Yes, absolutely — someone can study Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a dedicated course, major, minor, specialization, certificate, or full degree program in school, college, or university. In fact, by February 2026, AI education has exploded in availability and depth worldwide, driven by the rapid advancement of technologies like generative AI, machine learning, and large language models.
AI is no longer just a niche topic tucked into computer science classes. Hundreds of institutions now offer structured programs specifically focused on AI, from introductory high school/secondary school courses to PhDs. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s available today.
Levels of AI Study Available
High School / Secondary School
Many schools (especially in tech-forward regions like the US, UK, Singapore, and parts of Europe/Asia) offer AI as an elective, club activity, or integrated into STEM curricula.
Examples include AP Computer Science Principles with AI modules, IB Computer Science with AI ethics/machine learning units, or dedicated AI/robotics courses. Online platforms like Coursera, edX, or Code.org also provide free/high-school-level AI intros that schools often adopt.
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Level)
Full Bachelor of Science (BS) in Artificial Intelligence degrees exist and are growing fast.
As of 2026:
Around 193 bachelor’s programs (or AI-focused tracks/specializations) are available in the US alone.
Pioneers like Carnegie Mellon University (first BS in AI, launched ~2018) remain top-ranked.
Other notable full AI majors or dedicated programs:
University of Pennsylvania (Ivy League AI degree)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — strong AI focus within CS
Stanford University — AI specialization in CS
University of Southern California (USC) — new BS in AI launching/expanded for Fall 2026
Purdue University — AI major in College of Science
Oakland University — BS in Artificial Intelligence
Ferris State University — NSA-accredited BS in AI (focus on secure AI)
University of Utah — AI tracks and minors
Many more schools offer AI as a concentration/specialization within Computer Science, Data Science, or Engineering (e.g., Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley).
Online bachelor’s options are emerging, like Arizona State University’s BS in AI in Business.
Typical curriculum covers: machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, robotics, ethics/responsible AI, probability/statistics, programming (Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch), and projects/capstones.
Graduate Level (Master’s and PhD)
Even more abundant — over 310 master’s programs in the US, plus global options.
Top-ranked/renowned:
Carnegie Mellon University
MIT
Stanford
University of Texas at Austin (online MSAI)
University of Michigan (various campuses)
Wayne State University
University of Michigan-Dearborn/Flint
Wake Forest (Master of AI Strategy & Innovation — online, business-focused)
University of Houston-Downtown
Purdue, Johns Hopkins, and many others
PhD programs in AI (or AI tracks in CS/Engineering) are standard at research powerhouses like CMU, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, ETH Zurich, Tsinghua, etc.
Certificates, Minors, and Interdisciplinary Options
Minors in AI (e.g., University of Utah, Georgia Tech’s Applications of AI/ML minor)
Certificates (e.g., Harvard’s online AI courses, Deep Learning certificates)
“AI Across the Curriculum” initiatives (e.g., University of Florida integrates AI into every major/college)
Business/Strategy-focused AI masters (e.g., for non-technical leaders)
Global Availability
US leads in dedicated degrees (hundreds of programs), especially public universities rising fast in rankings.
Europe: Strong in UK (Imperial College, UCL, Edinburgh), Germany (TU Munich), Switzerland (ETH Zurich).
Asia: China (Tsinghua, Peking), Singapore (NUS, NTU), India (IITs with AI specializations), South Korea/Japan.
Online/Accessible Options: Fully online degrees/certificates from UT Austin, Purdue, ASU, Harvard Online, Coursera (Google/DeepLearning.AI), etc. — ideal for working adults or international students.
Why Study AI Formally in School?
Job Market Demand — AI roles (ML engineer, AI researcher, data scientist, prompt engineer, AI ethicist) pay very well and grow rapidly. Formal degrees signal deep knowledge and often include internships/research.
Structured Learning — Covers math foundations (linear algebra, calculus, probability), programming, ethics, and hands-on projects that self-study often misses.
Networking & Research — Access to labs, professors, industry partners (Google, OpenAI, Meta, NVIDIA collaborations).
Credibility — For research/PhD paths or top tech jobs, a degree from a strong program helps.
Is It Worth It in 2026?
Yes, if:
You want depth, credentials, structure, and access to cutting-edge research.
You’re aiming for roles in AI development, academia, or leadership.
Many succeed via self-study/bootcamps/online courses too (especially with portfolios on GitHub/Kaggle), but formal programs provide advantages in competitive fields.
Bottom line: Yes, studying AI as a full course/degree is not only possible — it’s increasingly common and highly regarded in 2026. If you’re in high school, look for strong CS/AI electives or online intros. In college, consider CS with AI focus or dedicated AI majors at places like CMU, MIT, Stanford, or emerging programs. Research specific schools’ curricula and rankings (e.g., US News 2026 AI rankings put CMU and MIT at the top).
If you’re deciding on a path, what level (high school, undergrad, grad) or region are you thinking about? I can help narrow it down!