New AI Certificates Launch to Meet Growing Workforce Demand in Emerging Technologies
11/19/2024
By Cathi Carr
St. Petersburg College will launch two new Artificial Intelligence (AI) certificate programs in Spring 2025 to prepare students for jobs in the rapidly growing realm of AI applications, machine learning, and data science. As these technologies reshape industries across every sector, graduates of SPC's certificate programs will have the practical experience and critical skills for jobs in AI.
“For anyone who’s curious about Artificial Intelligence and its role and influence, this is a great starting point,” said Jimmy Chang, Interim Dean of the College of Computer and Information Technology. “We give you an overall view of the applications and usage of this evolving technology. The greater the awareness, the more comfortable people will be with AI."
SPC’s 9-credit Artificial Intelligence Responsible Use Certificate covers the theories and applications used in AI, how AI is revolutionizing industries and business functions, and how to use the technology ethically and responsibly.
The 18-credit Artificial Intelligence Responsible Use Practitioner Certificate is focused on more practical skills in the areas of machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and data analysis. This certificate includes two programming courses that can transfer to SPC’s Data Science A.S. Degree.
“More and more of our graduates are being asked to incorporate AI into their positions,” said SPC faculty member Dawn Ellis, who helped design the coursework. “You can’t really look anywhere without seeing an AI-driven tool in business.”
Global examples of AI’s influence can be seen in software, robotics, smart assistants, health and medical care, self-driving cars, finance, travel, transportation, retail services, social media and marketing, just to name a few.
Classes will be offered during SPC's 8-week sessions online or on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs or Clearwater campuses. Enrollment is now open.
