Best Online Bachelor’s in Artificial Intelligence: 2024 Rankings and Online AI Degree Directory

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly revolutionizing all industries by increasing efficiency and enabling humans to focus on more meaningful work. While some jobs are being replaced by AI, most jobs are changing to leverage and incorporate AI, positioning the AI experts needed to support these changes in high demand. A bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence will give you the skills to succeed in these new jobs and lead ethical conversations as companies expand their use of AI.

Bachelor’s degrees in AI are new—the first AI degree offered in the United States was in 2018. Since then, universities have worked hard to catch up to industry demand by creating high quality AI degree programs, including flexible online options. In this guide we begin by examining seven of the best online bachelor’s degree programs in AI. We then list our full directory of online AI degrees. Use it to find the program that best fits your academic goals.

Rankings Methodology

There are 90+ bachelor’s degree programs in artificial intelligence, but only 21 of those are currently offered online. Our goal is to feature the best online programs and highlight their unique offerings, making it easy for AI enthusiasts to compare programs.

This guide considers only bachelor’s degrees in artificial intelligence, and closely related fields like machine learning, from accredited, not-for-profit schools. We looked at equally weighted factors such as reputation, program quality, student success, AI research, and affordability. Within those factors, we also examined external awards, median undergraduate earnings, student completion rates, and published research from faculty.

Online AI programs continue to grow as the demand for AI workers increases. We expect to make regular updates to this list as new degree programs are offered. Check back often for new additions and the latest information about online bachelor’s degrees in AI.

The purpose of this guide is to highlight promising online AI bachelor’s degrees and what makes them notable. The “best” option isn’t the same for every student, and ultimately depends on your interests, career goals, budget, program availability, and more. Use the rankings to learn more about some of the top options, but also consider the programs from our full directory; you may find a better fit for your needs. Good luck!

Best Online Bachelor’s in Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs

1 Indiana University – Bloomington, IN

Overview | Online B.A. in Artificial Intelligence

Indiana University’s Bachelor of Arts in AI is a career-focused, 100% online program where students explore areas such as machine learning, cognitive computing, and AI ethics. Students also have the option to focus on robotics and learn how to leverage AI and bot platforms to create robotics process automation. With their emphasis on industry-applicable curriculum, Indiana University’s BA in AI program succeeds in helping more than half of their students advance in their careers before they’ve even graduated.

In addition to academics, Indiana University is home to the Luddy AI Center (LAIC), dedicated to investigating the opportunities and challenges of AI. The LAIC brings together undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff from various departments related to AI, including computer science, informatics, intelligent systems engineering, information and library science, psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science. Their strong interdisciplinary focus extends to research projects done in conjunction with LAIC, which take place at a wide range of labs and centers across campus. Undergraduate students can also participate in research; the R-House Robotics Lab focuses on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), for example.

Learn More About AI at IU:

• Admissions Information
• Curriculum
• Tuition Info

Indiana University’s Online BA in Artificial Intelligence

2 University of Arizona – Tucson, AZ

Overview | Online BAS in Applied Computing with Applied Artificial Intelligence Emphasis

The University of Arizona’s Bachelor of Applied Science with an emphasis in AI is a 100% online program that highlights hands-on information technology experiences to prepare students for the job market. Students start out with shared Applied Computing foundational classes such as Introduction to Computing, Fundamentals of Cybersecurity, Statistics, Networking, and Cyber Ethics. The AI emphasis requires additional classes in subjects like Data Analysis and Visualization, Advanced Analytics, and Violent Python, a 400-level overview of Python that focuses on offensive and defensive cybersecurity operations.

A strong supporter of the US Armed Forces, the University of Arizona also offers degree pathways for Air University students to seamlessly transfer credits and earn their BAS. The AU-ABC (Air University – Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative) program allows US Air Force and Space Force members to transfer their CCAF (Community College of the Air Force) Associate of Applied Science degree and quickly complete their bachelor’s degree. For students in other parts of the military, the University of Arizona offers many resources for active military members, veterans, and their dependents.

Learn More About AI at U of A:

• Admissions Information
• Curriculum
• Tuition Info

U of A’s Online BAS in Applied Computing with Applied AI Emphasis

3 Colorado State University – Fort Collins, CO

Overview | Online BS in Computer Science, with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Concentration

Colorado State University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in AI and ML is a 100% online program that focuses on creating intelligent systems. In addition to their computer science coursework, students in the AI and ML concentration get a foundation in math, statistics, and data science while learning to use a broad range of AI and ML tools, techniques, and algorithms. The program emphasizes using AI and ML in an ethically and socially responsible manner, with a particular awareness for bias and how it can be introduced into learning data sets.

