AI Graduate Certificate

The MS-CS on Coursera program is proud to offer the graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI) LAUNCHING FALL 2024! This graduate certificate can be stacked toward the Master of Science in Computer Science on Coursera degree. Students can earn their MS-CS degree in parallel with the AI certificate.

Students in this graduate certificate program will build a strong foundation in key AI topics;Ìý Machine Learning (ML), ethical issues, control in the design of robotic and intelligent systems; and study vital topics in generative AI reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and autonomous systems.

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The AI Certificate requires 12 credits to be completed in 4 full specializations. A specialization is a grouping of 3 courses in a topic. Each course is 1 credit.

The graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides students a strong foundation in key AI topics. Students apply Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to real world data sets; examine ethical issues in the design and implementation of current and future computing systems and technologies; create an appreciation for the tight interplay between mechanism, sensor, and control in the design of robotic and intelligent systems; and study vital topics in generative AI reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and autonomous systems.

Credits earned in the AI Graduate Certificate can count toward the MS-CS degree and the AI certificate. You can complete your AI certificate in parallel with your MS-CS degree.

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  • Gain a deep knowledge of AI, Machine Learning theory and its numerous applications including (but not limited to) natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, healthcare and human-centered computing.
  • Students will be able to design and implement comprehensive solutions for practical problems that incorporate the latest AI techniques.
  • Students will be able to identify the ethical implications in the design and application of AI technology and contribute to the emerging discussion in these areas as ethical developers of new technologies.
  • Understand CS foundations, probability/statistics, programming languages and computer systems. Specifically, their knowledge will extend to how ideas from these sub-disciplines of CS support AI systems and vice-versa.
  • Keep up with the state-of-the-art methods and techniques in this rapidly changing discipline of AI. Students will read and comprehend research papers and consider how that research can be applied in their everyday practice.

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There are no formal prerequisites, but we recommend that you have prior knowledge of basic mathematical concepts and computer programming.

  • Math: Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics and Linear Algebra

  • Programming: Python and R Programming

If you do not have this knowledge already, we encourage you to try out non-credit coursework before attempting for-credit courses.

If you would like to brush up on the above skills before starting the program, consider the following classesÌýon Coursera:

  • Calculus:Ìý

  • Linear Algebra:Ìý

  • R Programming:ÌýÌýby Johns Hopkins University

  • Python:ÌýÌýby Rice University

Students can select any 4 specializations to fulfill the 12 credit, 4 specializations requirement.

Some specializations are under development. Confirmed release dates will be posted next to the course when available. To avoid confusion we will not provide estimated release dates.

This specialization is currently in development.

CSCA 5112: Introduction to Generative AI

CSCA 5122: Modern Applications of Generative AI (in development)

CSCA 5132: Advances in Generative AI (in development)

This specialization is currently in development.

CSCA 5832: Fundamentals of Natural Language Processing

CSCA 5842: Deep Learning for Natural Language Processing

CSCA 5852: Model and Error Analysis for Natural Language Processing

This specialization is currently in development.

This specialization is currently in development.

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The Artificial Intelligence Graduate CertificateÌýon Coursera isÌý$525Ìýper credit hour.

The program requires 12 credit hours of coursework, the total program cost is $6,300. Because this program is 100% online, the tuition is the same for all students regardless of residency status.

Students will only pay for the courses they enroll in for each session. You do not have to pay the full cost of the certificate once you enroll for-credit.

Students can always work on the public version of courses before enrolling for credit. We recommend that students always start the courses in the public version first, no matter how far along you are on your certificate completion.

When you work on the course in the public (not-for-credit) version, you can work at your own pace and redo assignments. Then when you are ready to enroll for credit, you use the enrollment form, pay tuition and complete the account linking and onboarding, the progress you made on the coursework in the public version will transfer into the for-credit version. Then, you will access the restricted for-credit content (usually a final exam or project) and complete the requirements by the session deadlines for credit.

Take the next step in your education to boost your career. ThisÌýGraduate CertificateÌýcan be stacked toward the Master of Science in Computer Science (MS-CS) on Coursera degree if you are interested in continuing your education.

Computing, Ethics and Society and Machine Learning: Theory and Hands-on Practice with Python Specializations, are required Breadth specializations for the MS-CS degree. Foundations of Autonomus Systems, Natural Language Processing and Introduction to Robotics and Webots are electives specializations in the MS-CS degree. If you select these two required Breadth specializations and two of the the three electives specializations listed above, you will complete your AI graduate certificate and make progress on your MS-CS degree.

