COD expands AI education with degree and machine learning certificate
As the field of artificial intelligence continues to grow, College of DuPage aims to stay at the forefront of AI education by offering both an AI Associate in Applied Science degree and Machine Learning certificate for students entering the workforce or professionals looking to enhance their skills.
The 22-credit-hour certificate focuses on machine learning, a branch of AI that uses data to train systems to perform tasks without being explicitly programmed.
Through the certificate, students gain fundamental knowledge of machine learning and learn to develop solutions to complex problems using current AI technologies. Courses in the certificate include Introduction to Python Programming, Data Analytics and Visualization, and Introduction to Machine Learning.
“What we are trying to do is create a program that is comprehensive and helps students adjust to new technologies to help them land jobs,” said Computer and Information Science Professor Mohammad Morovati.
Students interested in a more extensive AI education should consider the 60- to 62-credit-hour degree, which prepares them to design, implement and evaluate AI solutions across diverse applications.
The degree combines a foundation in computer science, data analytics, ethical considerations, security and hands-on experience to develop robust AI systems. Coursework covers core areas including machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision. Students who complete the Machine Learning certificate can stack those credits toward the AI degree.
The degree and certificate prepare students for careers as data scientists, data analysts, machine learning engineers and technicians. Many of these fields are expected to expand over the next decade. Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 34% by 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“AI is not going away and will continue to grow. It’s going to be essential for people to understand how to use it to their advantage to be able to do their jobs more efficiently,” said Morovati.
Learn more about the Machine Learning certificate and AI degree here: cod.edu/academics/areas/cis/index.html.