This is one of the most common questions from students and career-changers, and the honest answer is that it depends heavily on your starting point, not a universal ranking.
If you have no degree yet
A full degree still provides breadth, credibility, and time to explore that a certification can't replace — especially for roles requiring deep technical foundations.
If you already have a degree in an unrelated field
Certifications and focused bootcamps can be a faster, more targeted way to build specific, demonstrable AI skills without a multi-year time investment.
If you're deciding between AI specialization within an existing degree path
Layering AI-specific certifications and projects onto your existing degree is often stronger than switching degrees entirely — you keep your existing foundation and add relevant skill on top.
What actually gets checked in hiring
For most roles below senior level, demonstrated project work and practical skill checks matter more than the credential itself. Neither a degree nor a certification substitutes for being able to show real work.