Graduate Certificate Programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning – Online and Campus
Updated: March 18, 2025
College graduates who are interested in studying artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications can do so through graduate certificate programs. These programs provide graduate-level training and instruction in machine learning, natural language processing, facial recognition, automation, robotics, and other real-world applications of AI. Graduate certificate programs generally consist of three to five courses that are part of a master’s degree program in computer science, data science, or a related field. While some graduate certificates have a set curriculum of specific courses, others allow students to select courses from a list of electives.
The majority of graduate certificates can be completed in two or three semesters, which is less time than it takes to earn a full master’s degree. The graduate credits earned in a certificate program are often eligible for transfer towards a master’s program, if and when a student opts to pursue further graduate studies. While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for admission for most graduate certificate programs, prior knowledge of and coursework in advanced statistics and mathematics, computer programming, and information technology (IT) systems may be required or preferred for admission into graduate certificate programs in AI and machine learning.
Artificial Intelligence Explained
AI is the application of digital computing power to complex processes conventionally associated with human perception and thought, including language formation, decision making, and visual pattern recognition. Big data analytics, statistical modeling, computer programming, and algorithmic machine learning are among AI’s primary building blocks. Computer automation, robotics, natural language processing, and visual pattern recognition software are some of the real-world applications of AI theory.
AI practitioners use data science tools, theories of machine learning, software engineering skills, and knowledge of modern computing and IT systems to build, manage, and maintain AI-enabled tools and applications, find and test new uses for AI technologies, and help integrate AI into existing IT infrastructures. Familiarity with AI technologies has practical applications in business intelligence, healthcare analytics, supply chain automation, forensic accounting, social media management, personalized shopping, and many other fields.
Identifying and Classifying Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate Programs
A graduate certificate is a credential conferred by a non-degree-granting academic program that consists of a small number of graduate courses, and is offered by an institution of higher education. To be classified as a graduate certificate program in AI on GraduateCertificates.com, programs must be offered by an accredited college or university and provide training and instruction in AI, machine learning, and other computer science proficiencies central to the practical application of AI technologies. Programs that meet these criteria are typically housed within a department or school of computer science, IT, applied mathematics, or professional development.
Many graduate certificate programs in AI are comprised of courses that overlap with master’s in computer science or master’s in AI programs. While there is no formal naming convention for graduate certificates in the field, most are designated as AI programs or AI and applied machine learning programs. It is important to note that, due to advanced computing proficiencies required to learn AI, some graduate certificate programs in AI require applicants to have earned an undergraduate degree in computer science, IT, or a related discipline. Many of these programs also have several prerequisites, including but not limited to college-level calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and computer programming courses.
Finally, there are a subset of graduate certificate programs that require students to have already completed a master’s degree for admission. These programs are typically labeled “post-master’s” graduate certificate programs.
Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate Coursework
While core and elective coursework vary by program, most graduate certificate programs begin with a foundation course in the theories, principles, and applications of AI technologies. Courses in applied machine learning, natural language processing, data science concepts, and deep learning algorithms are also commonly part of a graduate certificate program. In addition, students may have the option of taking electives in topics such as automation and robotics, computer vision, game theory, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), graphics processing units (GPUs), application programming interfaces (APIs), business intelligence systems, cloud computing, and other topics related to AI applications.
The list below represents an overview of typical courses offered by graduate certificate programs in AI, based on actual program curricula.
- Applied Machine Learning
- Principles of Artificial Intelligence
- Deep Learning
- Knowledge Engineering
- Robotics and Automation
- AI-Enabled Systems
- Natural Language Processing
- Neural Networks
- Intelligent Algorithms
Online Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Programs
Online graduate certificate programs represent a more flexible and convenient alternative to traditional campus-based programs as they do not require students to travel to a college campus to attend lectures and class discussions. Online programs also provide additional opportunities for students to access graduate training in AI without having to relocate or live near a school that offers a program. Students in online programs receive all or most of their instruction via online learning platforms that deliver real-time and/or pre-recorded lectures and presentations, and provide remote access to course materials and instructional support. Students are expected to have access to a reliable, secure internet connection and have a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer in order to access course materials.
It is important for students who have not taken an online course to understand that not all online programs are the same. Some programs utilize synchronous instruction, a mode of online course delivery that takes place in real-time and requires students to attend scheduled virtual classroom sessions. Other programs use only asynchronous instruction, which does not have a real-time component. Asynchronous instruction includes pre-recorded lectures and other learning activities that allow students to complete assignments on their own schedule, day or night. Synchronous instruction can provide a more structured learning experience, but it requires that students be online for scheduled meetings. Asynchronous instruction provides more flexibility, but it requires strong time management skills and self-motivation to keep up with graduate-level courses that can be rigorous and time-consuming.
While many schools offer graduate certificate programs in fully online formats that do not require students to attend any campus-based sessions, some programs require a limited number of in-person visits. Programs that require more than three campus visits per year are classified as hybrid or blended programs on GraduateCertificates.com, as they are typically not a practical option for students who do not live within commuting range of the school offering the program. Programs with no campus requirements and programs that require three or fewer campus visits per year are grouped together as online programs.
Examples of Online Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate Programs
The online programs below are offered by accredited colleges or universities. These examples are meant to provide a representative overview of the types of programs that are currently offered online for students who are interested in pursuing a graduate certificate in AI.
Stanford University has an Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate program that is offered in a 100% online format. The program, which is available through the Stanford School of Engineering, consists of four graduate courses that must be completed within three years. It is designed for software engineers, data scientists, and researchers with a strong technical background that includes college-level calculus, linear algebra, and statistics courses, as well as programming experience with Java, C/C++, Python, or a similar language. In addition, a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university is required. The program does not require any campus visits. For more information about the program, visit Stanford Online at online.stanford.edu.
Northwestern University offers an online Advanced Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence program through its School of Professional Studies (SPS). This is a post-master’s program that is designed for students who hold a graduate degree in computer science, data science, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Students in the program are required to complete four courses, including Natural Language Processing, Intelligent Systems and Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning. The program does not require any campus visits and can be completed in two semesters. (Note: Graduate credits from this certificate program are not eligible to transfer towards Northwestern’s M.S. in Data Science program.) For more information about the program, visit Northwestern’s SPS at sps.northwestern.edu.
Drexel University has a Graduate Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning program that can be completed in a fully online format that does not require students to attend any campus visits. The program is offered through Drexel’s College of Computing & Informatics. It consists of four courses that overlap with and can be applied toward Drexel’s Master of Science (M.S.) programs in Computer Science, Data Science, or Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Students complete an Introductions to Programming or Programming Foundations course, followed by courses in Applications of Machine Learning and Applied Artificial Intelligence. After completing the required courses, students choose one elective from a list of classes in areas such as human-AI interaction, data structures and algorithms, and data analysis. The program can be completed in one year, and while it requires a bachelor’s degree for admission, it does not require a background in technology. For additional information on this program, visit Drexel’s College of Computing & Informatics at drexel.edu/cci.