Artificial Intelligence in Practice Graduate 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

Aquire the knowledge and confidence to use Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI and emerging AI technologies to solve real-world problems, improve productivity and drive innovation with the University of West Florida's online Artificial Intelligence in Practice Graduate Certificate.

Why Study Artificial Intelligence in Practice at UWF?

Organizations are increasingly seeking professionals who can understand and apply AI technologies that drive innovation and solve real-world challenges. UWF's online Artificial Intelligence in Practice Graduate Certificate will help you develop the in-demand practical AI knowledge that can be immediately applied in the workplace.

Through hands-on projects, case studies and exposure to emerging technologies, students and working professionals seeking to explore the foundational concepts, trends, best practices and techniques of artificial intelligence will learn how to leverage AI to improve productivity, automate processes, strengthen problem-solving capabilities to create new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Taught by expert faculty from UWF's nationally recognized Center for Cybersecurity and AI, the certificate includes the choice to dive deeper into the application of AI in either cybersecurity or software development. Courses include supervised and unsupervised machine learning (ML) and best practices to minimize risk or an introduction into AI integration and how it can enhance requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, debugging, deployment and maintenance of software systems.

Designed for students and working professionals from any discipline, courses emphasize hands-on projects, current tools and trends and alignment with real workforce roles that provide clear connections between coursework and practical workforce use.

With no prior AI or programming experience required, this certificate provides a flexible pathway to build in-demand AI skills and stay competitive in an AI-enabled workforce in business, healthcare, government, education, engineering, defense, technology, cybersecurity and other industries.

Apply Now

Request Information

What You Will Learn

In the AI in Practice Graduate Certificate you will learn foundational AI concepts and practical skills for applying AI tools to real problems across multiple domains. Gain practical experience using today's most impactful AI technologies while learning how to use them responsibly, ethically and securely.

By completing this certificate, you will be able to:

Evaluate and apply AI technologies to improve organizational performance, productivity and innovation
Use Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance communication, research, content creation and problem solving.
Identify opportunities to integrate AI into business, government, healthcare, cybersecurity, engineering and other professional environments
Analyze data and AI-generated insights to support informed decision making
Assess the benefits, risks, limitations and ethical implications of AI technologies
Collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders on AI-enabled initiatives
Develop practical AI literacy and skills that can be immediately applied in current and future roles

Courses

This certificate 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.

Graduates may pursue opportunities with organizations that are actively adopting AI technologies, including:

Technology companies and software firms
Defense and aerospace organizations
Federal, state, and local government agencies
Healthcare systems and medical technology companies
Financial institutions and fintech organizations
Consulting and professional services firms
Manufacturing and supply chain organizations
Cybersecurity companies and security operations centers
ducational institutions and research organizations

Courses & Requirements

The online Artificial Intelligence in Practice Graduate Certificate focuses on applied, workforce-oriented AI education and can be completed in as little as two semesters and is ideal for working professionals or career changers seeking to upskill in AI and cybersecurity.

Required Courses (6 credit hours)

CAI 6005 - Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
CAI 5931 - Emerging Trends in Artificial Intelligence

Choose one of the following (3 credit hours)

CAI 6804 - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Cybersecurity
CAI 6828 - Artificial Intelligence Enabled Software Development

To be considered for admission to the University of West Florida’s online Artificial Intelligence in Practice Graduate Certificate program, you must be admitted to the University as a graduate non-degree or degree-seeking student.

How to Apply

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

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

Full Course Descriptions Registration Requirements

Careers & Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Artificial Intelligence in Practice graduate certificate, you will be prepared to lead, support and accelerate AI adoption across a wide range of industries.

Job Titles

AI Adoption/AI Transformation Specialist
Operations and Process Improvement Specialist
Machine Learning Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst with AI Expertise
AI-Enabled Software Development Professional
AI Project Manager
AI Product or Solutions Specialist
Technology Innovation Consultant

Career Outlook

Salaries for job postings that mention AI skills were 28% than those that do not
Employment of computer occupations is expected to grow 11.7% from 2023 to 2032

Source: BLS, 2025, and Lightcast, 2026

Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour

AI in Practice Online Graduate Certificate Tuition
Component	Cost*	Total*
Tuition	$425.00 per credit hour	$3,825.00

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.

Military & Financial Aid

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.