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How to Learn Artificial Intelligence: A Beginner’s Guide
This guide to learning artificial intelligence is suitable for any beginner, no matter where you’re starting from.
March 14, 2026
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Explore articles about machine learning, AI, and deep learning. Learn about career paths, Python libraries, ML algorithms, and how to build skills for an entry-level machine learning engineer role.

Gain core machine learning skills with tech industry leaders

Multiple educators
Skills you'll gain: Unsupervised Learning, Supervised Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Model Training, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Transfer Learning, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Methods, Decision Tree Learning, Model Evaluation, Responsible AI, Tensorflow, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Artificial Intelligence, NumPy, Predictive Modeling, Classification Algorithms, Reinforcement Learning, Random Forest Algorithm
★ 4.9 (39K) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Model Evaluation, Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Data Preprocessing, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Applied Machine Learning, Model Training, Machine Learning Methods, Machine Learning Algorithms, Feature Engineering, Dimensionality Reduction, Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling, Predictive Analytics, Forecasting, Anomaly Detection
★ 4.3 (20) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Machine Learning, Data Preprocessing, Model Evaluation, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Statistical Methods, Probability, Probability & Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Logistic Regression, Deep Learning, Probability Distribution, Statistical Modeling, Statistics, Machine Learning Methods, Machine Learning, Classification Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Model Optimization, Algorithms, Python Programming
★ 4.5 (60) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Machine learning (ML) is an in-demand field spanning various industries, from health care to finance. As a machine learning engineer, you’ll work with a team of data scientists to research and develop machine learning solutions. You’ll create, test, and optimize ML algorithms to automate workflows and improve data management. Learn more about how to prepare for an entry-level machine learning engineer role and how Coursera can help:
Find your career track: Machine Learning Career Paths: Explore Roles & Specializations
Watch on YouTube: Career Spotlight: Machine Learning Engineer
Ready to start learning? Explore our catalog of machine learning courses or accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.
Machine learning skills can open the door to a wide range of careers, as more and more companies seek to harness these techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) to automate a growing range of processes. Some companies may specifically hire for machine learning engineers, but machine learning skills can also be important for data scientists, data analysts, and data engineers.
There are more specialized roles available for machine learning experts, too. Many companies in the financial industry may employ business intelligence analysts and decision scientists who can leverage machine learning skills to automate systems for delivering market insights. And companies building Internet of Things (IoT) that rely on voice recognition or other human inputs may employ natural language processing engineers or human-centered machine learning designers.
You can earn Course Certificates, Specialization Certificates, and Professional Certificates, as well as university credentials via MasterTrack Certificates and full degrees. Popular options include the IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate and IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate.
The average base pay for a machine learning engineer in the US is $127,712 as of March 2024 [1].
According to a December 2020 study by Burning Glass, demand for AI and machine learning skills is projected to grow by 71 percent 2020-2025. The same study reports a $14,175 salary premium associated with these skills [2].

