If you are looking to break into one of the most cutting-edge industries around today—artificial intelligence—then you may want to consider earning an AI certificate.
Using AI to find solutions has become a mainstay in many businesses and industries as well as in everyday life and culture. If you are someone who holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field, then you may want to consider earning a graduate certificate in artificial intelligence.
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After earning an AI certificate online, you may be qualified to take on a variety of roles implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Universities Offering Online Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Drexel University
Drexel University offers a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning that can be earned online and on campus. Classes may be taken full-time or part-time, and the certificate requirements can typically be finished within 1 year. The program requires the completion of four courses for a total of 12 quarter credits, all of which may be applied toward a master’s degree from Drexel.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University offers a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Data Science. The program is 100% online. There are five start dates offered each year. The curriculum consists of four 8 week courses. Potential courses include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data, and Data Visualization.
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University offers an Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Certificate. The program requires the completion of 9 credits of coursework—2 required courses and 1 elective—that may be taken online or on campus. It can typically be finished in 1 to 3 semesters. Michigan Tech’s online courses are designed to be flexible to better fit into busy schedules.
Michigan Technological University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
New Jersey Institute of Technology
The New Jersey Institute of Technology’s AI Graduate Certificate requires the completion of four courses—2 required courses and 2 electives. Potential courses include Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Image Processing and Analysis, Data Mining, and Reinforcement Learning.
New Jersey Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Saint Josephs University
Saint Joseph’s University offers an Artificial Intelligence Certificate program that features online and on-campus courses. It requires the completion of 5 courses. Potential courses include Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Big Data and Web Intelligence, Advanced Machine Learning, and Database Systems. This certificate may be stacked with a software development certificate to earn an MS in Computer Science.
Saint Joseph’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Saint Marys University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University offers an online program for an Artificial Intelligence Certificate. It requires the completion of 12 credit hours and can potentially be completed in 2 semesters. Potential courses include Data Analysis and Business Modeling, Data Engineering, Python for Artificial Intelligence, and Introduction to Deep Learning. Credits may be applied toward a master’s degree.
The Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Stanford University
Stanford University offers an online program for a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence. The program requires the completion of 1 core course and 3 electives. Potential courses include Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques, Machine Learning, Decision Making Under Uncertainty, Principles of Robot Autonomy I, and Computational Logic.
Stanford is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
University of Louisville
The University of Louisville offers a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine that can be earned online or on campus. Each course is 15 weeks long, and 1 to 3 courses are usually taken at a time. The program can potentially be finished in 2 semesters. Potential courses include Data Mining I and II, LabVIEW for Bioengineers, and Medical Image Computing.
The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of North Carolina – Charlotte
The University of North Carolina—Charlotte offers an online program for an Applied Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate. The program requires the completion of 4 courses for a total of 12 credits. Each course is 8 weeks long.
Potential courses include Applied Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms and Data Structures, Applied Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics for Competitive Advantage, and Database Systems. The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning.
UNC Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning that can be earned on campus and online. Online courses feature live meetings once a week in the evenings. Potential courses include Machine Learning, Soft Computing: Computational Intelligence, and Applications in AI and Computational Intelligence.
UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota offers an AI Graduate Certificate that can be earned on campus or online. The program requires the completion of 4 courses for a total of 12 credit hours. Potential courses include Applied Math for Data Science and Machine Learning, AI in Medical Imaging Informatics, and High Performance Computing.
The University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida offers an Artificial Intelligence Certificate. The program requires the completion of 4 courses. Potential courses include Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, Deep Learning, and Computer Vision. The format is online and asynchronous to better accommodate working professionals. Students may enroll full-time or part-time.
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of Tennessee – Knoxville
The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning requires the completion of 15 credit hours. It is intended for students who already have strong backgrounds in programming.
The program is online and asynchronous. Potential courses include Machine Learning, Applied Data Science, Autonomous Mobile Robots, and Artificial Intelligence. Start dates are offered in the fall, spring, and summer.
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee offers a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. It can potentially be stacked with other graduate certificates to earn a master’s degree. Online classes are available in synchronous and asynchronous formats, and on-campus classes are scheduled to be convenient for working adults.
