AI and Computer Science: How a CS Master's Prepares You

If it feels like talk of artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere lately, it's not your imagination. AI has become embedded in many everyday tools and jobs.

"AI spans nearly every industry now," said Tim Hogg, an adjunct computer science instructor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), who's also led a team of AI engineers. "You're starting to see a fusion of those general engineering or developer roles with specialties in AI and machine learning now."

And as AI continues to evolve, computer science (CS) programs are creating new ways to enter or advance in this field. If this sparks your interest, you might consider earning a master's degree in computer science with a focus on AI.

Can I Work In AI With a Computer Science Degree?

A computer science degree can help prepare you for several types of AI jobs. Hogg said these roles include:

• AI product manager
• Applied AI specialist in fields like healthcare, marketing or finance
• Computer vision engineer
• Machine learning engineer
• NLP engineer

In addition to these AI-specific roles, Hogg noted that there are jobs that combine traditional software development with AI skills. "(What) we're starting to see more is these hybrid roles that are increasing in demand," he said.*

Being a software engineer or business intelligence developer, Hogg said, now often requires AI or machine learning knowledge as part of the job.

Salaries can vary based on role and experience, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).* Some jobs in AI might offer higher pay than another, but it can depend on where you work, your skills and your level of education.*

How AI and Computer Science Work Together

At its core, AI is built on the same computer science principles used across many tech fields. When you study computer science, you're not just learning how to code. You're learning how systems work, how data flows and how to design tools that solve real-world problems — all essential skills for working with AI, Hogg said.

It's a combination of developer skills with machine learning and AI capabilities, and many schools have added AI into their curriculum because of it. At SNHU, for example, you can take an introduction to AI literacy course that is a beginner-friendly gateway to starting your learning in this area. Or, if you're looking for something deeper, you could consider a graduate program, adding a concentration in AI to your computer science master's degree.

In this concentration, you can go beyond theory, and focus on real tools and techniques used in the field. The objective? Not just to use AI, but to understand it — and apply it responsibly. SNHU's AI concentration was designed with the goal of helping you gain a deep comprehension of foundational AI concepts, Hogg said.

Will AI Replace Computer Science Degrees?

A question Hogg hears often is: Will AI replace jobs in tech? He believes that while some simple coding tasks might be done by AI, many computer science jobs will still need real people.

"Computer science is more than just about writing code," Hogg said. "What humans do really well that AI doesn't is understand problems, right? So it's more than writing code. It's about problem-solving, system design, ethical reasoning and understanding the why behind technology."

While AI tools can speed things up, he noted they still need human input. "They can accelerate productivity for engineers, but they still require human oversight, creativity, contextual understanding," he said. "As AI becomes more powerful, the need for skilled professionals to build, govern and apply it responsibly, increases."

That growing need for skilled professionals is one reason a master's degree in computer science — especially one with an AI focus — could be a consideration for you.

Is a Master's Worth It for AI?

If you're serious about pursuing a future in AI, a master's degree in computer science can help you deepen your expertise and stand out in a competitive field. Hogg noted that AI doesn't just expand your skill set — it can also lead to new and more specialized opportunities in the tech field.*

An AI education can allow you to experiment hands-on with various industry tools. "(You'll) use tools like Python, PyTorch, cloud-based machine learning platforms, fine-tuning, pre-training models from Hugging Face," Hogg said.

But you'll also be able to take on real-world projects, Hogg noted. You can work with building recommendation systems, image classifiers and chatbots to help create a portfolio of work that you can bring with you into the AI field, he said.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Nicholas Patterson ’22 is a writer and alumnus of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing. He is currently honing his craft further as he pursues an MFA in Creative Writing from SNHU. Connect with him on LinkedIn.