Prerequisite knowledge: If you have general math and statistics knowledge, you can skip to learning AI skills and tools.Career intent: If you want to pursue a job in AI, you’ll want a more comprehensive education than someone who wants to add context to their role.Background knowledge: If you’re switching from another major or field, then it’ll take longer to learn than for someone already working in the technology field and has a basic understanding of its complex jargon. How to develop a learning planLearning on your own and wondering how to stay on track? Develop a learning plan to outline how and where to focus your time. Below, we’ve provided a sample of a nine-month intensive learning plan, but your timeline may be longer or shorter depending on your career goals.Months 1-3: Basics of mathematics and statistics, programming, and data structuresMath and statistics: Learn the basics by studying calculus, algebra, statistics, and probability, which will serve as a foundation for your AI journey.Programming: Learn a programming language, like Python or R. You’ll then become familiar with libraries and packages.Data structures: Start learning how to store, retrieve, and manipulate datasets, and then how to clean and prepare them, which is necessary for any AI project.Months 4-6: Dive into data science, machine learning, and deep learningData science: Learn the basics of data science and how AI can help facilitate extracting and deriving insights from data.Machine learning: Dive into the various types of machine learning algorithms, such as supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning. Deep learning: Understand neural networks and the concepts of deep learning.Months 7-9: Get familiar with AI tools and choose a specializationAI tools: Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start using the different libraries associated with the programming language you learned, as well as other AI tools such as .Specialization: You may want to specialize in a specific area of AI, such as natural language processing, or perhaps how to apply AI to another field. Further learning and job search: Start looking for , if that was part of your intention for learning. Continue to keep up with AI trends with blogs, , and more. Have career questions? We have answers. to receive our weekly, bite-sized newsletter for more work insights, tips, and updates from our in-house team. Start your AI learning journey today with CourseraYour journey to a career in artificial intelligence can begin with a single step. With , you can learn and earn credentials at your own pace from over 170 leading companies and universities. With a monthly or annual subscription, you’ll gain access to over 10,000 programs—just check the course page to confirm your selection is included. Build job-ready skills with Coursera PlusStart 7-day free trial Start 7-day free trialArticle sources1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm.” Accessed July 25, 2025., Programming: Learn a programming language, like Python or R. You’ll then become familiar with libraries and packages. Data structures: Start learning how to store, retrieve, and manipulate datasets, and then how to clean and prepare them, which is necessary for any AI project. Months 4-6: Dive into data science, machine learning, and deep , Since 2018, millions of people worldwide have relied on Machine Learning Crash Course to learn how machine learning works, and how machine learning can work for them. We're delighted to announce the launch of a refreshed version of MLCC that covers recent advances in AI, with an increased focus on interactive learning. Watch this video to learn more about the new-and-improved MLCC..