Artificial Intelligence Engineering 2026 Base Scores and Rankings

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most talked-about topics in the world of technology and science in recent years. The impact of AI is increasing in every area of our lives and in every sector. Digital assistants, GPS guidance, autonomous vehicles, and generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) are just a few examples of AI featured in daily news and our daily lives. So, what is the artificial intelligence engineering department at the heart of this fascinating and rapidly developing field?

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving abilities. AI, alone or combined with other technologies, can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence or intervention. To become an AI engineer, one must study in the artificial intelligence engineering department. This department aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making them specialized professionals in this field.

In the AI engineering department, the curriculum includes many subjects such as scientific theories, algorithms, mathematics and statistics, programming, and machine learning to design and develop AI-based systems.

Students learn how AI works, how it can be developed, and how it can be applied to real-world problems. Since the widespread use of AI-based systems raises not only technical but also legal, ethical, social, and economic questions, students also examine AI from the perspectives of other academic disciplines.

The goal of this department is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop, implement, and manage AI technologies. Graduates can pursue careers in technology companies, research laboratories, government agencies, and the education sector. The artificial intelligence engineering department aims to train talented engineers who will shape the future of technology, produce innovative solutions, and improve human life.

Students who step into the AI engineering department undergo in-depth education in this exciting field for four years. The courses in the AI engineering department cover a wide range of topics, from basic sciences and engineering principles to AI and machine learning subjects. Although each university’s curriculum may vary, students typically take the following courses during their education:

• Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Statistics, Probability Theory, Numerical Methods
• Fundamentals of Computer Science: Algorithms and Data Structures, Programming Languages (such as Python, C++, Java), Software Engineering, Database Management Systems
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: History and Fundamentals of AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Robotics
• Applied Courses and Projects: Problem Solving with AI, AI Applications, Project Management and Teamwork
• Advanced Topics: Intelligent Systems, Evolutionary Computing, Fuzzy Logic Systems, Artificial Neural Networks
• Ethics and Social Issues: AI Ethics, Social Impacts of AI, Technology and Society

In addition to these courses, elective courses are also available. Students can choose these electives based on their interests.

The undergraduate program in AI engineering lasts four years. During this period, students take courses based on basic sciences and engineering principles at the undergraduate level. However, the course content may vary from university to university.

In Turkey, AI engineering departments are available at two public universities: Adana Alparslan Turkes Science and Technology University and Hacettepe University. Among private universities, Bahçeşehir University, Ostim Technical University, and TOBB University of Economics and Technology offer AI engineering programs.

Students who want to gain more detailed knowledge in the field of AI can also pursue a master's degree. There are master’s programs in data science and AI at 15 different universities. Some of these universities include Akdeniz University, Dokuz Eylül University, Galatasaray University, Istanbul Technical University, Izmir Bakırçay University, Koç University, and Marmara University.

The AI engineering department is a bachelor’s program that accepts students in the numerical field. To apply to engineering programs like AI engineering, students must achieve a certain score on both the Basic Proficiency Test (TYT) and the Field Proficiency Test (AYT). Therefore, students aiming to enter this department should focus on both TYT and the numerical section of AYT.

To find the required net scores for the AI engineering department, you can look at the net scores of the last placed students in both TYT and AYT in the 2026 university entrance exams. 

Students graduating from the AI engineering department step into a wide range of career opportunities in a world where technology is rapidly advancing. The demand for AI engineering graduates in the labor market is significantly high.

Graduates can work independently or in managerial positions in the private sector, public sector, or academia with a bachelor’s degree. They can play important roles in areas such as algorithm development, data analysis, and system design. This degree opens the door to exceptional career opportunities in a variety of sectors, including:

✅ Developing systems and data analysis in digital media

✅ Software engineering and IT systems development

✅ Data analysis in finance and services sectors

✅ Developing AI-based solutions in transportation and mobility sectors

✅ Industrial facility control; Industry 4.0

✅ Medicine and pharmaceuticals, as well as life sciences

✅ Insurance companies and banks

Graduates of the AI engineering department have the opportunity to work in positions that will shape the impact of technology on society and create value in various industries. This offers great potential for both personal development and societal progress.

An AI engineer creates AI models using machine learning algorithms and deep learning neural networks to derive business insights. These insights are used to make business decisions that can affect the entire organization.

An AI engineer has a solid understanding of programming, software engineering, and data science. They process data using various tools and techniques, develop AI systems, and maintain them.

The responsibilities of an AI engineer include:

• Coordinating with software development teams to identify which business processes can be improved
• Creating and maintaining the infrastructure on which the AI development process operates
• Applying machine learning techniques for image recognition
• Using natural language processing techniques on text and audio recordings to extract insights and analysis from this data
• Creating and maintaining chatbots that interact with customers
• Developing AI-focused solutions that mimic human behaviors to perform repetitive tasks
• Building and training machine learning models
• Developing recommendation engines for shopping sites, streaming services, and other applications
• Converting raw data into structured data

One of the most important considerations when choosing a university department is the future opportunities the department will offer. One of the most frequently asked questions by students researching this department is, “Is the future bright for AI engineers?”

AI has become one of the most exciting fields in technology in recent years. It has the potential to revolutionize many sectors, from healthcare to transportation, education to finance.

Research shows that job opportunities in the AI and machine learning field will grow exponentially in the coming years. This situation offers a wide range of career options for students who choose the AI engineering department. In conclusion, studying in the AI engineering department is one of the best investments you can make for your career.