UWM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Western New England University
Western New England University offers a Graduate Engineering Certificate in Artificial Intelligence that can be earned online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. Class sessions are available in the evenings. Potential courses include Applied Fuzzy Logic, Machine Learning—Concepts, Applied Neural Networks and Machine Learning, and Machine Learning—Applications.
Western New England University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Online AI Certificate Programs
AI graduate certificate programs are designed to teach you the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
These programs are usually intended for students and professionals who have a background in computer science or another STEM-related field. As a student in an AI graduate certificate program, you may take courses in a wide variety of subjects, such as:
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Robotics
- Deep learning
- Natural language processing
After completing your certificate program, there may be a number of opportunities available for you to employ your newly acquired skillset. For example, there may be opportunities to employ AI in engineering firms.
Some professionals with expertise in AI work specifically as computer systems managers or analysts, directing an organization’s computers and ensuring that their processes run smoothly. Another possible career path is that of a computer support specialist. Having knowledge of artificial intelligence could help you implement AI solutions to computer problems.
Some graduates work as programmers and use their AI skills to solve problems with code. The type of roles you can qualify for may depend in part on your prior education and background.
AI Careers & Salaries
There are many careers that graduate-level training in AI could help prepare you for. Your prior education, background, and experience could also play a part in the types of positions are qualified to pursue.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median wages of potential careers that can benefit from the knowledge of artificial intelligence.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,010 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $131,490 |
| Software Developers | $120,730 |
| Information Security Analysts | $102,600 |
| Data Scientists | $100,910 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $99,270 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $98,220 |
| Computer Programmers | $93,000 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $82,360 |
| Computer Support Specialists | $57,910 |
Many AI professionals work in data analysis, computer science, or data science positions. They can also work in specialized roles, such as deep learning engineer, algorithm developer, and computer vision engineer.
Online Artificial Intelligence Certificate Curriculum & Courses
Each AI graduate certificate program will have its own set curriculum for its students to follow. In general, though, students will learn the same skills and foundations of artificial intelligence.
Here are some classes you may take in an AI certificate program:
- Artificial Intelligence Foundations: This class introduces you to the field of artificial intelligence and its basic skills and methods.
- Machine Learning: This course covers machine learning methods, theories of learning, and applications for AI.
- Robotics: This course covers the field of robotics, robot design, and robot applications.
- Deep Learning: This course is an introduction to deep learning, which is a subset of machine learning.
- Natural Language Processing: This course reviews how natural languages are processed by machines using AI.
- Computational Logic: This course introduces you to the study of logic and how to use it to compute answers.
- Probabilistic Graphical Models: This class looks at how to create probabilistic graphical models for use in artificial intelligence design.
- Game Theory: This course looks at how artificial intelligence can be applied to derive solutions to problems posed by game theory.
- Knowledge Engineering: This class looks at how knowledge-based systems are developed and how AI can help with this process.
- Data Set Mining: This class teaches you how to implement AI to mine large data sets for the required information needed for different applications.
A university typically lists its program requirements and descriptions for individual courses in its catalog and on its website.
Admissions Requirements
Each university sets its own requirements for admissions, but here are some general admissions criteria for graduate certificate programs:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can speak to your skills
- Statement of purpose sharing your interests and career goals
- Resume listing your education and work experience
Once you discover your prospective school’s specific admissions requirements, it’s necessary to ensure that you collect and submit your application materials by the specified deadline.
Artificial Intelligence Certificate Programs Accreditation
In the accreditation process, an accrediting agency ensures that a university is providing its students with the quality education that meets predetermined standards.
Earning a degree or certificate from a regionally accredited university ensures that you receive a sound education. Attending an accredited school can be an eligibility requirement for receiving financial aid. Credits are also more likely to transfer from one accredited school to another.
To see if the colleges and universities you are applying to are accredited by legitimate agencies, you can visit the US Department of Education’s website.
AI Licensure and Certifications
Earning an AI certification online could help you demonstrate your proficiency and skill sets within the field. Industry certifications are awarded by professional organizations. You can often earn certification by completing an assessment process or by meeting certain competencies.
