Graduate AI Certificate
The demand for artificial intelligence expertise is exploding across both industry and academia. The Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence delivers specialized knowledge in both classical and modern Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with applications in generative AI, natural language processing, and visual computing. T he certificate requires admission into the program and consists of 18 credits of graduate classes. There is one core class for a total of 3 hours. In addition, five elective classes must be taken for the needed additional 15 credit hours. The certificate may be pursued either as a standalone program or in parallel with an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science. In the latter case, obtaining the Certificate is a way to establish a visible transcript credential in the field of study.
Course Requirements
Required Core Course (3)
Five of the following courses or approved substitute courses (15)
- CS 517 Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
- CS 527 Introduction to Visual Computing
- CS 539 Introduction to Computational Imaging
- CS 540 Deep Learning: Computational Structures and Programming
- CS 541 Classical Artificial Intelligence
- CS 543 Large Language Models
- CS 544 Natural Language Processing
- CS 546 Reinforcement Learning
- CS 549 Data Clustering
- CS 566 Voice Assistants
- CS 575 Generative Security Application Engineering
- Approved AI electives
Prerequisites
Proficiency in Python programming (such as CS 161/162/163/302), algorithms (such as CS 350), linear algebra (MTH 261) and calculus (MTH 251, 252, 253).
Admissions Procedures
Current CS graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D.) can add the certificate to their existing degree program or transfer to the certificate program (effectively withdrawing from their current program) by filling out the GO-19 form . Within the form, the student should select “Add” to include the certificate with their current graduate degree program, or “Transfer” to pursue the certificate on its own. Requests to add or transfer to the certificate program are reviewed and approved by the department.
Prospective new students who are interested in pursuing the certificate on its own, and not in parallel with the M.S. or Ph.D., must apply via the Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate application .
The applicant must meet the prerequisites outlined in the Certificate-specific sections above. If the applicant lacks any of the required skills, they can enroll in the relevant PSU undergraduate courses ahead of applying for the certificate.
These CS courses can be completed at PSU with postbaccalaureate admission status or at one of the community colleges listed in this transfer guide .
Returning students who already hold a CS M.S. or Ph.D. degree and wish to obtain the certificate as an additional credential must apply using the Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate application . Courses applied to the existing degree can also be re-used to fulfill the certificate course requirements.