To pursue admission to the MS-CS degree program, you’ll need to complete the following four required protocols:

  • Pass one Pathway with a pathway GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Earn a B or better in all Pathway and Breadth courses.
  • Earn an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Indicate interest in degree admission (via the enrollment form)

By completing these steps, you will go from working on a certificate to earning a degree.

How can I stack this certificate toward an MS-CS degree?

If you select the following specializations* for your AI certificate, you will have completed 40% of your MS-CS degree:

  • Machine Learning
  • Computing, Ethics and Society
  • Foundations of Autonomous Systems
  • Introduction to Robotics with Webots

*based on specializations available by launch of the certificate in Fall 2024

Can I earn the MS-CS degree, the DS Certificate AND the AI Certificate with only 30 credits?

No. Because Machine Learning is a required Breadth specialization for the MS-CS degree and you cannot apply the same credits to 2 of the same level of credentials, so you will need to apply the Machine Learning specialization to the AI certificate if you plan to earn the MS-CS degree, the DS certificate and the AI certificate. You will end up with 3 extra credits when earning all three; the MS-CS degree, AI Certificate and DS Certificate. You will not want to select Machine Learning as one of your DS certificate electives if you plan to earn all three of these.

Will this certificate help me in my career?

Yes! The AI Graduate Certitificate prepares engineers, applied scientists, and technical professionals for career advancement in advanced technical and technical leadership roles. Curriculum addresses a range of areas including theory, software, systems, machine learning, and ethics. The graduate certificate in AI will provide students a strong foundation in key AI topics.


Students will apply Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to real world data sets; examine ethical issues in the design and implementation of current and future computing systems and technologies; create an appreciation for the tight interplay between mechanism, sensor, and control in the design of robotic and intelligent systems; and provide a comprehensive exploration of Generative AI. Future courses in reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and autonomous systems will round out the curriculum.

Can I earn this certificate if I have already completed my MS-CS degree?

Yes! If a student was to earn an MS-CS degree and they want to come back after they earn a degree to pursue additional classes towards a MS-CS certificate (or other ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ on Coursera certificate), they can! The student can re-enroll in classes through the current student enrollment form and it will add them to a 2nd non-degree program plan and if they meet requirements for a certificate, it will be added at the end of each term.

Remember, the "no double dipping rule" applies here as well. Students cannot count the same class for two degrees or two certificates. Students cannot use a class they took prior towards that certificate if it was already used for another certificate.

Can I earn this certificate if I have already completed my MS-CS degree BEFORE the certificate has launched?

If you are are student that will complete all degree requirements in Summer 2 (before the certificate launches in Fall 2024) your MSCS degree will be conferred. You can re-enroll as a nondegree student, using the MS-CS form in Fall 2024 in your remaining required classes for the certificate, or if you have completed all classes for certificate prior, you will have to enroll in a different MS-CS class that is also in the certificate program, in Fall 2024.

When will courses/specializations that are "in development" be available?

Course release dates will be posted next to the course when the availability of enrollment is confirmed. To avoid any confusion we will not provide estimated release timelines.

How do I enroll for the certificate for university credit?

Please use the and select your courses you want to apply toward your certificate. When you get to the "Educational Interest" section of the form, please select "Pursuing a Graduate Certificate". You must complete this step if you are also earning your MS-CS degree in paralell with the certificate when you enroll in at least one course that applies to both.

Will these courses appear on my official transcript?

Yes. When you take a course for-credit it will appear on your official transcript.

Do I receive a paper copy of my graduate certificate?

We'll mail your complimentary paper certificate approximately eight weeks after the end of the semester in which you complete your certificate requirements.

You should verify both your name that will appear on your certficiate, as well as the address your certficiate will be mailed to in your Buff Portal. You will need to Update Your Contact Information if your name and/or home address are not listed correctly.

You also have access to a Certified Electronic Certificate (CeDiplomas/CeCertificates). Go to the electronic diplomas & certificates card in Buff Portal and click the "Access your CeDiploma/CeCertificate" link to access CeCredential Trust, an approved third-party vendor of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder. Please see CeDiplomas/CeCertificates for additional information regarding electronic diplomas.

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