AI for Data Science Practitioners, Graduate Certificate

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The program explores the ways in which Artificial Intelligence can be added to the toolset of data scientists. This includes all phases of data science projects, from data procurement, data engineering, preliminary analysis, analysis, results evaluation, re-analysis, visualization, validation, and storytelling to process optimization, agentic AI, ML Ops, risk assessment, privacy and security of data, and ethical considerations of both data collection and data analysis processes. The program will provide an overview of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques and examples of their applications in Data Science projects.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to UNC Charlotte’s Graduate School, the following are required for the Graduate Certificate in AI for Data Science Practitioners:

A bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., computer science, data science, engineering, mathematics, or a quantitative discipline), or an equivalent background in computing or data analytics demonstrated through professional experience.
Minimum GPA of 2.75 (based on a 4.0 scale)
An online application through the Graduate School’s application system
Unofficial transcripts of all attempted college coursework
Optional - Resume or CV
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for international applicants whose first language is not English

Core Courses (12 credit hours)

Electives Courses (3 credit hours)

Certificate Total = 15 Credit Hours

Progression Requirements

For the two-semester sequence, students will take Introduction to AI and Machine Learning and Data Engineering for AI in their first semester, followed by Applications of LLMs and Agentic AI in the second semester, along with selected electives. Initially, the program will offer a Fall-only start, with the possibility of adding a Spring admission cycle as enrollment grows.