For students who plan to continue their education, Colorado State University offers an Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP), which allows undergraduate computer science students to take graduate courses that count toward their master’s degree. The AMP program permits students to apply up to nine credit hours of 500-level coursework to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. As long as students maintain the required passing grades, meet admission requirements, and complete their bachelor’s degree, they are guaranteed admission to the partnering graduate program and are not required to take the GRE.

Learn More About AI at CSU:

• Admissions Information
• Curriculum
• Tuition Info

Colorado State’s Online BS in CS with AI & ML Concentration

4 Kansas State University – Manhattan, KS

Overview | Online Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems Bachelor’s Degree

Kansas State was one of the first universities to offer a Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems bachelor’s degree, which focuses on learning the skills used to automate systems that learn and improve with minimal programming and human contact. These autonomous systems work, learn, and adapt independently using AI frameworks. Within the Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems curriculum, students choose between a web development track and a computation core track, in addition to shared major requirements like Introduction to Automata and Cybernetic Systems Theory and Reinforcement Learning in Autonomous Systems.

The degree is offered by the Kansas State University Saline Aerospace and Technology Campus, which uses innovative learning, real-world experience, and industry connections to prepare students for careers in aerospace, technology, and artificial intelligence. Faculty are actively engaged in research, both on campus and in partnership with industry and other universities. Projects such as “Mapping for Accessibility in Built Environments” (MABLE) use crowdsensing, AI, and robotics to assist people with sight and mobility impairments. Undergraduate students are also required to complete an Autonomous Systems senior capstone project before graduation, which gives everyone the opportunity to participate in hands-on application of the curriculum.

Learn More About AI at K-State:

• Admissions Information
• Curriculum
• Tuition Info

K-State’s Online Bachelor’s in ML & Autonomous Systems

5 IUPUI / Indiana University–Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN

Overview | Online B.A. in Artificial Intelligence

Indiana University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in AI focuses on how AI interacts with humans and how automation will impact society and the workforce. This focus is evident in the curriculum, which includes classes like Social Informatics, Social Impact of Bots and Automation, Introduction to HCI (human-computer interaction), and Computer and Information Ethics. With this degree, students are prepared for User Experience (UX) jobs related to AI compliance and human interaction.

Classes are offered on campus, online, or hybrid to give students flexibility and control over their schedule. The AI undergraduate degree also includes two industry certifications—Rasa AI Assistant Developer and Cocohub.ai—which help set students apart as they enter the job market. For those seeking a master’s degree, Indiana University offers an accelerated degree program where students can earn their BA in AI and a master’s in Applied Data Science in just five years.

Learn More About AI at IU Indianapolis:

• Admissions Information
• Curriculum
• Tuition Info

IU Indianapolis’ Online BA in Artificial Intelligence

6 Arkansas State University – Jonesboro, AR

Overview | Online B.S. in Digital Technology and Design, with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Concentration

Arkansas State University’s Bachelor of Science in Technology and Design with a concentration in AI and ML is a 100% online program that focuses on how AI intersects with business. The Technology and Design program’s emphasis on creativity and technology equip students with digital marketing and design skills, with classes like Design Literacy, Human Centered Design, and Graphic Design Internship. Students in the AI and ML concentration take additional AI- and ML-focused design classes such as Analysis and Design of AI, and Design and Development of AI. The program also focuses on the software industry’s shift to cloud operations and how AI can be leveraged in the cloud efficiently by developing proficiency in cloud deployment processes.

Arkansas State offers an accelerated online format with multiple start dates throughout the academic year. Students can start classes quickly and plan around their schedule, taking advantage of the flexibility that enables them to continue working while earning their degree.

Learn More About AI at Arkansas State:

• Admissions Information
• Curriculum
• Tuition Info

Arkansas State’s Online B.S. in Digital Technology and Design, with AI & ML Concentration

7 Golden Gate University – Jonesboro, AR

Overview | Online B.S. in Applied Machine Learning

Golden Gate University’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Machine Learning focuses on real-world applications of machine learning algorithms across a variety of fields to prepare students for jobs in finance, commerce, healthcare, technology, and other industries. The program is offered online or hybrid and is catered to working professionals who strive to advance their careers by continuing their education while working.

Situated in San Fransisco near Silicon Valley, Golden Gate University has industry partners and faculty (including instructors and advisors) from some of the top-tech companies. With students in various stages of their professional career, Golden Gate University puts an extra emphasis on student services and support. This includes academic advising, career services, and regular Campus Week events, where students can meet other students, alumni, and faculty and attend presentations on topics such as “Living and Working with AI in the 21st Century.”

Learn More About AI at GGU:

• Admissions Information
• Curriculum
• Tuition Info

GGU’s Online BS in Applied Machine Learning

This concludes our analysis of notable online bachelor’s in AI programs, but remember that this is just a helpful starting point for your research. There are many other online AI degrees from accredited colleges, and we’ve compiled a full directory below for you to explore. Organized by state, this list summarizes all available options. Take a look and find the program that best suits your academic needs and career goals.