Career path

How to become an AI/ML engineer

A practical AI/ML engineer path — Python and mathematics through machine learning, deep learning, LLM applications, agents, and production deployment. 14 modules, one arc, server-graded code and real widgets from lesson one — not video.

The arc, stage by stage

Every module builds on the last. Modules 1–4 are the free foundation — genuinely usable on their own, not a trial that expires. Module 5 onward is where the "AI/ML engineer" part of the title actually gets earned.

M1–M2

Programming foundations

Python from variables through NumPy, pandas, and Git — the tools every later module assumes you already have.

Free
M3–M4

DSA, linear algebra & stats

How data structures and algorithms actually work, plus the math (vectors, matrices, probability, distributions) every ML algorithm is built on.

Free
M5–M7

Data & classical ML

SQL for real datasets, the calculus/statistics behind training, and the classical ML workflow — regression, trees, boosting, evaluation.

Pro
M8

Deep learning

Backpropagation, training loops, CNNs, RNNs/LSTMs, attention, and transformers — from first principles, not a black-box library call.

Pro
M9–M11

LLMs, RAG & agents

Prompt engineering, embeddings and vector search, retrieval-augmented generation, fine-tuning, and building autonomous agents that use tools.

Pro
M12–M13

MLOps & reinforcement learning

Experiment tracking, CI/CD, model serving, responsible AI, and system design — plus a focused introduction to RL as its own learning paradigm.

Pro
M14

Capstone & portfolio

Documenting and presenting real engineering work, then a final integrated project that ties the whole arc together.

Pro

How the price compares

Roughly, as of when this was written — subscription pricing shifts, so treat these as ballpark, not a guarantee:

PlatformTypical monthly price
epochai Pro$9.99/mo (or $149 one-time, Lifetime)
DataCamp Premium~$25–39/mo
Codecademy Pro~$20–40/mo

epochai's free tier (Modules 1–4) has no time limit and no card required — most competitor free tiers are a single course or a short trial.

Start the path free

Modules 1–4 — Programming Fundamentals through Linear Algebra & Stats — no card required.