What should be my course of study?
I am currently in 10th grade. I am want advice on what degrees should I do and should I study? I am currently considering doing a bachelor's degree in computer science in online beside my college. After college I want to do a second bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence. Then I want to do a masters in artificial intelligence. I want to build AI related stuffs.
36 answers
Abhishek’s Answer
Nithya’s Answer
Ashar’s Answer
Omar’s Answer
Sean’s Answer
Ericka ’s Answer
Vinod’s Answer
Sohom’s Answer
I’d also recommend spending your time building real projects in Python, machine learning, data science, and cloud tools, because that experience will help you more than just collecting degrees.
Rishi’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're planning ahead! It's never too early to start, and being focused now is really impressive.
There are so many programs available, especially since AI is such a hot topic in both companies and schools. This means there are lots of chances to specialize in AI for your education and career. Studying Computer Science or Information Systems as a bachelor's degree could be a great start. Look for programs where you can focus on AI within your degree. This might help you skip the extra degree you mentioned and go straight to a Master's if that's your goal.
Prajay’s Answer
Dudleen’s Answer
You have a great choice of things to pursue your Bachelor's in! I majored in Computer Science, and due to the coursework I went through, I would recommend majoring in Computer Science due to it being flexible degree, where you can minor in Artificial Intelligence if anything depending on the university. While studying, you can build an AI focused background through classes, internships, side projects, and organizations. Following this, you could pursue a Master's in Artificial Intelligence for deeper knowledge and specialization in the field.
Joshua’s Answer
Maryann’s Answer
- Computer Science (highly recommended)
- Data Science
- Software Engineering
- Math/Statistics (also a good choice)
Here's why:
Computer Science provides strong basics like programming, algorithms, and systems. AI is actually a specialized area within Computer Science.
You don't need a separate degree to start in AI. Just focus on learning the essential skills needed for AI roles. A master's degree isn't necessary, but it can be very helpful.
Amando ’s Answer
Nitin’s Answer
Rachana’s Answer
You don’t need multiple bachelor’s degrees—do one strong in‑person (or high‑quality) BSc in Computer Science or AI, take lots of AI/ML courses, and build projects along the way.
After that, if you still love the field, go for a master’s in AI/ML and focus on a strong portfolio (research, open‑source, personal AI projects), which will matter more than extra degrees.
Ben’s Answer
Marcos’s Answer
As a 10th grader, who will be going to college in 6-7 years, I believe a lot can change in that time. Remember, 6-7 years ago (2019-2020) we did have any sort of AI! So, I'd be more flexible and malleable to any potential career path that forms. Maybe in that time there may be a more specialized field or degree in AI that you can choose. As for now, I would focus on excelling in the school subjects + skills that'll bring you closer to your end goal (math, computer science, and programing).
Hope it goes well.
Aditya’s Answer
Soham’s Answer
It’s great that you’ve identified your interests so early. Having a clear direction in 10th grade is a big advantage, and your plan to study computer science and then specialize in AI is an amazing plan.
I’d strongly encourage you to start building personal projects alongside your studies. The best way to learn is to solve real problems you see in your own life or in the lives of people around you. That will help you apply what you learn and grow your skills much faster.
Keep learning, keep building, and stay curious!
Mehek’s Answer
Nick’s Answer
Kinshuk’s Answer
A smarter path looks like this:
Right now (10th grade → college): Focus your Bachelor's on Computer Science. One degree, done well. If you can do it online alongside something else, make sure it's accredited and rigorous — not just a checkbox.
Right after your Bachelor's: Don't go back to school. Get into the industry. Intern aggressively during college, then land a role — even a junior one. AI companies, startups, consulting firms, any tech-adjacent job. This is where real learning happens.
~1 year into your job: Apply for a Master's in AI as an online/part-time program while you're working. Now your coursework is grounded in real problems you're actually solving. This is the move.
Drop the 2nd Bachelor's entirely. It adds years and cost without adding proportional value. A Master's already covers the AI depth you're looking for.
The bigger question you need to answer first:
Do you want to build with AI — or build AI itself?
These are genuinely different paths:
Building with AI means using AI tools, APIs, and models to create products and solve domain problems. Here, domain knowledge matters more than algorithms. An insurance professional who understands AI will out-build a computer scientist who doesn't understand insurance. The same is true in healthcare, legal, finance, education — any field. AI is increasingly abstracting away the engineering layer.
Building AI itself means researching and developing the models, neural architectures, and training systems underneath. This requires deep math, statistics, and research experience — and typically a PhD, not just a Master's.
Honest advice: Most people who say they want to "build AI things" actually mean they want to build great products powered by AI. If that's you, pick a domain you're genuinely curious about — not just "tech in general" — and become an expert in that domain plus AI. That combination is rare, valuable, and increasingly what the industry pays well for.
The computer science degree gives you the foundation. Industry experience gives you the domain. The Master's gives you the depth. Do them in that order, overlapping where you can.
Kinshuk recommends the following next steps:
Raazia’s Answer
If you want to build AI products, the best path is usually CS + math + AI projects, then decide later whether you need a master’s in AI/ML.
Why: AI is built on core foundations—programming, data structures, algorithms, mathematics, statistics, and software engineering. A second bachelor’s in AI usually gives less value than using that time to do projects, internships, research, and a master’s.
