AI degrees: How you can prepare for a career that didn’t exist 5 years ago
Artificial intelligence isn't going anywhere, and the workforce's increased dependence on AI means there's no better time than now to ensure you can keep up.
Artificial intelligence was in its infancy five years ago compared to where it is today, and the workforce’s increased dependence on AI means there’s no better time than now to ensure you can keep up.
If you’re hesitant about the time and financial commitment that comes with higher education, Western Governors University exists to meet people where they’re at, as an affordable, fully online degree, certificate and license enabler.
Learn the AI skills you need for what’s next with one of WGU’s School of Technology’s numerous tracks, including its Bachelor of Science in AI Engineering degree and AI Skills Fundamentals Certificate.
The rise in jobs that require knowledge of artificial intelligence can be illustrated in the WGU Workforce Decoded: 2025-26 Annual Report, which surveyed 3,147 Southwest region employers.
Of those hiring managers surveyed in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Nevada, more than 45% answered, “We assess real-world experience using AI tools,” while nearly 31% said, “We look for certifications.”
The report also revealed about 78% of employers are changing their hiring requirements because of AI’s influence, and 39% are decreasing the number of entry-level jobs they offer as well.
What AI skills can a WGU program teach me?
From integration to automation to ethics, an AI degree or certificate track at the WGU School of Technology will help you fill your résumé with exactly the skills employers are looking for when hiring.
For example, the Bachelor of Science in AI Engineering degree plan allows you to get certified in Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals at no extra charge. The degree itself equips you with the ability to develop applications, master programming languages like Python, C# and SQL and learn security and risk management techniques. Students can usually obtain this degree in four years.
The AI Fundamentals Certificate can be earned in just three months, and the three courses cost $699 in total.
Scott Pulsipher, president of WGU, recently wrote that these educational pathways should help people “lead self-determined lives.”
“Even in an AI-native environment, our disposition should always be to enable human connectivity and ensure humans remain the principal actors,” Pulsipher wrote. “But it’s a mistake to assume certain roles are decidedly human without the data to support it. That requires being honest about where human presence is irreplaceable — where our empathy, judgment and compassion are vital — and using AI to amplify that capacity everywhere else.”
Overall, there are 24 different degrees (bachelor’s and master’s) or certifications to choose from at WGU, including three accelerated plans that allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree (IT, computer science and software engineering).
Western Governors University offers a fixed tuition for each term of study as well as mentors and counselors in addition to your course instructors, so you are supported personally and professionally.
Start your higher education journey at WGU by applying online today.
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