Georgia Artificial Intelligence (AI) Degree Programs

Georgia is rapidly becoming a southeastern powerhouse for technology and innovation. With major research universities, a booming tech industry in Atlanta, and strong support for startups and STEM education, Georgia offers a dynamic environment for students interested in artificial intelligence (AI) degree programs.

Why Study Artificial Intelligence in Georgia

Georgia blends academic excellence, a vibrant tech scene, and strong career potential for AI students. From Atlanta’s urban innovation to research hubs across the state, Georgia makes a compelling case for launching your AI journey.

Thriving Tech Ecosystem: Atlanta hosts a growing number of AI-focused companies and innovation hubs, and incubators like ATDC and TechSquare Labs.
Industry Demand for AI Talent: Major sectors—including healthcare, logistics, fintech, and cybersecurity—are driving demand for AI expertise across the state.
Strong Job Prospects: Georgia ranks among the top states for tech employment growth, offering roles in data science, machine learning, and AI product development.
Academic and Research Strength: The state is home to nationally ranked research institutions and specialized AI labs.
Affordable Living and Diverse Culture: With a lower cost of living than many tech-heavy states and a rich mix of culture, food, and outdoor life, Georgia offers a high quality of life for students.

Some of the Top Artificial Intelligence Schools in Georgia

Georgia is home to several respected institutions offering advanced education in artificial intelligence and related fields. The following schools represent just some of the top options within the state:

Emory University – Continuing Education

Artificial Intelligence Certificate Programs

Emory University offers a suite of short, focused certificate programs through its Continuing Education division, each designed to address different facets of artificial intelligence in professional contexts:

AI Essentials: A Practical Guide for Professionals – Introduces prompt engineering techniques using popular AI tools to help professionals boost productivity and manage tasks more efficiently.
Practical Artificial Intelligence with Power BI – Combines data analytics, machine learning, and Power BI tools to support business professionals looking to harness AI in data-driven roles.
The Ethical Path to AI – Delivered by the Emory University Center for Ethics, this course helps organizations and individuals navigate the strategic, ethical, and operational challenges posed by AI technologies.
AI-Powered Augmented Data Science Certificate – An 8-week, hands-on program that teaches students how to design and deploy AI-integrated data science models.

About the University

Emory University is a private research university based in Atlanta, Georgia, recognized for its strengths in ethics, healthcare, and interdisciplinary education. Its continuing education offerings are geared toward professionals seeking to upgrade skills in rapidly evolving fields.

Georgia Institute of Technology – College of Computing

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Georgia Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offers a flexible and innovative curriculum built around its Threads model. Students select two of nine Threads to tailor their degree to specific interests, including multiple options relevant to artificial intelligence.

The Computing and Intelligence Thread emphasizes the development of models and systems that replicate or simulate human-level intelligence.
Other AI-adjacent options include Computing and People (human-computer interaction), Computing and Devices (embedded systems and autonomy), and Computing and Modeling – Simulation (representing physical and natural processes).
The program includes foundational coursework in programming and computational theory, and supports undergraduate research and international study.
All students graduate with a strong technical base and specialized skills shaped by their chosen Threads.

Graduate Programs in Artificial Intelligence

Georgia Tech offers an extensive portfolio of graduate programs that integrate artificial intelligence across disciplines such as computer science, robotics, machine learning, and industrial engineering. These programs are designed to prepare students to lead in AI research, development, and application across industries.

Machine Learning Ph.D. and Computer Science M.S./Ph.D. programs provide deep technical expertise in core AI domains, including machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and AI theory.
Robotics M.S./Ph.D. and Human-Computer Interaction M.S. emphasize the intersection of AI with perception, control, interaction, and cognitive systems.
Additional AI-relevant degrees include Computational Science & Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, and Statistics, all of which integrate AI methods for solving complex problems in science and industry.
Flexible online formats are available for the M.S. in Computer Science, Analytics, and Cybersecurity.

These programs benefit from Georgia Tech’s renowned faculty, strong research ecosystem, and partnerships with leading tech companies.

About the University

Georgia Tech is a prominent public research university located in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for its emphasis on STEM education and innovation, the university offers a dynamic learning environment with close ties to industry and research hubs.

University of Georgia – Institute for Artificial Intelligence

Undergraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence – Computing

The University of Georgia offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence – Computing that introduces students to the foundational principles and practical techniques of AI. Designed for students in STEM-related fields, the certificate emphasizes both technical competencies and ethical considerations. Program highlights include:

At least 16 credit hours of coursework in foundational AI, logic, ethics, and electives.
Required courses include Artificial Intelligence and a choice between discrete mathematics or symbolic logic, and AI ethics or societal implications.
Electives span areas such as robotics, reinforcement learning, data mining, and biomedical image analysis.
Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in all required courses.

University of Georgia – Franklin College of Arts & Sciences

Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

The University of Georgia’s MS in Artificial Intelligence is an interdisciplinary graduate program housed within the Artificial Intelligence Center. The curriculum combines coursework and a research-based thesis, typically completed in two years, and prepares students for careers as AI developers or for doctoral study.

