The field of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning has been trending ever since they were launched and has been growing rapidly. These technologies have some really transformative effects across various industries because of their capabilities to automate tasks, assist in data-driven decision-making, and predict the future.
Organizations, big and small, have started realizing AI is the future and are actively adopting it to boost their business operations. And therefore, they looking to hire skilled AI professionals, right from machine learning engineers who can design and build ML models to AI Scientists who can innovate and develop new AI solutions.
Do you know Machine Learning Engineers command higher salaries and can earn up to $200,000 per year in the US? Their annual average salary in the US is $166,328 per year, as reported by Glassdoor.
For those looking to make a career in AI in 2025, this is the perfect time to invest in learning advanced AI and machine learning skills. However, if you are just starting out and not sure if investing in this field or a career in this domain is right or not, then here are some free and popular AI and Machine Learning courses to help you get started.
Machine Learning by Stanford University – Coursera
Stanford University in collaboration with deeplearning.ai offers this one of the most popular machine learning courses in Coursera. It has been designed and taught by Andrew Ng, one of the pioneers of AI technology and a renowned professor at Stanford University.
If you are just starting with your machine learning journey, then this course will help you build a strong foundation in various ML concepts like supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and more. It is approximately 11 weeks long and comes in the form of video lectures and eBooks.
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python – Harvard University (edX)
This is a rigorously designed CS50 AI course offered by Harvard that brings a complete introduction to artificial intelligence technology using Python. It covers both the theoretical as well as practical aspects of AI and includes some hands-on projects for complete understanding.
It is approximately a 12-week course conducted by AI experts like David J. Malan and Brian Yu as course instructors. After completing the course, you will have a clear understanding of search algorithms, knowledge representation, machine learning, NLP, neural networks, etc.
Machine Learning Crash Course by Google
Taught by expert AI and machine learning engineers from Google, this comprehensive machine learning crash course is a great introduction to machine learning technology with TensorFlow APIs. It covers the basic concepts of machine learning through practical exercises and real-world examples, making it easier for beginners to grasp complex concepts easily.
This is an online and self-paced program and the course covers topics like the basics of machine learning, TensorFlow, neural networks, and machine learning model training.
These are some of the quite popular courses you can start with. Apart from these some other free AI and ML courses also offer detailed overviews of the technology such as:
- Deep Learning Specialization by DeepLearning.ai
- Introduction to AI by IBM
- Elements of AI by University of Helsinki and Reaktor
- AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng, and more
Though these free courses are great to start with, it is always recommended to go for paid AI certifications and courses if you are really looking to make a career in AI. Paid certifications from credible institutes are widely recognized across industries around the globe and consist of detailed and well-structured curricula. One of the best AI and Machine learning certifications for beginners is Certified Artificial Intelligence Engineer (CAIE™) by USAII®.
Certified Artificial Intelligence Engineer (CAIE™)
It is offered by the renowned United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) which is a member of ANSI and ICE. They offer several best AI certification programs recognized in over 160+ countries and vetted by industry leaders, SMEs, and CXOs.
CAIE™ is a detailed program covering the fundamentals of AI and machine learning including NLP, GAN, supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and more.
This self-paced online learning program that can be completed within 4-25 weeks (with 8 to 10 hours a week of learning) also comes with a well-designed resource hub that offers high-quality eBooks, lecture videos, and practice codes to master complex AI concepts easily.
Priced at $691 (all-inclusive), this AI and ML certification program also offers attractive discounts, and flexible payment options to make learning more fun and enhance the learning experience. If you are looking for an AI career in 2025, then do check out this certification.
AI jobs are growing!
Organizations from all industries, be it finance or retail, all adopting AI solutions to enhance their businesses. By going through these free courses, you will get a clear understanding of all the fundamental concepts of AI and machine learning.
These are good for gaining an overview of underlying advanced theories used to make effective AI and machine learning models. However, if you want to gain complete AI skills and knowledge that will help you get an AI job and enhance your credibility, then go for paid and recognized certifications. So, start your AI learning journey now.
