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Study computer science, data science or something completely different? There are many ways to work with AI.
Photo: Andriy Onufriyenko / Moment RF / Getty Images
With ChatGPT at the latest, artificial intelligence has arrived in our everyday lives. Regardless of whether in the medical or agricultural industry: the development of new technologies with the help of AI offers the German economy a variety of new opportunities. No wonder, then, that companies are desperately looking for AI specialists.
As demand increases, so does the range of training paths that lead into the professional field. “The nice thing is that everyone finds their place in AI development,” says Kinga Schumacher, senior researcher at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) in Berlin – whether in focused programming or in interdisciplinary, creative project work.
At the beginning of her career, she studied computer science, says Schumacher. AI was hardly an issue back in the noughties. Today it looks different.
Computer Science or Data Science? – The path to AI development
“Fifteen years ago I would have told you: study computer science!” says Schumacher. The answer is no longer so simple; there are many ways to develop AI. According to the researcher, there are more and more courses that focus on specific areas of artificial intelligence. These are mostly forms of applied computer science.
Which subject is best is a question of personal preference. "If I like tinkering around, then maybe I'll study robotics, if I have two left hands, something more data-centered," says Schumacher. In data science, for example, the focus is on evaluating large amounts of data. In an artificial intelligence course, however, the focus is more on possible areas of application of AI, such as mobility, healthcare or chatbots.
However, the basics are mostly the same, says Schumacher. This is also emphasized by Thomas Röser from the career advice department at the Aachen-Düren Employment Agency. You shouldn't be put off by the many different disciplines. "It's like in business administration: The course may be called marketing - but basically you also do business administration." If you want to specialize early on, you can do your bachelor's degree in an applied subject. However, if you are unsure, he recommends taking a classic basic course in computer science. »Specialize, yes, but why do it in the bachelor’s degree?” You can still set your focus in the master’s degree. Changing between different subjects is usually easy.
Courses in the field of artificial intelligence
AreaClassic Computer Scienceopen
What?
Classical computer science teaches the basics of the systemic processing of information. In addition to the basic subjects of applied, practical and technical computer science, more and more fields of specialization are being added. This also includes artificial intelligence.
Where?
Computer science is offered as a bachelor's and master's degree at most universities, especially at technical universities. The RWTH Aachen, the TU Munich and the FU Berlin are renowned. There are over 600 study programs in Germany.
AreaApplied Computer Scienceopen
What?
Compared to the classic subject, applied computer science usually has a stronger specialization in one area of application. It is actually an umbrella term for various specialized computer science courses, such as media information technology or cybersecurity. The specialization can vary greatly from university to university. The prerequisite should therefore be an interest in the respective main topic.
Where?
More than 100 universities offer degree programs in applied computer science. See below.
SectionArtificial Intelligenceopen
What?
The Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Intelligence degree programs are focused on AI from the start.
Where?
Ingolstadt Technical University, East Bavarian Technical University Amberg-Weiden, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, University of Würzburg, TH Rosenheim, Landshut University of Applied Sciences; Master: University of Ulm, THWS Würzburg, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, University of Lübeck (selection)
Data Science area open
What?
Data scientists use methods from mathematics, computer science and statistics to gain insights from large amounts of data. Also a specialization area of computer science.
Where?
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, University of Giessen, TU Dortmund, BHT Berlin, University of Göttingen, TU Hamburg, University of Hildesheim, University of Marburg, LMU Munich, University of Trier; Master: Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Harz University of Applied Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, FU Berlin, Bielefeld University, Braunschweig University of Technology, Chemnitz University of Technology, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, Hagen University of Applied Sciences, Kiel University of Applied Sciences, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Leipzig University, Mannheim University, UE Innovation Hub Potsdam, University of Potsdam, IU International University Erfurt, (selection)
AreaMachine Learningopen
What?
Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence. Algorithms recognize patterns in data sets and develop solutions from them.
Where?
The course is currently available as a master's degree at the University of Tübingen and as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the
TU Darmstadt.
Media information areaopen
What?
Media informatics is a variant of applied informatics and has a professional, practical relevance. The course focuses on digital information processing in media – such as computer games, online platforms or apps. The focus is on multimedia and software technology, but there are also interdisciplinary topics such as media design and perception psychology. Artificial intelligence is just one of the possible topic areas here.
Where?
The course is comparatively common, but the thematic focus varies. Bachelor's degree programs are available at the TU Dresden, the LMU Munich, the Saarland University and the University of Tübingen.
Open the Robotics section
What?
An applied degree in computer science with a focus on robots and autonomous systems, such as autonomous vehicles.
Where?
There are bachelor's degree programs at the University of Lübeck, the TH Ingolstadt, FH Südwestfalen, HS Kempten, THWS Schweinfurt, EAH Jena or at the TH Deggendorf. There is a master's degree in applied robotics at the HTW Dresden, and neurobotics at the TU Chemnitz.
