Pennsylvania State University

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $12.9K puts this certificate program at the 70th percentile on cost — about 18% above the $11.0K average across 180 comparable listings. It is one of the 54% of programs in our database offered fully or partly online.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, or data science is required, along with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and relevant coursework or experience in programming and statistics.

About This Program

This online certificate prepares students for roles as AI engineers by covering the identification, architecture, and implementation of intelligent systems. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI. Most students complete it in about 1 year.

Budget planners should note $12.9K estimated total tuition (70th percentile among AI certificate programs, above the $11.0K average). Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

It is one of 60 AI-related programs we track in Pennsylvania, of which about 43% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 90% of the Pennsylvania programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $81.1K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as AI Engineer, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Core principles of artificial intelligence algorithms and models.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of Pennsylvania State University's Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence most often target AI Engineer roles, where reported compensation runs around $120,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 23% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. AI Analyst
• 2. Machine Learning Engineer
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. AI Ethics Consultant

What You'll Learn

• Core principles of artificial intelligence algorithms and models
• Machine learning techniques for data analysis and prediction
• Ethical considerations and bias mitigation in AI systems
• Practical application of AI tools using Python and data frameworks

Curriculum Highlights

The 12-credit curriculum includes foundational courses in artificial intelligence, applied statistics, predictive analytics, and Python programming for data analytics.

Top Employers

Top employers include tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM, as well as government research agencies and AI-focused startups.

Admissions

Admission to Pennsylvania State University's Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is not required here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions