Why would one not look for the Best AI Courses in 2024 when things like cars that drive themselves, robots doing surgeries, and computers writing music are gradually becoming a reality all because of Artificial intelligence (AI).
The news is filled with talk of AI, and for good reason. A study by the McKinsey Global Institute found that AI could create up to 15 trillion dollars in additional economic value by 2030.
That’s a huge number, and it means there will be a big demand for people who understand AI!
If you’re curious about AI but have no idea where to start, this blog post is for you. We’ll explore the 26 Best AI Courses for Beginners in 2024, designed to fit all learning styles and budgets.
What are the Best AI Courses?
Now, let’s take a walk through some of the best Artificial Intelligence courses in 2024, shall we?
1. IBM AI Engineering Specialization – Coursera
This very first course on our list here offers a comprehensive overview of AI engineering, the course covers topics like machine learning, deep learning, and AI deployment.
If you take this course, you will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects and labs, gaining practical experience in building AI applications.
- Provider: Coursera
- Cost: Paid (with financial aid available)
- Prerequisites: Basic programming knowledge
- Duration: Approximately 6 months
- Key Features: Modules on machine learning, deep learning, AI deployment, and capstone projects.
- Best for: Beginners seeking a structured path into AI engineering roles.
2. Intro to Artificial Intelligence Nanodegree – Udacity
The next on our list is the Nanodegree program which provides a foundational understanding of AI concepts, including search algorithms, optimization, and machine learning basics.
Students get to work on practical projects, gaining hands-on experience in AI development.
- Provider: Udacity
- Cost: Paid (with financial assistance available)
- Prerequisites: None
- Duration: Approximately 3 months
- Key Features: Hands-on projects, personalized feedback from mentors, and career services.
- Best for: Beginners aiming to kickstart their AI journey with hands-on projects and mentorship.
3. AI for Everyone – DeepLearning.ai
This course is designed for non-technical professionals who want to learn about artificial intelligence (AI).
Learners will gain knowledge of machine learning, data science, and the terminology used in AI.
The course will also provide learners with skills to build and work on AI projects.
Andrew Ng, founder of DeepLearning.AI, instructs the course.
- Provider: DeepLearning.AI
- Cost: Paid
- Prerequisites: None
- Duration: 6 hours
- Best for: Non-technical professionals who want to learn about AI
4. Microsoft Professional Program in AI – edX
Developed by Microsoft, this program offers a deep dive into AI concepts, tools, and techniques.
The course gives its student the opportunity learn about machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, gaining practical skills using Microsoft AI technologies.
- Provider: edX
- Cost: Paid
- Prerequisites: Basic programming skills, familiarity with probability and statistics
- Duration: Approximately 6 months
- Key Features: Hands-on labs, real-world projects, and expert instruction from Microsoft professionals.
- Best for: Beginners aspiring to gain expertise in AI using Microsoft technologies.
5. Google AI Education
Google AI Education is another AI course that offers a range of courses covering AI fundamentals, machine learning, and TensorFlow.
If you take this course, you will learn through interactive tutorials and practical exercises, gaining skills essential for AI development.
- Provider: Google AI
- Cost: Free
- Prerequisites: Basic programming knowledge
- Duration: Self-paced
- Key Features: Interactive tutorials, hands-on exercises, and access to TensorFlow resources.
- Best for: Beginners looking for free, self-paced AI courses backed by Google’s expertise.
6. Artificial Intelligence Engineer Master’s Program – Simplilearn
This master’s course also offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision.
Students are able to engage in hands-on projects and case studies that enable them to gain practical skills for AI engineering roles.
- Provider: Simplilearn
- Cost: Paid
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of programming and statistics
- Duration: Approximately 12 months
- Key Features: Instructor-led training, industry projects, and mentorship from AI experts.
- Best for: Beginners seeking an extensive program with instructor-led training and mentorship in AI engineering.
7. Machine Learning by Andrew Ng on Coursera – Stanford University
Taught by AI expert Andrew Ng, this course provides a foundational understanding of machine learning algorithms and techniques. Participants learn through video lectures, programming assignments, and quizzes.
- Provider: Coursera (Stanford University)
- Cost: Paid (with financial aid available)
- Prerequisites: Basic programming knowledge
- Duration: Approximately 11 weeks
- Key Features: Video lectures, programming assignments in MATLAB or Octave, and peer-reviewed assessments.
- Best for: Beginners seeking a rigorous introduction to machine learning from a renowned instructor.
8. Kaggle Courses
Kaggle offers beginner-friendly courses covering various AI topics, competitions, and projects. Participants learn through hands-on challenges and collaboration with a vibrant community of data scientists.
- Provider: Kaggle
- Cost: Free
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of programming and data analysis
- Duration: Self-paced
- Key Features: Hands-on projects, real-world datasets, and collaboration with data science community.
- Best for: Beginners looking for practical experience in AI through real-world projects and competitions.
9. Introduction to Deep Learning – MIT OpenCourseWare
This introductory course provides beginners with an overview of deep learning concepts, architectures, and applications. Anyone who takes this course will be able to explore case studies and research papers, gaining insights into mind-blowing developments in AI
.
- Provider: MIT OpenCourseWare
- Cost: Free
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of calculus and linear algebra
- Duration: Self-paced
- Key Features: Video lectures, case studies, and research papers.
- Best for: Beginners interested in understanding the principles and applications of deep learning from a renowned institution.
10. Introduction to Machine Learning with Python – DataCamp
Geared towards beginners, this course focuses on machine learning basics using Python. Participants learn through interactive exercises and real-world datasets, mastering essential algorithms and techniques.
- Provider: DataCamp
- Cost: Paid (with free trial available)
- Prerequisites: Basic Python programming knowledge
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Key Features: Interactive coding exercises, real-world datasets, and instant feedback.
- Best for: Beginners seeking hands-on experience with machine learning using Python.
11. AI Foundations for Everyone – LinkedIn Learning
Suitable for beginners, this course covers AI fundamentals, ethical considerations, and practical applications across various industries.
Students will gain insights from industry experts and case studies which will help them understand AI’s impact on society and business.
- Provider: LinkedIn Learning
- Cost: Paid (with free trial available)
- Prerequisites: None
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Key Features: Expert-led videos, real-world case studies, and quizzes.
- Best for: Beginners interested in gaining a broad understanding of AI’s applications and implications across different domains
12. Deep Learning Specialization on Coursera – DeepLearning.AI
Led by AI pioneer Andrew Ng, this specialization offers beginners a comprehensive understanding of deep learning. Participants delve into topics such as neural networks, sequence models, and convolutional networks through hands-on programming assignments and real-world projects.
- Provider: Coursera (DeepLearning.AI)
- Cost: Paid (with financial aid available)
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of Python programming and machine learning concepts
- Duration: Approximately 4-5 months
- Key Features: Video lectures, programming assignments, and real-world projects.
- Best for: Beginners seeking a deep dive into deep learning concepts and applications under the guidance of an industry expert.
13. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate – Coursera (IBM)
While focusing on data science, this program also provides beginners with essential AI concepts and techniques. Participants learn to analyze data, build predictive models, and deploy AI solutions using IBM tools like Watson Studio.
- Provider: Coursera (IBM)
- Cost: Paid (with financial aid available)
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of Python programming and statistics
- Duration: Approximately 9 months
- Key Features: Video lectures, hands-on labs using IBM tools, and real-world projects.
- Best for: Beginners aiming to gain expertise in both data science and AI, particularly using IBM technologies.
14. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence – FutureLearn
This beginner-friendly course explores the fundamentals of AI, including problem-solving, knowledge representation, and AI applications. Participants engage in interactive simulations and discussions, gaining insights into AI’s role in various domains.
- Provider: FutureLearn
- Cost: Free (with a certificate available for purchase)
- Prerequisites: None
- Duration: Approximately 6 weeks
- Key Features: Video lectures, interactive simulations, and discussions.
- Best for: Beginners seeking a broad understanding of AI concepts and their applications in diverse fields.
15. Practical Deep Learning for Coders – Fast.ai
Aimed at beginners with coding experience, this course emphasizes practical deep learning skills. Participants learn to build and train neural networks using the fastai library, with a focus on real-world applications and best practices.
- Provider: Fast.ai
- Cost: Free
- Prerequisites: Basic programming knowledge, familiarity with Python
- Duration: Self-paced
- Key Features: Video lectures, coding exercises, and real-world projects.
- Best for: Beginners interested in a hands-on deep learning experience with real-world applications and best practices
16. CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python – Harvard University
This course introduces AI concepts using Python, covering search algorithms, knowledge representation, and machine learning basics.
Participants work on hands-on projects, gaining practical skills in AI development.
- Provider: edX (Harvard University)
- Cost: Free (with a certificate available for purchase)
- Prerequisites: Basic Python programming knowledge
- Duration: Approximately 6 weeks
- Key Features: Video lectures, interactive coding exercises, and real-world projects.
- Best for: Beginners interested in learning AI with a focus on Python programming.
17. NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI)
NVIDIA DLI offers beginner-level courses covering deep learning fundamentals, GPU-accelerated computing, and AI applications. Participants gain hands-on experience with NVIDIA hardware and software, learning from industry experts in AI and machine learning.
- Provider: NVIDIA DLI
- Cost: Paid
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of programming and data science concepts
- Duration: Varies depending on the course
- Key Features: Hands-on labs, real-world projects, and expert-led instruction.
- Best for: Beginners seeking practical experience with deep learning and GPU-accelerated computing.
18. AI Fundamentals – Pluralsight
This course provides a foundational understanding of AI concepts, including machine learning algorithms and neural networks. Participants learn through video tutorials and hands-on exercises, gaining practical skills for AI development.
- Provider: Pluralsight
- Cost: Paid (with free trial available)
- Prerequisites: Basic programming knowledge
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours
- Key Features: Video tutorials, hands-on exercises, and quizzes.
- Best for: Beginners seeking a concise introduction to AI concepts with a focus on practical skills.
