Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly, transforming everyday tasks and major industries. In daily life, AI powers virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa. In the healthcare sector, it aids in diagnostics, predictive analytics, and personalized treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. AI-driven automation has also revolutionized industries—such as manufacturing, finance, and logistics—by increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
As AI applications become more widespread, job opportunities for AI specialists increase. In recent years, hiring of AI professionals has grown by 32 percent. According to the 2023 Future of Jobs Report, demand for AI and machine learning specialists should increase by a further 40 percent (one million jobs) by 2027.
This article explores the artificial intelligence jobs you could qualify for with a master’s degree in computer science, like the online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) from the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville.
Customize Your Computer Science Education with UT’s MSCS
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Artificial Intelligence Jobs with a Master’s Degree
AI provides numerous and varied job opportunities, including positions focusing on data science, development, robotics, and natural language processing (NLP). Current computer science professionals can take advantage of the growth in AI and step into this new, exciting field by upskilling. Enrolling in an MSCS program offers a proven pathway to gaining the AI training needed to apply for jobs in artificial intelligence.
Continue reading to learn more about the specific artificial intelligence jobs you could pursue with an MSCS. Remember that job titles and responsibilities differ from one employer to another, and new opportunities continuously emerge as the field continues to evolve. Use the list below as a preliminary guide.
AI Developer
AI developers design, build, and implement AI models and algorithms to create intelligent systems that can autonomously learn, adapt, and perform tasks. AI developers work in various settings, including technology companies, research institutions, healthcare organizations, financial services, automotive industries, and startups. They also work in academia, government agencies, and consulting firms. AI developers earn an average annual income of over $129,000.
A master’s degree can help you learn about this emerging technology and how to build AI systems.
Algorithm Engineer
An algorithm engineer designs, optimizes, and implements algorithms to solve specific computational problems and improve system performance. Algorithm engineering is fundamental to AI development, as intelligent systems require algorithms to function.
Algorithm engineers can work in any business that requires advanced computational and analytical solutions, including technology firms, research and development labs, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and automotive companies. Algorithm engineer salaries typically range from $114,000 to $144,000.
As a specialized role, algorithm engineering requires a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, or a related field. Earning a master’s degree can help you stand out amongst other job candidates.
Prompt Engineer
Prompt engineers design and refine input prompts to optimize the performance and output of generative AI models. Prompt engineers generally work at companies that develop or use advanced AI and NLP technologies, such as tech giants, AI startups, digital assistants, content generation platforms, and customer service automation firms. Online salary estimates for prompt engineers vary widely, ranging from around $110,000 to over $180,000.
Prompt engineers need in-depth knowledge of AI systems and proficiency in programming languages. Enrolling in an MSCS program, especially one focusing on AI, can help you build these skills.
Machine Learning Engineer
A machine learning engineer develops and deploys algorithms that enable machines to learn from data and make predictions or decisions. Many tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook hire machine learning engineers. Finance, healthcare, and manufacturing companies also employ machine learning engineers, who earn an average base salary of about $160,000.
The online MSCS from UT, Knoxville, features machine learning-specific coursework to help you build the skills needed to pursue this career.
Deep Learning Engineer
Deep learning—a subset of machine learning—uses multilayered neural networks to extract higher-level features from raw data. Deep learning engineers design, build, and optimize these networks to solve complex problems such as computer vision, NLP, and speech recognition. They can work in any industry leveraging AI for data-driven insights and automation, including the technology, research, healthcare, and finance sectors. Deep learning engineers earn an average annual salary of around $115,000.
Deep learning is a specialized field that requires expert knowledge of AI and machine learning systems and the construction of deep networks. You can develop these capabilities by enrolling in an MSCS program and specializing in AI.
Natural Language Processing Engineer
Natural language processing (NLP) is how computer systems understand human language as it is spoken or written. NLP engineers develop algorithms and models to program systems that do this. They are often employed by tech companies that wish to build NLP software, as well as by customer service agencies and healthcare organizations. NLP engineers earn an average salary of around $117,000.
To become an NLP engineer, you must have in-depth knowledge of machine learning, linguistics, and human intelligence programs. Some MSCS programs, like the one offered by UT, include specific courses dedicated to NLP to help you advance in the field.
Business Intelligence Developer
Business intelligence (BI) developers create software and tools to make data accessible and valuable to an organization. AI can enhance BI by automating data integration, cleaning, and analysis, providing predictive insights, automating routine tasks, and offering real-time decision support.
BI developers can work in any industry that prioritizes data-driven decision-making. However, if you’re interested in AI-driven BI development, consider seeking employment in tech-forward companies and organizations. BI developers earn a median yearly salary of around $98,000. Enrolling in a master’s program can help you build the data mining and analysis capabilities and gain the AI knowledge needed to accelerate your BI career.
How an Online Master’s of Computer Science Prepares You for AI Jobs
Earning a master’s degree in computer science can qualify you for specialized jobs in the field, including those focused on AI. You can develop agile skills encompassing advanced computer science techniques and creative problem-solving in an MSCS program like the one offered online at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
UT’s online MSCS program offers three career-relevant concentrations, including one specifically focused on Data Mining and Intelligent Systems. This concentration teaches the advanced methodologies, models, and tools behind high-performance computing (HPC) and AI to enable students to develop creative applications of automation and big data. Courses include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, and more.
Why the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for Your Online MSCS
At UT, you can earn your MSCS degree 100 percent online at a pace that works for you, allowing you to balance your studies with work and family commitments. Most students complete the program in around 24 months; however, your completion time could differ depending on how many credits you take each semester.
As an online MSCS student, you will benefit from studying at the renowned UT Tickle College of Engineering and have access to expert faculty members, one of whom recently received the prestigious A.M. Turing Award.
Next Steps: Apply to UT Online
The demand for computer science professionals with AI skills and expertise is rising and should continue to grow for years. Earning an MSCS degree can help you prepare to take advantage of new job opportunities and accelerate your career. If you’re ready to move forward, review the admissions requirements and start your application today. You can also connect with an enrollment advisor to get help with your online MSCS application.