Foundational instruction draws on computer science, linguistics, logic, philosophy, and psychology.
Students explore AI areas such as logic programming, expert systems, neural networks, genetic algorithms, and natural language processing.
Required coursework includes symbolic programming, artificial intelligence, logic, and at least two of the following: knowledge-based systems, computational intelligence, natural language processing, or computer vision/pattern recognition.

About the University

The University of Georgia is a major public research university located in Athens, Georgia. Known for its comprehensive academic offerings and vibrant campus life, UGA is one of the oldest public universities in the United States and a prominent member of the University System of Georgia.

AI Scholarships and Financial Aid in Georgia

Students pursuing AI and related tech degrees in Georgia have access to a variety of scholarship and financial aid opportunities:

HOPE Scholarship – A merit-based scholarship for Georgia residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA, providing tuition assistance at eligible public and private colleges.
Zell Miller Scholarship – Offers full tuition coverage for Georgia residents who graduate high school with a minimum 3.7 GPA and meet standardized test score requirements.
Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG) – Provides financial assistance to Georgia residents attending eligible private colleges in the state.
University of Georgia Scholarships – UGA offers a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships for undergraduate students.
Georgia Tech Scholarships – Georgia Tech provides various institutional scholarships, including the prestigious Stamps President’s Scholars Program.
Emory University Scholarships – Emory offers need-based and merit-based scholarships, such as the Emory Scholars Program and the Woodruff Scholarship.

To maximize financial aid eligibility, don’t forget to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

AI Career Pathways, Certifications, and Resources in Georgia

Georgia offers a thriving tech environment and a strong job market for AI professionals. Whether you’re launching your career or advancing your expertise, the state provides numerous avenues for development and growth.

AI Career Outcomes in Georgia – Popular roles include AI/machine learning engineer, data scientist, computer vision specialist, and AI product manager. These positions are in high demand across industries such as healthcare, transportation, cybersecurity, and fintech.
Top Employers and Tech Hubs – Companies like Microsoft, NCR, Delta Air Lines, Anthem, and startups emerging from Atlanta Tech Village and ATDC actively hire tech talent. Georgia’s strong logistics and supply chain sectors also fuel demand for predictive analytics and automation.
AI Certifications and Microcredentials – Professional certifications such as the AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty help students and professionals validate their expertise.
Professional Networks and Meetups – Georgia hosts thriving AI and data science communities through groups like Data Science ATL.
Conferences and Innovation Events – Annual gatherings like TECHSPO Atlanta and events at TechSquare Labs offer valuable learning and networking opportunities.

What to Look for In an AI Program in Georgia

With Georgia’s wide range of academic offerings, selecting the right AI program comes down to your career goals, interests, and preferred learning format. Remember that AI programs may be housed under broader departments like computer science, engineering, or data science.

Here are key factors to consider:

Program Titles and Focus Areas – Many programs won’t be labeled strictly as “AI.” Look for concentrations or coursework in machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, or data analytics within computer science and engineering programs.
Types of AI Degrees and Certificates:
- Certificates and bootcamps offer short-term, skill-focused training and may be ideal for career changers or working professionals.
- An AI degree for undergraduates provides foundational knowledge in AI principles, software development, and data science.
- Master’s degrees often allow for specialization in applied AI, AI ethics, or specific technologies like deep learning.
- AI-focused PhD programs prepare students for careers in academic research, AI innovation, and leadership in R&D.
Program Delivery and Flexibility – Consider whether you need in-person, hybrid, or fully online formats, as well as part-time or accelerated options.
Faculty Expertise and Research Opportunities – Investigate faculty backgrounds and whether they lead AI-related research labs, publish regularly, or collaborate with industry.
Career Support and Industry Connections – Top programs provide internship placement, career counseling, and networking opportunities with local tech employers.

FAQs About Studying AI in Georgia

Is Georgia a good place to find AI jobs after graduation?
Yes. Georgia—especially the Atlanta metro area—is one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the Southeast. AI professionals are in demand across industries like fintech, healthcare, logistics, and enterprise software.

Do I need a computer science background to study AI?
Not necessarily. While a technical background helps, many undergraduate programs welcome students from a range of academic experiences. Graduate programs may require some prerequisite coursework in math, programming, or data science.

Are there part-time or online AI programs in Georgia?
Yes. Several Georgia institutions offer flexible formats, including online master’s degrees, part-time bootcamps, and certificate programs designed for working professionals.

What is the average salary for AI graduates in Georgia?
Salaries vary by role and experience, but AI professionals in Georgia often earn between $95,000 and $140,000 annually. Specialized roles like machine learning engineer or data scientist tend to be on the higher end.

Can I work on AI research as a student in Georgia?
Absolutely. Schools like Georgia Tech and Emory offer numerous research opportunities in areas like robotics, computer vision, and ethics in AI. Undergraduate and graduate students alike can get involved in lab work, funded projects, or interdisciplinary research teams.

What kinds of student organizations or extracurriculars support AI learning in Georgia?
Institutions like Georgia Tech and UGA host active student organizations focused on AI, robotics, and data science. Groups such as AI@GT, UGA Data Dawgs, and hackathons like HackGT offer hands-on projects, speaker events, and collaborative learning environments outside the classroom.