Examples of artificial intelligence certification include:
- Certified AI Engineer: Awarded by the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute
- CertNexus Certified AI Practitioner Professional Certificate: Awarded by Coursera
- IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate: Awarded by Coursera
- IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate: Awarded by Coursera
Some employers may require or prefer specific industry certifications for certain positions.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are many financial support resources that can help eligible graduate students pay for their upfront school costs.
Student loans from the federal government are one of the most common forms of aid given out to students. You can visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information and to apply. States may have their own student aid programs as well.
Scholarships are another avenue to explore. They may be offered by schools, public organizations, or private institutions. Some employers also offer financial support or tuition reimbursement opportunities for workers who are furthering their education.
What Is an AI Certificate?
An artificial intelligence (AI) certificate is a non-degree graduate program that universities offer to help students gain the necessary foundation for becoming AI professionals.
The courses in a certificate program focus on teaching you the skills and fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These types of programs are designed for students who have a background in STEM, as the classes focus on high-level algorithms and math.
Earning a graduate certificate could be a step toward earning an advanced degree in AI or working in various types of organizations to apply AI.
What Can You Do with an AI Certificate?
There are many opportunities that may be available for professionals who earn a graduate certificate in artificial intelligence.
Some graduates find employment as computer and information systems managers or computer systems analysts. Both of these positions organize and analyze the computer-related functions of organizations. It’s also possible for AI professionals to work as computer software engineers, data scientists, deep learning engineers, and algorithm developers.
In addition, opportunities may be available to work as a network architect or network administrator and apply AI to better create and organize computer networks. The types of roles you can qualify for may depend on your prior education, background, and experience.
How Long Does It Take to Get an AI Certificate Online?
Much like with an online artificial intelligence degree, the time it takes to earn an artificial intelligence certificate online depends on many factors, including the program you attend and whether you enroll part-time or full-time.
It’s common for AI graduate certificate programs to consist of around 4 to 6 classes. Depending on the number of credit hours, you may be able to finish in 1 year or less with full-time study. Part-time enrollment can often allow more flexibility with your schedule, but it can also extend your overall time to completion.
What’s the Difference Between a Graduate Certificate in AI vs. Data Science?
Though there may be some overlap, here are some of the differences between data science and artificial intelligence.
| Graduate Certificate in AI | Graduate Certificate in Data Science |
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While these disciplines can have some overlap, graduate certificate programs often offer a select number of classes focused on a specific skill set or specialty.
What’s the Difference Between an Online AI Certificate vs. Certification?
Here are some key differences between artificial intelligence certificates and artificial intelligence certifications.
| Online AI Certificate | Online AI Certification |
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Some AI certificate programs may help you prepare for certain AI certifications.
What’s the Difference Between an AI Graduate Certificate vs. Masters?
Here are some of the differences between an artificial intelligence graduate certificate and an artificial intelligence master’s degree.
| AI Graduate Certificate | AI Masters Degree |
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Courses in an AI graduate certificate program may be able to transfer into a related masters degree program, for example, one in AI or a related field such as a masters in data science online or on campus.
Is a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Worth It?
Yes, a graduate certificate in artificial intelligence is worth it for many students. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are innovative and growing fields.
Earning an AI certificate could be a way to break into this in-demand industry working with cutting-edge technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 36% job growth is projected for data scientists over the next ten years, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The courses you’ll take during your studies are meant to help you develop skill sets that are applicable in a number of positions and industries, including research, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.
Getting Your Artificial Intelligence Certificate Online
As with an on-campus or online graduate certificate in data analytics, if you have graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in STEM and want to break into an innovative, growing field, then you might consider a graduate certificate program in AI.
An artificial intelligence certificate program can help you develop specialized, in-demand skills in machine learning and AI. Through taking graduate-level AI courses, you can advance your professional qualifications and expand your career opportunities in data and computer science.
If you’re wanting to enter the AI industry, you can start exploring online graduate certificate programs from accredited colleges and universities that match your career interests and goals.
