So you’ve heard people talking about how artificial intelligence (AI) allows them to do their tasks more efficiently, and you want to try it yourself. The problem is you don’t know where to start.

Fret not because we’ve scoured the web for the best AI courses to introduce you to the technology. 

Whether you’re a budding enthusiast curious about AI or a seasoned professional aiming to elevate your expertise, here are the best AI courses to check out.

IBM: AI for Everyone: Master the Basics (edX)

One of the best AI courses online free of charge, this course demystifies AI and its applications and key concepts. 

Over a span of 4 weeks, this self-paced course is free, with an optional upgrade available for those seeking to dive deeper. This introductory course is rated 4.3 stars based on 72 ratings and can be your gateway to understanding what AI truly is, including its groundbreaking applications.

What You’ll Learn

  • AI fundamentals
  • Core concepts
  • Use cases
  • Career insights

Educational Institution/Instructors: Rav Ahuja (IBM Skills Network Global Program Director)

Pricing: $99; Free audit available

Certificate: Available for the paid tier 

Artificial Intelligence (Udacity)

Also included in our list of the best AI courses is this advanced course designed to immerse learners deeply into the core concepts of artificial intelligence.

With a rating of 4.5 stars from 162 reviews, this program promises to equip you with the skills needed to apply AI principles to real-life problems effectively. The program focuses on delivering hands-on experience through real-world projects, ensuring you not only learn but also apply your knowledge practically.

What You’ll Learn

  • Foundations of AI
  • Hands-on projects
  • Career-ready skills

Educational Institution/Instructors: Sebastian Thrun (Udacity Founder and Executive Chairman of Udacity, Founder of Google X), Thad Starner (Georgia Tech Computer Science Professor), Peter Norvi (Google  Research Director, Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach co-author)

Pricing: $249 per month subscription

Certificate: Available

Generative AI for Beginners (Udemy)

This course was crafted for those poised to plunge into the dynamic realm of Generative AI (GenAI) and unlock its potential.

With a stellar rating of 4.6 from 1,447 reviews taken by 12,132 students, this course was last updated on February 2024 and is accessible in English with auto-generated English subtitles.

What You’ll Learn

  • Detailed understanding of Generative AI
  • Key concepts
  • Industry use cases and practical ideas for implementation.

Educational Institution/Instructors: Aakriti E-Learning Academy

Pricing: $99.99

Certificate: Available

Harnessing AI in Marketing and Communication (Future Learn)

This four–week program empowers learners to leverage AI for strategic marketing and effective communication. 

This class is one of the best AI courses for marketing professionals, as it focuses on the use of AI tools for content creation, targeted marketing, and campaign analysis. 

What You’ll Learn

  • Content creation with AI
  • Targeted marketing
  • Measurement and analysis
  • Future trends

Educational Institution/Instructors: The University of Adelaide; Marketing professional David Rawlings 

Pricing: Paid tiers start at $39.99; Free limited access available

Certificate: Digital certificate for the $39.99 tier, digital and printed certificates for the $134 one-off payment

Generative AI: Implications and Opportunities for Business (Future Learn)

This program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, preparing participants to not only understand but also apply generative AI in a business context.

Through the guidance of industry experts, learners will navigate the complexities of AI technology, ensuring they are well equipped to lead in the digital age.

What You’ll Learn

  • Harnessing Generative AI
  • Economic impact of Generative AI
  • Anatomy of Generative AI Models
  • Business applications

Educational Institution/Instructors: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; Emmy Phuong Hoang (RMIT Digital Marketing Senior Program Manager), Kok-Leong Ong (RMIT’s Enterprise AI & Data Analytics Hub Director), Jason Potts (Economics Professor, RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub Co-director)

Pricing: $189

Certificate: Available

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Google: Google AI for Anyone (edX) 

If you’re looking for the best AI courses free of charge and you don’t need a completion certificate, this Google AI course is an economical solution.

Rated 4.6 stars by learners and with 59,650 participants already enrolled, this introductory-level course is accessible to anyone interested in understanding what AI truly is beyond the hype.

What You’ll Learn

  • AI Basics
  • Applications of AI
  • Programming AI
  • Neural Networks Basics

Educational Institution/Instructors: Laurence Moroney (Lead AI Advocate at Google)

Pricing: $299; Free audit available

Certificate: Available for the paid tier

AI For Everyone (DeepLearning.AI via Coursera)

Andrew Ng brings AI concepts to life, discussing their practical applications and implications, guiding learners on how to identify AI opportunities within their organizations and the broader industry.

With a 4.8-star rating from 40,295 reviews and with 1,229,310 learners already enrolled, this program is arguably one of the best AI courses in the world in terms of reviews. It promises to make the complex world of AI understandable and applicable for everyone, not just engineers.

What You’ll Learn

  • AI and Machine Learning Basics
  • Practical AI Applications
  • Building AI Strategy
  • Ethical AI Use

Educational Institution/Instructors: DeepLearning.AI; Andrew Ng (DeepLearning.AI Founder, AI Fund General Partner, Coursera Chairman and Co-Founder, Stanford University Adjunct Professor) 

Pricing $49 USD; Free audit available

Certificate: Available for the paid tier

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best AI courses to take? Which AI program is best?

The best AI courses to take are those that blend theoretical knowledge with practical application and are offered by reputable institutions. They range from introductory lessons on AI fundamentals to advanced specializations in machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks. The type of AI course to take highly depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use and apply AI in your project or career.

Which degree is best for AI?

For those looking to pursue an educational degree immersed in the world of artificial intelligence, a degree in Computer Science, often augmented by specialized courses in AI and Machine Learning, stands out as the prime choice. This path equips learners with the critical thinking, programming skills, and algorithmic understanding needed in the AI landscape.