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Artificial Intelligence in Practice Undergraduate Certificate

Program Details

Next Start Date: August 17

Credit Hours: 9

Course Length: 7–15 weeks

Estimated Program Length: 9 months

Apply Now

Program Details

Next Start Date: August 17

Credit Hours: 9

Course Length: 7–15 weeks

Estimated Program Length: 9 months

Apply Now

The UWF online Artificial Intelligence in Practice Undergraduate Certificate prepares students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in various industries.

Why Study Artificial Intelligence in Practice at UWF?

Artificial Intelligence is transforming every industry, from business, healthcare, engineering, education, government, and cybersecurity to law, finance and the creative arts. Regardless of major or career goals, today's students need AI knowledge and practical skills to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven workforce. With UWF's online Artificial Intelligence in Practice Undergraduate Certificate program, students can develop the knowledge, confidence and practical experience needed to use AI effectively in academic, professional and everyday settings. Through hands-on projects and real-world case studies, students learn how AI, machine learning, Generative AI and data-driven technologies are changing the way organizations operate, innovate and solve problems.

With no prior programming or AI experience required, this certificate can be completed in 2-3 semesters and is designed for students from any major to gain practical skills that complement degree programs while exploring emerging technologies, ethical and responsible AI uses and real-world applications across a wide range of disciplines.

Delivered through UWF's nationally recognized Center for Cybersecurity and AI, this certificate connects students to a broader ecosystem of innovation, workforce development and emerging technologies and aligns with national workforce frameworks. Students receive dedicated instruction and mentoring from the Center's experienced faculty and utilize state-of-the-art learning environments, such as the Florida Cyber Range and other resources that support applied AI and cyber-focused learning.

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What You Will Learn

In the online AI in Practice Undergraduate Certificate program, you will build confidence in using AI in your studies and career, even without a prior technical background.

By completing this certificate, you will be able to:

Explain core AI concepts, terminology, and technologies, including machine learning, intelligent systems and data-driven decision making
Apply AI tools and techniques to solve practical problems across a variety of disciplines and industries
Use Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs) and emerging AI technologies to enhance productivity, creativity, communication and problem solving
Evaluate the opportunities, limitations, risks and ethical considerations associated with AI technologies
Analyze and interpret AI-generated insights to support informed decision making
Communicate effectively about AI technologies and their applications to both technical and non-technical audiences
Develop practical AI capabilities that enhance career readiness and complement expertise gained through their chosen field of study

Courses

The program aligns with major national workforce efforts, including the UWF-led National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program, CyberSkills2Work, which provides AI- and cybersecurity-related training, industry certification preparation and career development support for eligible participants. This ecosystem creates opportunities for students to engage with experiential learning, industry-aligned projects, and potential collaborations related to AI-enabled cybersecurity and data-driven problem solving.

Courses & Requirements

The Artificial Intelligence in Practice undergraduate certificate prepares students to become AI-enabled professionals who can leverage emerging technologies to improve productivity, innovation and decision-making.

Required Courses (6 credit hours):

CAI 4002 - Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
CAI 4930 - Emerging Trends in Artificial Intelligence

Choose one of the following (3 credit hours):

CAI 4802 - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Cybersecurity
CAI 4827 - Artificial Intelligence Enabled Software Development

To be considered for admission to the University of West Florida’s online Artificial Intelligence in Practice undergraduate certificate program, you must be admitted to the University as an undergraduate degree or non-degree seeking student. Current UWF degree-seeking students can declare the certificate. Contact your department advisor for details.

How to Apply

Once accepted as an undergraduate degree or non-degree seeking student, students should contact the Center for Cybersecurity and AI at cyberaicerts@uwf.edu or 850.474.3059 about course availability and scheduling, and also complete the online Undergraduate Certificate Declaration Form on MyUWF. Current UWF students should only complete the online Undergraduate Certificate Declaration Form in consultation with their advisors.

Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our undergraduate admissions team at admissions@uwf.edu. If you are a current UWF student, please reach out to the department's academic advisor.

Full Course Descriptions Admission Requirements

Careers & Outcomes

The undergraduate AI in Practice certificate will provide students with specialized, applied skills for emerging AI job roles or advanced study for AI, cybersecurity, business, engineering, or related graduate programs. Graduates will be well positioned for opportunities with organizations across virtually every sector of the economy, as artificial intelligence continues to transform how businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations operate.

Job Titles

AI or Machine Learning Analyst
AI Adoption Specialist and Innovation Specialist
Technology Consultant or Digital Transformation Associate
Project Coordinator or Program Analyst
AI for Cybersecurity Analyst
Graduate Study Preparation in AI, cybersecurity, business, engineering or related fields

Career Outlook

The average salary for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist is $138,581 in 2026
The average salary for an AI Cybersecurity Analyst is $137,500 in 2026

Source: Payscale and Ziprecruiter, 2026

Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour

AI in Practice Online Undergraduate Certificate Tuition
Component	Cost	Total*
In-state Tuition	$220.98 per credit hour	$1,988.82
Out-of-state Tuition (with 75% waiver)	$362.07 per credit hour	$3,258.63
Full Out-of-state Tuition	$714.78 per credit hour	$6,433.02

Online Out-Of-State Tuition Waiver: Non-Florida residents (including international students) pursuing an online degree or certificate may be eligible for a tuition waiver that covers up to 75% of the non-resident portion of your tuition. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. Waivers are not automatically renewed and a new waiver request must be submitted every semester. Waivers cannot be applied retroactively to past semesters. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted.

Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.

* Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Alabama, Military & Financial Aid

Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition

Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. To verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar. See more about Tuition Waivers.

Military & Veterans

The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) serves as the campus advocate for military, dependents and veteran students. Contact the MVRC to learn more about the various military and veteran education assistance or tuition waiver opportunities and eligibility requirements.

UWF Financial Assistance

The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan. See more about Financial Aid and Education Funding Opportunities.

Center for Cybersecurity and AI at the University of West Florida

The UWF Center for Cybersecurity and AI is a nationally recognized and global leader advancing secure, responsible and workforce-ready artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The Center addresses the intersection of AI, cybersecurity and trust by integrating education, research, workforce development and industry collaboration to prepare professionals who can design, deploy, govern and secure AI-enabled systems at scale.