6 Best AI Courses To Master AI [Ultimate Guide 2024]

ChatGPT is a fantastic example of how AI is shaking up our world in the 21st century. 

From self-driving cars to those handy personal assistants, AI is everywhere, and its impact on industries like healthcare, finance, and entertainment is just mind-boggling.

Here’s a fun fact: Job postings looking for AI skills are expected to shoot up by a whopping 297% in the next couple of years, according to market research. 

But here’s the hitch – there aren’t enough folks with the right skills to fill those jobs. 

So, if you’re thinking about jumping on this opportunity and making around $148,420 a year, you should consider diving into AI courses.

Now, two top-notch AI courses to check out are MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy and Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme. 

These AI courses, brought to you by GetSmarter, are open to anyone – whether you’re a complete newbie to AI or you’ve been in the game for a while. 

And the cherry on top? 

You’ll earn certificates from the MIT Sloan School of Management and the University of Oxford that you can flaunt on your LinkedIn profile to get your dream job. 

Want to know more about AI and its power?

I’ve done some digging and picked out the six best AI courses to help you navigate Artificial Intelligence’s super interesting (and sometimes seriously mind-boggling) world. 

Ready to jump in? Let’s roll!

What exactly is Artificial Intelligence?

So, Artificial Intelligence, or AI for short, is basically all about computer systems trying to mimic human intelligence.

You know those voice-activated assistants like Siri, Alexa, and even our buddy ChatGPT? Yep, they’re AI in action.

But here’s the fun part: AI doesn’t stop at personal assistants. It’s a big, wide world. 

Think of it as the brain behind tasks that used to need human learning, thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

It can also tell the difference between things based on their characteristics, like “Is that a duck or a swan?” or predict stuff from known data, like “How much cash can I get from selling my house.”

And the best part? AI isn’t limited to just a few things. 

It’s got its fingers in all kinds of pies – from medicine to marketing and even the fantastic world of virtual reality. 

It’s a field that’s always on the move, constantly pushing boundaries. So, stay tuned because AI is just getting started!

6 Best Online AI Courses For 2023

Now let’s jump into the review of these AI courses:

1. MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy (GetSmarter)

Wondering what exactly AI is and how to bring AI technologies into your company, even if you’re not in an IT role? 

Well, I’ve got just the course for you: the MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy course offered by GetSmarter.

This 6-week online program is like your AI roadmap for tapping into the excellent benefits of automation. 

It goes deep into robotics, natural language processing, and machine learning (ML), giving you the knowledge and confidence you need to integrate these technologies into your business strategy.

But here’s the best part – it’s not just for tech wizards. This course is designed with managers, executives, and business leaders in mind. 

You don’t have to be a software engineer or data scientist to get in on the action.

Now, how do you learn all this? 

Through a mix of interactive videos, practice quizzes, presentations, assignments, and discussion forums, all at your own pace. 

Yep, it’s self-paced online learning, so there’s no need to rush.

Oh, and the cherry on top? 

You’ll walk away with an official digital certificate of completion from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management – one of the world’s top business schools. 

What more could you possibly ask for?

Here’s what you’ll learn from this course:

Throughout this online program, you’ll engage with these six modules:

Module 1: An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• Learn how to harness different forms of intelligence to gain a strategic edge.

Module 2: Machine Learning in Business

• Analyze when it’s suitable to employ machine learning in a business context.

Module 3: Natural Language Processing in Business

• Assess the appropriateness of using natural language processing in a business setting.

Module 4: Robotics in Business

• Determine when it’s fitting to incorporate robotics into business operations.

Module 5: Artificial Intelligence in Business and Society

• Gauge the influence of AI on the future of work and society at large.

Module 6: The Future of Artificial Intelligence

• Craft a strategic roadmap for your organization to leverage AI effectively.

These modules are your stepping stones to mastering the strategic use of artificial intelligence.

2. Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme (GetSmarter)

Are you on the hunt for AI courses that don’t require you to be a tech wizard or a coding pro? 

Well, look no further because the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme has got you covered. 

This course is your ticket to gaining the crucial insights and sought-after skills you need to thrive in the red-hot AI industry, and it’ll only take you six weeks.

So, what’s on the menu for this course?

