9 Best Introduction to AI & GenAI Courses for Everyone
By Alex • Updated Feb 3, 2025
AI is becoming more common in everyday life, and you don’t need to be a programmer to understand it. I’ve put together a list of the best courses that explain AI in a simple and practical way.
Best Introduction to AI Courses
# | Course | Student Ratings |
|---|---|---|
1 | 4.8 ★ (45K+) | |
2 | 4.8 ★ (2K+) | |
3 | 4.7 ★ (100K+) | |
4 | 4.7 ★ (16K+) | |
5 | 4.7 ★ (6K+) | |
6 | 4.7 ★ (16K+) | |
7 | 4.7 ★ (1K+) | |
8 | 4.7 ★ (1K+) | |
9 | 4.7 ★ (300+) |
How I Chose These Courses
There are plenty of generative AI courses out there, but not all of them are worth your time. I chose these based on a few key things:
- Student reviews – I checked if learners found the course useful, clear, and engaging.
- Beginner-friendly content – AI can get complicated fast, so I looked for courses that explain things in simple terms.
- Practical applications – The best courses don’t just talk about AI; they show how to use it in real-world scenarios.
- Instructor expertise – I made sure the instructors have real experience in AI, not just theory.
- Course structure – A well-organized course makes learning smoother, so I prioritized ones with a clear and logical flow.
1. AI For Everyone (Coursera)
- Platform: Coursera
- Instructor: Andrew Ng
- Rating: 4.8/5 ★ (45,620 ratings)
My Take:
Taught by AI expert Andrew Ng, AI For Everyone is one of the best beginner-friendly AI courses out there. It’s not about coding—it’s about understanding what AI is, how it works, and how businesses can use it.
Andrew Ng does a great job breaking down complex AI concepts into simple, everyday terms. The course covers AI strategy, its impact on jobs, and how non-technical professionals can work with AI teams. If you want a solid foundation in AI without diving into programming, this is a great place to start.
2. Generative AI for Everyone (Coursera)
- Platform: Coursera
- Instructor: Andrew Ng
- Rating: 4.8/5 ★ (2,951 ratings)
My Take:
Taught by AI pioneer Andrew Ng, Generative AI for Everyone is a great introduction to how generative AI works and what it can (and can’t) do. It’s designed for all skill levels, so even if you’re not technical, you’ll get a solid understanding of AI concepts.
Andrew Ng explains everything in a clear, structured way, making it easy to follow along. The course covers real-world applications, ethical considerations, and practical use cases. There are also hands-on exercises where you can practice AI-powered workflows. If you're looking for a beginner-friendly, high-quality AI course, this is a solid choice.
3. What Is Generative AI? (LinkedIn Learning)
- Platform: LinkedIn Learning
- Instructor: Pinar Seyhan Demirdag
- Rating: 4.7/5 ★ (105,117 ratings)
My Take:
If you’re new to generative AI and want a solid introduction, this LinkedIn Learning course is a great pick. Pinar Seyhan Demirdag breaks things down in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you don’t have a technical background.
The course covers what generative AI is, how it works, and where it’s heading. It also touches on the ethical side of AI, which is something I found particularly interesting. At just over an hour, it’s a quick and insightful way to get up to speed on this fast-moving technology.
4. Generative AI for Business Leaders (LinkedIn Learning)
- Platform: LinkedIn Learning
- Instructor: Tomer Cohen
- Rating: 4.7/5 ★ (16,951 ratings)
My Take:
If you’re a business leader trying to make sense of generative AI, this course is a great starting point. Tomer Cohen keeps things practical, focusing on how AI can impact business strategy rather than getting lost in technical details.
The course covers the basics of generative AI, its business applications, and key risks to watch out for. I found the section on real-world use cases especially useful—it helps connect the dots between AI’s potential and how companies can actually use it. At just over an hour, it’s a quick and insightful way to get up to speed.
5. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Coursera)
- Platform: Coursera
- Instructor: Rav Ahuja
- Rating: 4.7/5 ★ (16,289 ratings)
My Take:
This IBM-backed course is a solid introduction to AI, covering key concepts like machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. It’s designed for beginners, so you don’t need any coding experience.
Rav Ahuja explains AI in a way that’s easy to follow, with real-world examples and practical applications. The course also touches on AI ethics, its impact on jobs, and how businesses can use it effectively. If you’re looking for a clear, structured introduction to AI, this is a great choice.
6. Introduction to Generative AI (Coursera)
- Platform: Coursera
- Instructor: Google Cloud Training
- Rating: 4.7/5 ★ (6,478 ratings)
My Take:
If you're looking for a super beginner-friendly intro to generative AI, this course from Google Cloud is a solid choice. It’s short, simple, and gets straight to the point—perfect if you don’t want to spend weeks learning the basics.
The course covers what generative AI is, how it works, and some common use cases. It also introduces Google’s AI tools, which is helpful if you’re interested in building AI-powered apps. The explanations are clear, and since it's only about an hour long, it's a quick way to get up to speed.
7. Generative AI: Introduction and Applications (Coursera)
- Platform: Coursera
- Instructor: Rav Ahuja
- Rating: 4.7/5 ★ (1,770 ratings)
My Take:
This course by IBM’s Rav Ahuja is a great way to dive deeper into generative AI beyond just the basics. It covers different AI models, including how they generate text, images, and even audio. If you’re curious about practical applications, this course does a solid job of showing real-world use cases.
The structure is clear, with explanations that don’t feel overly technical. Plus, there are hands-on exercises to reinforce key concepts. It’s a great pick for beginners and professionals who want a well-rounded understanding of generative AI without getting lost in jargon.
8. Generative AI: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (LinkedIn Learning)
- Platform: LinkedIn Learning
- Instructor: Doug Rose
- Rating: 4.7/5 ★ (1,067 ratings)
My Take:
This LinkedIn Learning course is a solid introduction to artificial intelligence, with a focus on generative AI concepts. Doug Rose explains everything in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you don’t have a technical background.
The course covers AI fundamentals, machine learning basics, and real-world AI applications. It’s structured well, making it easy to follow along. At just over two hours, it’s a quick and accessible way to get familiar with AI without feeling overwhelmed. Perfect for beginners looking for a clear, no-nonsense introduction.
9. GenAI for Executives & Business Leaders: An Introduction (Coursera)
- Platform: Coursera
- Instructor: IBM AI Academy
- Rating: 4.7/5 ★ (321 ratings)
My Take:
This course is designed for business leaders who want to understand generative AI without getting lost in technical details. It covers the basics of AI, how businesses can use it, and key considerations like governance and trust.
The content is well-structured, making it easy to follow even if you don’t have a tech background. IBM AI Academy does a great job of breaking down real-world AI applications in leadership and decision-making. If you're an executive looking for a quick, practical introduction to generative AI, this course is worth checking out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should take an introduction to AI course?
Anyone who wants to understand AI but doesn’t have a technical background. These courses are great for business professionals, students, and anyone curious about how AI works.
Do I need coding skills to learn AI?
No, these courses are designed for beginners with no coding experience. They focus on how AI is used, its impact, and key concepts rather than programming.
How long does it take to complete an AI course?
Most introduction courses take a few hours to complete. Some are shorter, while others may take a few weeks if you go at a slower pace.
What will I learn in an AI course for non-technical people?
You’ll learn what AI is, how it works, and how it’s used in different industries. Some courses also cover ethics, AI’s impact on jobs, and how businesses can use it.
Can I apply AI knowledge without a technical background?
Yes, many industries use AI for decision-making, automation, and strategy. Understanding AI can help you work with AI teams and make better business decisions.