A degree in AI emphasizes machine learning principles and solutions. Classes may include the foundations of computer vision, the principles of machine learning, and the design and analysis of algorithms. For a master's in AI, a capstone class may require you to create a prototype neural network.

You can get a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in AI to launch your AI career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data scientists working in computer systems design and related services earned a median salary of $118,400 in May 2023.

Computer engineers design physical hardware, while software engineers develop software.

Computer engineering majors typically take classes in introductory circuit analysis, electronics, and computer networking fundamentals. In contrast, software engineering majors may study topics like computer organization, programming, and the principles of operating systems.

Computer hardware engineers and software developers can expect to earn similar salaries. Computer hardware engineers take home a median income of just over $138,000 (BLS, May 2023), whereas software developers earn around $132,000 (BLS, May 2023).

When hackers get past cybersecurity experts' defenses, computer forensics professionals investigate what happened and what data was affected. Coursework at the undergraduate level includes computer and memory forensics, forensic accounting, and fraud examination.

Potential jobs for computer forensics degree-holders include malware analyst and information security analyst, the latter of which earns a median annual salary of $120,360 (BLS, May 2023).

A computer programming degree teaches you coding languages and techniques. Coursework entails Python, C++, C#, and other languages employers expect job applicants to know. Classes may include an introduction to computer security, data warehousing, and mobile app development.

Computer programming careers boast a median salary of $99,700 (BLS, May 2023). Those working for software publishers or finance companies often make significantly more money than those working for computer systems design firms.

A bachelor's in computer science offers the education and training you need for many entry-level computer science jobs. A typical curriculum comprises classes like introduction to probability, computer organization, and foundations of programming.

With a computer science degree, you can pursue tech roles such as database administrator, software developer, web designer, and computer systems administrator. Administrators earned a median salary of $95,360 in 2023 (BLS, May 2023).

A master's in computer science can advance your tech skills through focused study on topics like software analysis, educational technology, and computer networks.

Cybersecurity experts protect servers and other systems from attack, while network security professionals do the same for data transferred over networks. In other words, a computer science degree in either subject trains you to safeguard company information.

While you can enter the cybersecurity field with just a bachelor's degree, a master's in cybersecurity can help you develop critical skills in information assurance and incident response. Classes typically cover topics like security operations, penetration testing, and cloud security.

One popular network security career is information security analyst. Information and finance companies tend to offer higher salaries to analysts than other types of organizations.

Data scientists construct the data models and algorithms that analysts use to spot trends and draw conclusions. A data science or data analytics bootcamp can help you determine which degree — data science or data analytics — is better for you.

In a data science program, you'll study the mathematical foundations of computing and convex optimization. Data science careers tend to be fairly lucrative, with data scientists earning a median salary of $108,020 (BLS, May 2023).

Data analytics programs focus on descriptive and diagnostic analytics. One popular data analytics career is operations research analyst. These analysts earned a median salary of $83,640 in 2023, according to the BLS.

Web development programs encompass classes in graphic communication, multimedia design, and web authoring. You may specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development.

Web development careers pay a median salary of $92,750 (BLS, May 2023). The highest-paid web developers work in the finance and insurance industries. Computer systems design firms also tend to pay more.