Artificial Intelligence Certification at WGU
Are You Looking to Enroll in an Artificial Intelligence Certificate Program?
Artificial intelligence is a revolutionary field offering endless opportunities for innovation. If you’re considering a career in AI, you may be seeking an artificial intelligence certification program to enhance your skill set. While WGU doesn’t currently offer an AI certification, we do offer several degree programs that can equip you with not only AI skills but also crucial related competencies. From natural language processing to AI ethics, our courses teach AI and IT fundamentals that directly apply to top positions in the field. WGU degree programs also cover essentials like data management and visualization, web development, software engineering, and business IT principles.
Earning a college degree can pave the way for an exciting career in AI. If you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree, a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Data Analytics are both strong starting points. If you’re ready to take your education to the next level, an M.S. in Data Analytics (MSDA) can help you develop advanced skills necessary for senior-level and specialized positions. Keep reading to discover how earning a degree from WGU can set the stage for a rewarding job in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.
Skills in Artificial Intelligence and Similar Professions
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integral to a wide range of industries and occupations, more employers are prioritizing candidates with AI-related skills. Excelling in an AI career often requires expertise in the following subjects:
- Machine learning. Using input data and algorithms, AI programs can categorize information, draw conclusions, and make predictions, enabling the programs to “think” and act like humans. Machine learning has many applications, including those in the transportation, healthcare, agriculture, and customer service industries.
- AI ethics. Anyone working with artificial intelligence should know how to recognize and address privacy violations, biases, and other ethical concerns.
- Data analytics. From healthcare and finance to marketing and manufacturing, businesses across diverse sectors rely on data analysis to solve problems and make informed decisions. AI is founded upon uncovering patterns in data, so a strong understanding of data analytics is essential to success in an AI career.
- Natural language processing (NLP). Statistical modeling, computational linguistics, and machine learning enable generative AI programs like ChatGPT to understand and produce text. NLP powers search engines, chatbots, predictive text features, speech recognition programs, and other essential technologies.
- Reinforcement learning. Through a trial-and-error process, reinforcement learning trains software to work toward goals and solve problems. It can predict financial trends, allocate resources, make marketing decisions, and much more.
- Computer vision. By enabling AI programs to “see” and identify objects, computer vision effectively automates tasks that once required human effort. It’s used in facial recognition software, self-driving cars, and other innovative technologies.
- Signal processing. AI professionals use their knowledge of signal processing to transform sound, images, and other physical transmissions into digital signals used by applications.
- AI robotics. AI-powered robots perform valuable functions in manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, agriculture, and dozens of other industries. By understanding the applications of AI in robotics, professionals are well positioned for a variety of AI careers.
- AI cloud services. By combining cloud computing with artificial intelligence, businesses can process vast data sets and make complex decisions within seconds.
- Bias mitigation. Because AI functions by recognizing patterns in existing data, AI professionals must ensure that biases within the input data do not influence AI outputs.
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
A computer science degree has broad applications, including software engineering, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and web development. Individuals hoping to excel in the exciting world of AI often start their professional journeys by earning a bachelor’s in computer science. WGU’s B.S. in Computer Science program teaches students valuable proficiencies, including those in the following domains:
- Artificial intelligence and deep learning. Our Introduction to AI course teaches students how deep learning is involved in developing neural networks, large language models, and generative AI programs like ChatGPT.
- Data engineering. If a student wants to learn AI, gaining an in-depth understanding of data science, data analysis, and data engineering is a great place to start.
- Programming skills. WGU’s computer science degree teaches students how to apply programming languages and domain-specific languages like SQL, CSS, and XML to real-world scenarios.
- Network and security. By gaining a solid understanding of information security practices and network technologies, students are prepared to contend with increasingly complicated cybersecurity threats in various AI-related careers.
- Business of IT. Computer science students also acquire domain knowledge that helps them apply IT principles and skills to a range of jobs.
Bachelor's Degree in Data Analytics
Data science forms the backbone of artificial intelligence. Through intricate algorithms, AI programs analyze and transform input data to identify patterns, make decisions, detect inconsistencies, automate tasks, and generate content. Students studying data analytics gain a thorough understanding of the data science mechanisms that power AI technologies. WGU’s B.S. in Data Analytics program covers essential topics, including:
- Data management. In WGU’s data management classes, students explore how businesses gather, evaluate, organize, and interpret data sets.
- Data science. Through statistical analyses, experiments, and data visualization techniques, students learn how to use raw data to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisions.
- Machine learning. WGU’s machine learning courses equip students with the skills needed to investigate data through a machine-learning lens and deploy machine learning models in real-world contexts.
- Scripting and programming. By mastering the Python programming language, students learn not only programming theory but also how to implement code and create algorithms.
- Leadership and management. In addition to learning data management principles, computer science students acquire skills in project management, leadership, quality control, reporting, change management, and business communication.
$112,500
is the average annual salary for a artificial intelligence engineer, according to Comparably.