You’ll learn how to spot AI opportunities in your organization and make a solid case for integrating them. 

Plus, you’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of AI tech, like machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and algorithms. 

But it’s not just about the tech stuff – no, you’ll also get a grasp of AI’s social and ethical dimensions, its history, and where it’s headed.

Now, who’s this course designed for? 

The answer is simple: EVERYONE. Whether you’re a manager, a techie, a non-techie, a CIO, an IT manager, or a business analyst, this course is tailor-made for you.

And here’s the cherry on top: It’s certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and you’ll gain access to the official Oxford Executive Education Alumni group on LinkedIn. 

Imagine how cool that’ll look on your LinkedIn profile!

Here’s what you’ll learn from this course:

Over the next six weeks of this online program, you’re in for a ride through some exciting modules:

Module 1: Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem

• Dive into the history and potential of AI in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Module 2: AI and Machine Learning: Understanding the Black Box

• Uncover the inner workings of the three essential kinds of ML machine learning: reinforcement, supervised, and unsupervised.

Module 3: Understanding Deep Learning and Neural Networks

• Get the lowdown on deep learning and its pivotal role in modern AI.

Module 4: Working with Intelligent Machines

• Explore the concept of machine intelligence and its impact on the job market.

Module 5: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

• Navigate the intricate web of ethical and legal considerations in the AI realm.

Module 6: How to Drive AI in Your Business

• Discover how to spot AI’s potential in a specific business context and leverage it to your advantage.

Each module is like a chapter in your AI adventure, helping you gain valuable insights and skills.

So, why do I recommend doing AI Courses from GetSmarter?

I’ve actually taken most of my AI courses through GetSmarter, and let me tell you why I keep choosing them over other popular online education platforms. 

GetSmarter stands out because it offers career-relevant courses that experts fully support and lead.

All these courses come from some of the world’s most prestigious universities and institutions. Think Oxford, MIT, Cambridge, Harvard, Stanford, and more!

They put their extensive knowledge in market research, data analysis, and business insights to work, ensuring that the skills you learn aren’t just handy but genuinely essential for your career progress.

Another fantastic perk is that most of their courses are entirely online and self-paced, which is a lifesaver if you’re juggling a busy schedule. 

Plus, what really sealed the deal for me is that their courses are pretty affordable, and you get a valuable certificate upon completion. 

That certificate makes your resume or LinkedIn profile shine.

So, GetSmarter is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for top-notch online AI courses that’s backed by expertise and provide real career benefits.

3. University of Pennsylvania’s “AI For Business” (Coursera)

This is another best AI course for beginners. It covers all the basics of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning and shows how to use these skills to boost your organization’s strategy.

What’s even cooler is that it’s a short four-week program, and you only need to commit 2 hours per week (super manageable, right?).

Plus, it’s all online, so there’s no need to worry about physically attending classes.

But here’s the best part: this course doesn’t just throw theory at you. 

Nope, it uses real-life examples to help you truly grasp AI and Machine Learning. 

Now, who’s doing the teaching? 

AI For Business is led by eight professors from UPenn’s Wharton School, a top-notch business school recognized by Fortune. They’ve also got some other university professors in the mix.

Oh, and one more thing – you’ll get a certificate at the end, which you can display on your LinkedIn profile.

Here’s what you’ll learn from this course:

In this quick four-week AI course, you’ll learn the basics of AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data. Here’s what each module covers:

• Module 1: Introduction to AI and Big Data, plus how to analyze and manage big data.
• Module 2: A closer look at Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and specific methods used in Machine Learning.
• Module 3: We’ll explore how Machine Learning is used in real businesses, including personalization and finance. We’ll also touch on Autonomous Vehicles.
• Module 4: You’ll learn about AI’s impact on business, building AI projects, and how to deal with its challenges.

Plus, you’ll get some valuable course takeaways. 

4. Harvard University’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python (edX)

If you’ve got a solid grip on Python and are eager to dive headfirst into the world of AI, then this CS50 course is for you. 

So, what’s in this course?

In this seven-week journey, you’ll delve into AI algorithms, game-playing engines, handwriting recognition, and machine translation. 

When it’s all said and done, you’ll have the skills to handle machine learning libraries like Scikit-learn, Pillow, and TensorFlow and even craft your intelligent systems using AI principles.

