Are Artificial Intelligence Courses Worth It?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a major part of industries across the world, leading more people to ask if taking AI courses is worth the effort. AI courses can offer strong value depending on a person’s career goals, according to Ben Tasker, associate dean of AI and data science at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

"AI is exploding in demand right now," he said. "The World Economic Forum aims to upskill a billion people to learn AI by 2030."

Taking AI courses can help you build critical skills in areas like communication, prompt engineering and responsible use of AI tools. The value, Tasker said, is not just in gaining technical skills but in learning how to work more efficiently.

AI can help reduce the time spent on routine tasks, allowing you to contribute more and become more valuable to your organization, he said.

"As AI tools become more common in everyday jobs, learning how to use them effectively could help you stay competitive in a fast-changing market."

Are AI Courses Useful?

Taking an AI course can be a smart move if you are looking to stay relevant in the workplace. According to Tasker, they teach more than just technical knowledge.

“You learn how to use AI tools to solve problems and improve workplace productivity," he said. "Everybody can benefit from it, not just the engineers or the people designing AI."

Applying AI means using large language models (LLMs) to streamline everyday tasks like planning, writing or project management. This hands-on approach can aid workers in many industries to learn how to save time and work more efficiently, he said.

Building even basic AI skills, Tasker noted, can help you make a stronger impact at your company.

“You can do more for the company, increasing your own intrinsic value," he said.

Learn more about what AI is.

Is Earning an AI Degree Valuable?

An AI degree can open doors to specialized careers, but it is not the only path into the field. "If you want to create AI systems — building chatbots or developing algorithms — you’ll need a strong background in coding, data science and math," Tasker said.

Technical AI degrees, such as a master's in computer science with an AI concentration, can prepare you for highly specialized roles. But, Tasker said, not every AI job requires designing models from scratch. “Many roles focus on applied AI — using existing tools to improve business processes," he said.

These roles don’t always require advanced math or programming knowledge, making them more accessible to learners without a technical background. An applied AI role could be an accountant who uses AI tools to automate data entry, flag irregular transactions and generate real-time financial reports for faster decision-making, Tasker said.

There’s value in both paths. AI will probably play a role in nearly every profession over time, he said. If you want to move faster or focus on skill development without pursuing a full degree, Tasker recommended exploring AI microcredentials as alternatives. SNHU offers an AI microcredential that takes 6 weeks and can count as 9 credits towards a bachelor's degree.

“(Microcredentials) are short sprint learning,” Tasker said. “It’s designed more for workforce individuals — like a project manager who wants to learn about AI or someone who doesn't have an AI degree but knows they need AI skills to get the next job.”

Should You Learn AI?

Learning AI is becoming less of a niche skill and more of a professional necessity. AI will be in almost every industry, he said. “Understanding how to use it — even at a basic level — can give you an edge.”

AI tools are already helping workers do more in less time, making their contributions more valuable. From streamlining everyday tasks to improving decision-making, learning how to work with AI can make a measurable difference, Tasker said. “It amplifies what you’re already good at.”

Is AI Hard to Learn?

Learning AI can seem intimidating, but it depends on how deep you want to go. "If you want to develop AI systems, it does get technical," he said. "You will most likely need coding, data science, algorithms and math."

However, not all AI learning paths are highly technical. "My main encouragement is just start using it," Tasker said. "It’s getting better, not worse."

Experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, planning trips, creating documents or using it for simple projects is a good way to get into AI without needing a deep technical background, he said. If you are someone who prefers more structure, Tasker said, try using prompt guides or frameworks to improve results and build confidence over time.

Is AI a Good Career Path?

AI is one of the fastest-growing fields today, and the career opportunities are expanding quickly. “It’s one of the most popular markets right now,” Tasker said.

AI is reshaping many industries, creating new roles such as AI ethicist, prompt engineer and AI solutions architect. These careers focus on assisting companies to use AI responsibly and effectively, he said.

The skills learned in AI courses or microcredentials — such as prompt engineering and ethical risk assessment — can be valuable across a range of industries, not just in technology companies. AI is expected to influence nearly every job, he said, and learning how to use it now can help you stay ahead as industries evolve.

Ollie Burkett is a writer at Southern New Hampshire University, where he is pursuing his Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.