Careers in Artificial Intelligence
Few fields are evolving as quickly as artificial intelligence. From generative AI programs that facilitate the discovery of new medications to AI-supported online banking, the potential applications of AI are endless. Individuals interested in AI certificates have diverse career options to pursue. Here are some of the top AI jobs currently creating a buzz in the industry:
What Does a Robotics Engineer Do?
One of AI’s most valuable features is its ability to automate tasks and free human workers to focus on more complex and higher-level responsibilities. Robotics engineers are leaders in AI-enabled automation. These professionals plan, develop, and maintain custom robotics systems that increase productivity, streamline processes, and reduce costs. Their daily responsibilities vary, but robotics engineers typically handle the following tasks:
- Collaborating with stakeholders to identify potential robotics applications.
- Determining the scope and timeline for new robotics projects.
- Designing and building prototypes.
- Testing robotic systems to discover defects or areas for improvement.
- Overseeing construction and maintaining documentation of the development process.
- Performing maintenance and installing updates to robotics systems as needed.
What Does an AI Consultant Do?
Many organizational leaders recognize AI's value but are unsure how to integrate artificial solutions. This is where an AI consultant can help. By evaluating a business’s needs and goals, AI consultants can pinpoint ways that AI can improve operations, reduce expenses, and enhance outcomes. Some AI consultants work for consulting firms, while others are independent contractors who execute consulting jobs on a freelance basis. Some typical job duties of an AI consultant include:
- Meeting with executives, department heads, project managers, IT professionals, and other stakeholders to understand the organization’s needs.
- Evaluating the organization’s technological capabilities, budgetary requirements, workflows, and processes.
- Identifying potential applications for AI.
- Choosing AI tools that can seamlessly integrate with the existing infrastructure.
- Overseeing the implementation of AI solutions.
- Providing ongoing training and support to employees and business leaders as they learn to work with AI technologies.
- Ensuring organizations recognize the ethical and regulatory concerns associated with artificial intelligence and know how to navigate these issues efficiently.
What Does a Business Intelligence Analyst Do?
Business intelligence analysts evaluate data, forecast trends, and help businesses make strategic decisions. These professionals frequently use AI to make sense of massive, unstructured data sets. Integrating AI technology into business intelligence solutions helps analysts detect inconsistencies, manage risks, optimize processes, find new opportunities for business growth, and gain other actionable insights. On a typical day, a business intelligence analyst handles the following responsibilities:
- Gathering detailed information about the business’s short- and long-term objectives.
- Analyzing sales data, customer metrics, market trends, and other forms of data.
- Using data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI to organize and distill complex information into easy-to-understand formats.
- Identifying data-driven strategies for improving outcomes and achieving business objectives.
- Presenting findings and recommendations to business leaders.
What Does a Prompt Engineer Do?
Whether an AI tool generates text, analyzes images, translates languages, or automates tasks, it’s only as accurate as the information that’s fed into the system. Prompt engineering is the process of training an AI model to provide reliable, accurate information. By optimizing the input data, or prompts, that AI programs rely on, prompt engineers improve the system’s outputs and enhance the user experience. Some of a prompt engineer’s job duties include:
- Using a combination of trial and error and creativity to design prompts that yield the most accurate, meaningful responses from AI programs.
- Constructing prompt libraries and guides to help users make the most of AI models.
- Fine-tuning AI models to enhance their performance and reliability.
- Collaborating with data scientists, IT professionals, and other stakeholders to identify ways to enhance AI model results.
- Ensuring AI models adhere to privacy laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.
26%
career growth of information research scientists is projected from now to 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Why Choose WGU?
Why should you choose a WGU online computer science or data analytics degree or over a degree program somewhere else? For starters, we’re dedicated to helping our students achieve their educational goals by providing flexible online degree programs that fit their lifestyle. But that’s just the start. Here are several reasons a WGU degree is a great fit for students.
- We make it affordable to earn your degree. Our tuition is charged per six-month term, not per credit, so graduating faster costs less.
- Along with our already-low tuition, our scholarships and financial aid make college even more affordable for even more students.
- Thanks to our competency-based education, you can pass courses by proving what you know, meaning you can accelerate your program and graduate faster.
- Our degree programs are designed with your employment and success in mind, so the skills you learn will translate directly to your work post-graduation.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Choosing these degrees is a great alternative to an AI Certification program and can make sure you have training and credentials that will help you succeed.
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artifical Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Data Analytics – B.S.
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:...
Lean into data, and walk away with a cutting-edge online degree:
- Time: 62% of graduates finish within 36 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,835 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 39 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Data+
- CompTIA Project+
- Udacity Nanodegree—a unique, highly recognized credential designed to prepare you for a career in data science
- MSI Change Management (Optional Certification)
- Certiprof Design Thinking Professional Certificate (Optional Certification)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data management
- Data wrangling
- Statistical analysis
- Visualization
- Leadership and management
- Model deployment & storytelling
Data Analytics – M.S.
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:...
Lead businesses with strong analysis skills:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,520 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program consists of three specialization areas which allow you to gain specific experience and skills that will benefit your future career. You can choose from data science, data engineering, and decision process engineering specializations to enhance your degree.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Data Modeling
- Big Data
- Business Intelligence
- Data Quality
- SQL
- Python