Now, here’s the deal – you’ll need to commit between 10 to 30 hours per week for this course, which includes hands-on projects and insightful lectures. 

This is an entirely self-paced course so you can do it on your terms, but it’s seven weeks long, which is more than other AI courses.

But the best part? 

If you take it through Harvard OCW, you can snag an unverified certificate for free.

Now, imagine what part a Harvard University certificate can play in your resume. 

Here’s what you’ll learn from this course:

In this seven-week AI course, here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll be mastering:

• Graph Search Algorithms: Dive into the world of searching and navigating through data.
• Adversarial Search: Get to grips with strategies for games and competition.
• Knowledge Representation: Learn how to structure and store knowledge for AI systems.
• Logical Inference: Discover how logical thinking plays a role in AI decision-making.
• Probability Theory: Master the fundamentals of probability, a key element in AI.
• Bayesian Networks: Explore how Bayesian networks help model uncertainty.
• Markov Models: Understand how Markov models are used for predictions.
• Constraint Satisfaction: Learn about solving complex problems with constraints.
• Machine Learning: Get hands-on with the core of AI, where systems learn from data.
• Reinforcement Learning: Dive into training AI through rewards and penalties.
• Neural Networks: Explore the fascinating world of artificial neural networks.
• Natural Language Processing: Crack the code behind making computers understand human language.

Bonus? You’ll get full access to the course materials, including 12 coding projects and 7 quizzes.

5. DeepLearning.AI’s AI For Everyone (Coursera)

There’s this common idea that AI is just for the techy folks, but that’s entirely off base. 

In fact, if you want to supercharge your organization with AI, this course is among the best AI courses to check out.

So, what’s on the menu?

You’ll dive into the ABCs of AI and discover how it can supercharge your organization. 

Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on crafting an AI strategy and, crucially, understanding AI’s ethical and societal dimensions.

And guess what? This isn’t just theory. 

We’re talking case studies, video lessons, and quizzes to give you a practical grasp of AI. 

By the time you’re done, you’ll better understand AI than most CEOs at those big-name companies. 

Plus, you’ll have the skills to steer your organization through the AI revolution. 

You can complete it in just four weeks, and once you successfully finish the course, you’ll walk away with a shareable certificate.

Here’s what you’ll learn from this course:

This course is structured into four modules, similar to the “AI for Business” course. 

Here’s a breakdown of what each module will delve into:

Module 1: What is AI 

• In this opening module, you’ll get introduced to machine learning, unpack the jargon surrounding AI, and grasp the concept of deep learning through non-technical examples.

Module 2: Building AI Projects 

• Module two takes you through the workflow of both machine learning and data science projects. You’ll also discover how to choose the right AI project. 

Module 3: Building AI In Your Company 

• This module gets real with case studies and examples related to self-driving cars and smart speakers. You’ll gain valuable insights into how to combine AI within your own company.

Module 4: AI and Society 

• In the final module, you’ll explore a realistic view of AI, examining topics like discrimination, adversarial attacks, harmful uses of AI, and the impact on jobs.

In short, this is a beginner-friendly course that you can take to upskill yourself.

6. University of Helsinki’s Building AI (Independent)

Alright, before I dive into the nitty-gritty of the “Building AI” course, here’s a heads-up: It’s the sequel to the wildly popular “Elements of AI” course. 

The first part, “Elements of AI,” covered the AI basics, what it can and can’t do, and how to get started with AI methods.

Forbes even dubbed it as one of the best AI courses (that’s a big deal!).

Now, let’s talk about what this new course brings to the table:

“Building AI” kicks it up a notch. It’s more in-depth and technical, so it’s a natural progression after you’ve aced “Elements of AI.” 

Here’s what’s on the menu: the importance of AI, optimization, tackling the Hill Climbing problem, probability fundamentals, Bayes rule, the Naive Bayes classifier, Machine Learning, regression models, neural networks, deep learning, and more.

This course stands out because it’s like a one-size-fits-all AI class. 

It’s designed for beginners who’ve never coded, folks who know a bit of Python, and even experienced Python pros. 

Now, here’s the best part – both AI courses are free, but you’ll have to make a purchase if you want to get the Building AI certificate. 

The only catch? 

