College of Engineering News Room

USF Offers New Graduate Certificates in AI & Computing

Computer Science and Engineering, in collaboration with USF Innovative Education, added two new graduate certificates that will equip students with in-demand industry skills and provide a competitive advantage in emerging sectors. Both programs are offered online with full or part-time options to match the scheduling needs of students.

The Pathway to Computing Certificate is a 15-credit hour program offering students from non-computing backgrounds an opportunity to gain vital technical skills. 
 
“No prior experience or knowledge of computing required. It's ideal for non-computing field college graduates seeking a pathway to a computing career,” said Jing Wang, professor of instruction and director of Broadening Participation in Computing.
  
Examples of topics covered include programming languages, object-oriented design, algorithm design strategy and wireless network fundamentals. The certificate will also be a bridge to the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS). Students with a 3.0 or higher GPA in the program will earn priority admission to the MSCS program without taking the GRE.
 
The pathways program is part of a national effort called the MSCS Pathways to Computing Consortium. Historically, workers in the computing field do not reflect the overall demographics of the population. USF is a member of a network of universities within the Computing Consortium - all looking to bridge the diversity gap in the computer science profession, particularly for women, people of color, non-traditional and first-generation students.  
 
“Artificial intelligence is one of those areas that is affecting all sectors of the economy. We have built a top-notch certificate for up-skilling into the latest AI technology,” said Sudeep Sarkar, professor and chair of Computer Science and Engineering. Due to the multi-industry appeal of AI, students will gain a competitive advantage in the job market by having the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Certificate in their toolkit.
 
Requiring only 12 credit hours to complete, applicants from technical backgrounds are encouraged to apply, particularly those with knowledge of physics, mathematics or programming. During the program, students have full access to support and resources from professors, teaching assistants and program coordinators. Each course lasts 16 weeks and covers such topics as data mining, introduction to artificial intelligence, computer vision, and deep learning. 
 
Once completed, students could pursue career opportunities in the fast-growing field of AI. All credits earned during the certificate can be applied to the Master of Science in Data Intelligence, which will be offered by the College of Engineering in spring 2023.
 
Program application deadlines are August 1 for fall admission and December 1 for spring admission.