantly learning on the job and working with teams to think creatively and to innovate. 

Let’s explore some top-ranked international student-friendly universities in the US offering programs focused on AI and robotics. 

Universities in the US with AI and Robotics Programs

Many US universities are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including labs, workspaces, and research centers, where you can practice and improve your technical skills. You can also participate in workshops, conferences such as the Robotics Summit & Expo, and competitions where you can exhibit your research and test your AI-based applications. Degree programs also provide internship opportunities where you can apply your theoretical knowledge and enhance your soft skills, such as your analytical ability, communication in teams, and more. 

Here are some Shorelight universities offering degree programs covering artificial intelligence and robotics engineering.   

American University

Ranked #105 among national universities by U.S. News & World Report, 2024, American University offers a comprehensive degree in computer science. Enroll at American University and take STEM courses in database management systems, artificial intelligence, big data computing, and other topics, helping you build a foundation in technology that you can use in AI applications.

Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University’s Washkewicz College of Engineering offers degrees in computer engineering and computer science, where you can learn what is artificial intelligence, and how to use technology in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Cleveland State is also home to several specialized facilities such as Innovative Technologies, Engaged Education, Inclusive Communities, Connected Health Hub (also known as the T.E.C.H. hub), a Center for Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection, and a Center for Applied Data Analysis and Modeling, where you can develop creative solutions to real-world industry problems.

Florida International University 

The College of Engineering and Computing at Florida International University provides degrees in Information Technology and the Internet of Things. The curriculum covers coding, how machine-to-machine learning works, open data, and more. The FIU Applied Research Center also allows students to perform research in areas of artificial intelligence with a focus on machine learning, deep learning, big data, and visualization.

University of Dayton

The University of Dayton offers a number of engineering and tech programs through their School of Engineering, including degrees in electronic and computer engineering technology, industrial engineering technology, and discover engineering. It also has a dedicated Applied Artificial Intelligence research lab where students can work alongside professionals from across the world to explore machine learning, engineering geological modeling, and infrastructure sustainability. 

Studying AI and robotics in the US is ideal for international students who want to develop a strong foundation for careers that explore future possibilities in technology. When you study in the US, you will learn theoretical concepts from expert faculty, as well as participate in practical learning opportunities through mentorship programs, internships, on-campus jobs, and more. 

With the rapid advancement of technology, AI and robotics have become essential components of today’s world. An AI or robotics degree or its equivalent offers transferable skills across many industries. The knowledge and experiences gained in your degree program can establish you as a valued expert for a variety of different organizations investing in AI. 

Expert Shorelight counselors are here to guide you toward your ideal degree program. Check out our school match tool, which can help you choose a university based on rankings, student diversity, financial aid options, and other preferences. Shorelight can also support you — from application to graduation — with application assistance, visa guidance, career development, language support, and more.

AI and robotics are rapidly changing the way the world works. A degree in AI or robotics helps you keep pace with these changes, and equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this ever-evolving industry. If you want to pursue a trailblazing career where you constantly learn more as you go, an AI or robotics degree may be right for you.

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