Beginners might not wrap up the course with the same technical expertise as more advanced learners. 

That’s why I strongly suggest picking up some Python skills before you dive in. 

Here’s what you’ll learn from this course:

This course takes a deep dive into five informative chapters, going beyond the basics covered in some other AI courses I mentioned earlier. 

Here’s the scoop on what you’ll be mastering:

Chapter 1: Getting Started With AI 

You’ll explore different AI types, like optimization, reasoning, and learning.

Chapter 2: Dealing With Uncertainty 

Learn to select the right AI approach for route planning, probabilistic inference, and pattern recognition tasks. 

You’ll also get hands-on with a basic brute-force optimization algorithm and implement probabilistic inference using Bayes’ rule.

Chapter 3: Machine Learning 

Dive into building linear regression models from data to predict apartment prices. 

Discover the power of the nearest neighbor method for making predictions and how to use cross-validation to prevent overfitting.

Chapter 4: Neural Networks 

Take a deep dive into creating and applying logistic regression and simple neural network models for predictive tasks.

Chapter 5: Conclusion 

In the final task (optional) of the course, you’ll put your knowledge to the test. 

You’ll propose your AI idea, detailing the problem you’d like AI to solve and how it can tackle it. 

Now you know about the best AI courses, let’s clear some basic AI terms.

What’s the difference between Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning?

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning are causing quite a buzz in today’s business landscape. 

Companies are leveraging these technologies to develop intelligent machines and applications. 

But these terms often get tangled up. Here’s a quick breakdown to clear things up:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is about creating intelligent machines that think and work like humans.

Machine Learning (ML): Think of ML as a subset of AI. It’s the part that helps you build applications driven by AI. 

ML is where machines learn from data and improve their performance over time.

Deep Learning (DL): Zoom in even further, and you’ll find DL within ML. 

It’s like the powerhouse of ML, using massive amounts of data and intricate algorithms to train models and make sense of complex patterns.

Why should I pursue a career in AI?

So why do AI courses and choose AI as a career?

AI is already profoundly impacting various industries, revolutionizing how we work, communicate, and live. 

It’s likely to continue evolving and expanding as new applications and technologies emerge.

Jobs in the AI field often come with attractive salaries. As per the U.S. Census Bureau, the average salary for AI professionals is around $102,521. 

Some roles, like AI Engineers/Scientists, Software Developers, and Computer and Information Research Scientists, can command even higher salaries.

• AI Engineer/Scientist: Median Pay in 2023 is $160,954
• Software Developer: Median Pay in 2023 is $106,144
• Computer and Information Research Scientists: Median Pay in 2023 is $139,367

AI offers a promising path if you have an interest in technology and a desire to pursue a field with long-term career prospects and high earning potential.

Wrapping Up

So, these were the best AI courses to pursue in 2023. 

My two top AI courses are MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy and Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme. 

These fantastic AI courses, offered by GetSmarter, are open to everyone and provide a comprehensive foundation in AI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. 

The best part? They’re both online – you’ll only need 4-6 weeks to complete them. They come with a free certificate you can proudly flaunt on your LinkedIn profile.

Now, remember to explore the other AI courses on the list to chart your path toward an AI career. 

And here’s an exciting tidbit – businesses are searching for folks who understand the ins and outs of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and know how to make the most of them. 

Completing AI courses isn’t just about adding a line to your CV – it’s a badge of initiative in diving into emerging technology. 

Employers value that kind of drive, which can make you stand out when you’re searching for a new job. 

So, seize the opportunity and level up your AI game!

FAQs

Can I learn AI myself?

Absolutely, you can become proficient in AI through self-learning, thanks to the abundance of online resources like guides, tutorials, and courses. 

Even famous AI assistants like ChatGPT can help you learn about AI.

What degree do I need for artificial intelligence?

The educational requirements for AI positions can differ widely. They depend on the employer’s preferences, the specific job role, and your prior work experience. 

While some AI jobs may require a traditional bachelor’s or master’s degree, others are open to candidates who have earned certifications in artificial intelligence or have completed intensive boot camp programs. 

Does artificial intelligence need coding?

Yes, coding is a fundamental component of AI roles. 

AI professionals must often be proficient in programming languages such as Python and R, commonly used for data analysis and machine learning tasks.