AI and computer research scientist: master's or Ph.D.
BLS has no separate AI engineer occupation; research in AI is counted mainly with computer and information research scientists, who typically need a master's or higher degree in computer science or a related field. Some employers prefer a Ph.D.; the federal government may hire with a bachelor's.
For: Students who want to invent new computing methods and are ready for graduate study after college.
Route 1: Bachelor's → master's (2 to 3 years) Typical
A master's usually takes 2 to 3 years after a bachelor's in a computer-related field.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in computer science or information systems
BLS
Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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2–3 years
Master's in computer science or a related field
Such as computer engineering.
BLS
Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Computer and information research scientist
BLS
Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Ph.D. Some employers prefer it
Scientists in a specialized field may also need knowledge of that field, for example biology for biomedical applications.
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Start here
Bachelor's or master's degree
BLS
Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Doctorate
Ph.D. in computer science or a related field
BLS
Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Research scientist
Some advance to computer and information systems managers.
BLS
Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 3: Federal government with a bachelor's degree Some jobs
In the federal government, a bachelor's degree may be enough for some jobs.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in computer and information technology
BLS
Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Federal computer research job
BLS
Computer and Information Research Scientists — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.