AreaSimilar compartmentsunfold
Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
: Saarland University; Master: Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, TH Deggendorf, Neu-Ulm University, Stuttgart University, Trier University
Examples of other combined subjects or specializations
: Computer Science at TU Darmstadt, Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Stralsund, Artificial Intelligence for Smart Sensors and Actuators at TH Deggendorf, Applied Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation at HS Ansbach, Mind, Brain and Behavior at the University of Giessen, Digital Technologies at the TU Clausthal and Ostfalia University, AI and Computer Vision at the University of Kempten, Artificial Intelligence Engineering at the University of Passau, Applied Artificial Intelligence at the FH Südwestfalen (selection)
Requirements for AI courses
However, all courses that aim to develop artificial intelligence have one thing in common. “You can’t avoid mathematics,” says Röser. Logical thinking and good basic mathematical knowledge are required in all areas of computer science. Good knowledge of English is also increasingly important these days, says Röser. An initial curiosity and affinity for programming is also helpful. The high dropout rates in computer science and related natural sciences also show how important structured work and perseverance are.
If you shy away from mathematics and are less technically versed, you can approach AI research via a detour. You may not become an AI developer - but you will work with them. “We also have career changers from other disciplines at the research institute,” says researcher Schumacher. They often come from mathematics, physics and chemistry, but psychology is also incredibly important in AI development. In 2024, there will no longer be any way to avoid dealing with AI in the broadest sense. In no department.
What are companies looking for?
The economy also sets the pace. AI specialists are now sought after in almost all industries. From January to April last year, employers in Germany advertised almost 44,000 AI-related jobs, according to an analysis by the personnel agency Index. Computer scientists and employees in the area of research and development were particularly in demand. In the future, companies will also be increasingly looking for experts in related disciplines, says career advisor Röser. »AI alone is not functional. Money is made with products that function and are controlled using AI. Autonomous vehicles, for example.” Studying mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or energy technology can also indirectly lead to AI development.
Practical experience is even more important for companies than a master's degree, says Röser. »You can also see that in the job offers. Several years of experience in the field of software development are often required.« He therefore often recommends application-related courses and dual offerings, for example at RWTH Aachen.
Anyone who would like to go into research later can turn to research and competence centers for artificial intelligence (see box). There are now more and more collaborations between the centers and certain universities and study programs. This can create synergies and projects and make the path to research easier.
Locations for AI research in Germany
AreaBerlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data (BIFOLD)open
Location
: Berlin
Partner universities
: TU Berlin, TU Braunschweig, HU Berlin, FU Berlin, University of Potsdam
More information on the BIFOLD website
AreaThe German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)open
Locations
: Bremen, Kaiserslautern, Saarbrücken and Osnabrück
Laboratories in Berlin and Darmstadt as well as
branch offices in Lübeck and Trier
Partner universities
: RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Saarland University, University of Bremen, University of Bremen, TU Berlin, University of Osnabrück, University of Osnabrück, University of Oldenburg, Jade University, Constructor University Bremen (private), University of Lübeck
The DFKI is the largest research institution in Germany. More information on the DFKI website
Open sectionMunich Center for Machine Learning (MCML).
Location
: Munich
Partner universities
: LMU Munich and TU Munich
More information on the MCML website
AreaInstitute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence LAMARRopen
Location
: Dortmund
Partner universities
: TU Dortmund and University of Bonn
More information on the LAMARR website
AreaCenter for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Dresden/Leipzig (ScaDS)open
Location
: Dresden and Leipzig
Partner universities
: TU Dresden and University of Leipzig
More information on the ScaDS website
AreaThe Tübingen AI Centeropen
Location
: Tübingen
Partner universities
: University of Tübingen
More information on the AI Center website
AreaKonrad Zuse Schools of Excellence in Artificial Intelligenceopen
The Zuse Schools are funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and are each operated by a technical university. There are currently graduate schools at TU Darmstadt, TU Dresden and TU Munich.
AreaHasso Plattner Instituteopen
Location:
Potsdam
The non-profit, private institute researches and teaches IT systems engineering, data engineering and digital health in cooperation with the University of Potsdam.
AreaAI Grid expand
AI Grid is also a network for promoting young talent in AI research. It coordinates junior programs in the IT field and is based in Berlin.
AreaCyber Valleyopen
The research association wants to bring together private companies and academic partners in Baden-Württemberg to advance AI research. Partners include the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and the Fraunhofer Institute. The companies involved include Amazon, BMW and Bosch.
Partner universities
: University of Stuttgart and University of Tübingen
Training in the field of artificial intelligence
Training also offers career opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence. In particular, training as an IT specialist with a specialization in application development or training as a software developer are possible. Here you are responsible for implementation and programming.
IT specialists specializing in application development work in software development:
They design and program applications and user interfaces - either for their own company or for customers. They may also develop AI-supported software, such as chatbots.
Mathematical-technical software developers:
Using
mathematical models, they design, program and maintain software systems. They also use AI models. Places of work include larger companies, software houses and research institutions.
Inclusive options for people with disabilities include training to become a specialist practitioner in IT system electronics or IT system integration.
More women in AI development
In many MINT subjects, male students predominate. Studies like this one from 2022 repeatedly show that women do not feel equipped to study a STEM subject.
It is therefore a personal concern for Kinga Schumacher that young women are not deterred from pursuing a career in the field of AI. Also based on her personal experience. “When I was studying, every day it was: Good morning, Mrs. Schumacher, good morning, gentlemen,” she says. "I couldn't even skip because I was always the only woman." A lot has happened in the meantime. She now has a small team of mostly women. More diversity is incredibly important in AI development: “If we develop AI systems for people that are not discriminatory and should be equally good for everyone, then we also need diverse teams.”