Explore the fast-growing field of artificial intelligence with a new graduate certificate from AU
Athabasca University has launched a new opportunity for computer science students to develop their skills with artificial intelligence.
The Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from the Faculty of Science and Technology lets learners earn a graduate-level credential in this growing field without the cost and time commitment of a full master’s degree.
With this credential in hand, learners will be able to apply AI techniques to real-world problems, enhance data-driven decision-making, and contribute responsibly to AI-enabled systems across a wide range of sectors.
“This is an excellent new opportunity for IT developers and leaders to enhance their AI skills and knowledge with a flexible graduate credential while also working towards a full graduate degree,” said Dr. Dunwei Wen, chair of AU’s School of Computing and Information Systems.
Pathway to a master’s degree
The 12-credit graduate certificate not only enables learners to enhance their careers, it also lets them apply those credits to a Master of Science in Computing and Information Systems.
All four graduate certificates offered in the Faculty of Science and Technology can be laddered into a master’s degree:
- Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
- Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
- Graduate Certificate in Information Security
- Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Management
Students who laddered a graduate certificate into a Master of Science have said they appreciate the flexibility and smaller commitment.
Wes Sauder (Master of Science in Information Systems ’23) first earned a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics. His top marks, along with a scholarship opportunity, helped convince him to ladder his certificate into a full degree.
“I think it’s a good way for people like me who haven’t made a decision,” he said. “The certificate program gave me the confidence to go for the Master of Science.”
Related: 91制片厂grad’s Master of Science in Information Systems helped transform his career
Student opportunities in artificial intelligence research
Students in AU’s computing and information systems programs can earn a degree on their own time and at their own pace, while also getting opportunities to work with researchers doing cutting-edge AI work.
Recent graduate Kevin Haghighat (Master of Science in Computing and Information Systems ’25) said working with and learning from 91制片厂professors helped shape his approach to his thesis, which focused on how to help paraplegics walk.
He got involved with Dr. Maiga Chang’s research group focusing on natural language processing and realized natural language models could help solve a problem with his own work.
To support a paraplegic in walking, signals from the brain must be translated into muscle stimulation throughout the body. Haghighat realized machine-learning technology could help.
“I could tap into machine learning and today’s AI concepts to be able to take live information from the brain using a brain/computer interface, then translate that into the physical action the brain is trying to make, bypassing the spine where the damage has occurred,” Haghighat said.
This kind of hands-on, real-world experience helped him to succeed in the program while exploring new work and learning opportunities within academia.
Related: Master of Science Grad has a passion for learning, teaching
Explore AI with a master's degree
I think it's a good way for people like me who haven't made the decision. The certificate program gave me the confidence to go for the Master of Science.