19. Machine Learning & AI Foundations: Recommendations – LinkedIn Learning
This course introduces beginners to machine learning and AI algorithms, focusing on recommendation systems. Participants explore the principles behind recommendation algorithms and learn to implement them in real-world scenarios.
- Provider: LinkedIn Learning
- Cost: Paid (with free trial available)
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of programming and data analysis
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Key Features: Video lectures, real-world examples, and quizzes.
- Best for: Beginners interested in learning about recommendation systems and their practical applications.
20. AI for Everyone – Oxford University Department for Continuing Education
Tailored for beginners, this course offers insights into the societal impact of AI, ethical considerations, and practical applications. Participants explore case studies and engage in discussions, gaining a holistic understanding of AI’s role in society.
- Provider: Oxford University Department for Continuing Education
- Cost: Paid
- Prerequisites: None
- Duration: Approximately 6 weeks
- Key Features: Video lectures, case studies, and discussions.
- Best for: Beginners seeking a broad understanding of AI’s impact on society, ethics, and practical applications.
21. Machine Learning Specialization on Coursera – University of Washington
This specialization covers machine learning algorithms, regression, classification, clustering, and deep learning. Participants work on hands-on projects, applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems in diverse domains.
- Provider: Coursera (University of Washington)
- Cost: Paid (with financial aid available)
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of programming and mathematics
- Duration: Approximately 6 months
- Key Features: Video lectures, programming assignments, and real-world projects.
- Best for: Beginners aiming to gain expertise in machine learning algorithms and their applications through practical project
22. Learning AI: An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence – LinkedIn Learning
This course provides an overview of AI concepts, including machine learning, neural networks, and AI applications in business. Participants learn from expert-led videos and case studies, gaining insights into AI’s impact on various industries.
- Provider: LinkedIn Learning
- Cost: Paid (with free trial available)
- Prerequisites: None
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Key Features: Video lectures, real-world case studies, and quizzes.
- Best for: Beginners seeking a concise introduction to AI concepts and their practical applications in business contexts.
23. IBM AI Learning Paths
IBM offers beginner-friendly AI learning paths covering various topics such as data science, machine learning, and AI ethics. Participants engage in practical labs and assessments, gaining skills essential for AI development and deployment.
- Provider: IBM
- Cost: Paid
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of programming and data science concepts
- Duration: Varies depending on the learning path
- Key Features: Interactive labs, expert-led instruction, and assessments.
- Best for: Beginners interested in learning AI concepts and techniques using IBM technologies and frameworks.
24. Applied Data Science with Python Specialization – University of Michigan (Coursera)
This specialization focuses on data science techniques using Python, covering topics such as data manipulation, visualization, and machine learning. Participants work on hands-on projects, gaining practical skills for data analysis and AI development.
- Provider: Coursera (University of Michigan)
- Cost: Paid (with financial aid available)
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of Python programming
- Duration: Approximately 6 months
- Key Features: Video lectures, programming assignments, and real-world projects.
- Best for: Beginners seeking a comprehensive introduction to data science and machine learning using Python.
25. Artificial Intelligence for Everyone – LinkedIn Learning
This beginner-level course explores AI fundamentals, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. Participants learn from expert-led videos and case studies, gaining insights into AI’s practical applications across various domains.
- Provider: LinkedIn Learning
- Cost: Paid (with free trial available)
- Prerequisites: None
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Key Features: Video lectures, real-world case studies, and quizzes.
- Best for: Beginners interested in understanding AI concepts and their applications across different domains.
26. IBM Watson
IBM Watson offers a suite of AI tools and services tailored for beginners, covering natural language processing, computer vision, and chatbots. Participants gain hands-on experience with Watson APIs, learning to build AI-powered applications.
- Provider: IBM
- Cost: Paid (with free trial available)
- Prerequisites: Basic understanding of programming and AI concepts
- Duration: Self-paced
- Key Features: Access to Watson APIs, documentation, and tutorials.
- Best for: Beginners looking to explore AI capabilities and build applications using IBM Watson services.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we’ll look at some of the frequently asked questions about the best AI courses;
Do I need prior experience for these AI courses?
While most courses are beginner-friendly, some may require basic programming skills or familiarity with certain concepts. Each course description outlines any prerequisites to help you choose the right fit.
Do these courses provide certifications, and how do they benefit learners?
Yes, many courses offer certificates upon completion. These certifications can bolster your resume and showcase your skills to employers, potentially opening up new career opportunities in AI and related fields.
How much time do I need to commit to these courses?
Course durations vary, ranging from a few weeks to several months. The blog post provides insights into the typical time commitments for each course, allowing you to plan your studies accordingly.
Final Thoughts
So far we’ve been able to go through some of the best AI courses for both beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners in 2024.
Most of these courses are free while some are paid with free trials. Some have shorter commitment time while others are longer depending on the syllabus and learning pattern of each course.
One thing is certain, you can choose to learn at your own pace so as to fully assimilate the course contents.
Always make sure you’re getting the best out of any course you choose to go with. AI is here to stay, we can only adapt as soon as possible. Happy learning!