A practical study path for you:
In 10th–12th grade, focus on foundations
Mathematics: algebra, functions, trigonometry, calculus prep, probability
Programming: start with Python
Logic/problem-solving: coding practice, basic algorithms
Communication: English writing and speaking matter more than most students think
For your first degree, choose one of these
Best option: Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Also good: CS with specialization/minor in AI, Data Science, or Mathematics
Only choose a pure AI bachelor’s if it is from a strong program with solid CS fundamentals
During the bachelor’s, study these subjects
Data structures and algorithms
Object-oriented programming
Databases
Operating systems
Computer networks
Software engineering
Linear algebra
Calculus
Probability and statistics
Machine learning
Deep learning
Data science / data handling
Build things alongside study
Python projects
Small AI apps
Kaggle or similar competitions
GitHub portfolio
Internships or freelance/student work
After the bachelor’s
If you still want deeper specialization, do a Master’s in AI/ML/Data Science
Skip the second bachelor’s unless your first degree is unrelated
So the cleaner path is:
10th grade → strong math + Python → Bachelor’s in CS → AI electives/projects/internships → Master’s in AI (optional but useful)
Shareen’s Answer
Shareen recommends the following next steps:
Justin’s Answer
Justin recommends the following next steps:
Ponnu’s Answer
One solid bachelor’s degree — preferably Computer Science
Strong math + programming skills
Projects, internships, and real building
Then decide later whether you actually need a master’s in AI
Deepak’s Answer
Dhivya’s Answer
Emmanuel T.’s Answer
Jennifer’s Answer
- What classes do you enjoy now? Do you find yourself drawn to any type of course?
- What are your passionate about?
- What are you curious about?
- What could you envision yourself doing after college?
These will all hopefully narrow your options.
AI is booming right now - so there is a lot going on in the AI world right now. I'd encourage you to check out computer science, software engineering, data science, mathematics, computer engineering, electrical engineering... and seeing which of these are exciting to you or align with your skillset. AI is across industries, but these are some of the potential majors that come to mind your want to "build AI".
There is also ALOT available online that you can start playing with now that will help you learn and practice your coding skills, as well as help to see what you like and don't like. Good luck!
Anita’s Answer
Brandon’s Answer
Hector’s Answer
If you want to build AI projects, you usually don’t need 2 bachelor’s degrees. A computer science degree is already one of the best foundations for AI, and nowadays for any professional activity.
I think engaging in on bachelor’s (CS) and, alongside it, take online AI courses and build small projects. Then, if you still want to go deeper, you can do a master’s in Agentic AI later. What matters most is your skills and portfolio, not collecting multiple degrees.
Quick question: are you thinking of AI for apps/products (more practical) or research (more academic)?
Jason’s Answer
I always like to equate programming languages to hammers because it's a simple analogy that nearly everyone can relate to. Although hammers are a tool in all trade workers toolbelt the trade itself determines the type of hammer. Construction workers use a framing hammer, automotive or metal fabrication workers use a ball-peened hammer... etc...
Nearly all modern software engineering positions are going to require a considerable focus on OOP patterns however much has changes since the original Gang of Four, Design Patterns book was written in the 1990's. Most modern OOP programming languages include opinionated specifications for these patterns baked into the compiler.
However game development for example, even though OOP languages are industry standard focus on an entirely different skillset.
OOP is a highly sought after programming paradigm in most corporate or enterprise work environments due to its native ability to translate data to real world behaviors(objects). Additionally, most modern cloud native distributed systems will feature a heavy reliance on OOP fundamentals alongside other paradigms such as imperative or functional programming.
I would highly recommend spending time familiarizing yourself with the following books and reading materials
Reading Fundamentals
- Design Patterns: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_Patterns
- Agile Software Development(S.O.L.I.D. Patterns):
- https://www.amazon.com/Software-Development-Principles-Patterns-Practices/dp/0135974445 or
- https://www.amazon.com/Agile-Principles-Patterns-Practices-C/dp/0131857258
- Clean Architecture: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/clean-architecture-a/9780134494272/
- Working Effectively with Legacy Code: https://www.amazon.com/Working-Effectively-Legacy-Michael-Feathers/dp/0131177052
- Test Driven Development: By Example: https://www.amazon.com/Test-Driven-Development-Kent-Beck/dp/0321146530
- Designing Data-Intensive Applications: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/designing-data-intensive-applications/9781491903063/
- Database Internals: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/database-internals/9781492040330/
Microservice & Cloud Native
- Microservices Patterns: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/microservices-patterns/9781617294549/
- Building Microservices: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/building-microservices-2nd/9781492034018/
- Fundamentals of Data Engineering: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/fundamentals-of-data/9781098108298/
AI Assisted Development
- Beyond Vibe Coding: https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/beyond-vibe-coding/9798341634749/
LeetCode Exercises
- https://leetcode.com/discuss/post/4595959/oops-basic-to-advanced-topics-part-1-int-heyk/
Vinit’s Answer
Instead of investing in a formal online degree, which could be costly and time-consuming, explore these more beneficial options:
1. MIT OpenCourseWare offers free access to real MIT courses.
2. Fast.ai provides practical deep learning lessons that are highly respected in the industry.
3. Harvard and Stanford offer free, high-quality courses on YouTube.
4. Create small projects and share them on GitHub to gain hands-on experience.
Vinit recommends the following next steps: