Build the Skills to Enter and Advance AI
Quick Facts
Next Start Date:
January 11, 2027
- Beginner level certificate - no prior experience required
- 3 courses (9 credits)
- Performance-based pathway for the MS-CS degree
- No GRE or bachelor's degree required
AI is reshaping every industry, and organizations need professionals who understand how to work with data, build models, and make well-informed decisions. The AI Foundations: Data Analytics and Machine Learning Certificate provides a clear, flexible entry point into this rapidly growing field.
Whether you're starting from scratch or expanding your expertise, this certificate provides the essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed to succeed in AI-powered roles—and prepares you to continue into a master's degree.
Examine the AI Foundations Certificate Deeper
The online AI Foundations graduate certificate is a career-aligned credential that equips you with practical, in-demand AI skills in a flexible format.
- 100% online and designed for working professionals
- Certificate courses also count toward a master's degree in computer science or data science
- Focused, modular learning that fits your schedule
Courses include:
- CS 617 Introduction to Programming - Build foundational programming skills in Python while learning how to work with numeric and text-based data, data structures, and core problem-solving concepts.
- CS 621 Data Analytics – Explore modern data analytics techniques used in AI applications while gaining hands-on experience analyzing real-world data sets to uncover insights and support data-driven decision-making. Prerequisite: CS 617
- CS 654 Machine Learning and Data Mining – Learn core machine learning and data mining algorithms and apply them to real-world data sets to uncover patterns, generate insights, and support AI-driven solutions. Prerequisite: CS 617
You'll gain both the technical foundation and the applied experience needed to move forward in AI confidently.
AI Courses Offered by Term
| Course |
Fall Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
| CS 617 Introduction to Programming | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CS 621 Data Analytics | Yes | No | Yes |
| CS 654 Machine Learning and Data Mining | No | Yes | Yes |
Apply Credits from This Certificate to a Master’s Degree
Credits in our beginner-level AI Foundations Graduate Certificate can count toward our Master's in Computer Science (MS-CS) or Master's in Data Science (MS-DS). No entrance exams or application fees are required.
How It Works:
- Step 1: Complete either or both of the graduate certificates with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Step 2: Complete the Coursera enrollment form the semester before you wish to start your master’s program
- Step 3: Apply certificate credits towards the MS-CS or MS-DS degree
Who Should Enroll?
This certificate is designed for learners of all career stages:
Career Switchers
Looking to break into AI, data analytics, or tech-driven roles, even without a computer science background.
Working Professionals
Seeking targeted upskilling in data analysis, machine learning, and AI applications to stay competitive.
AI Skills You'll Gain
By completing this certificate, you’ll develop practical, workplace-ready skills that translate directly to real-world impact.
- Programming fluency and computational thinking
- Data preparation, cleaning, and analysis
- Machine learning model development and evaluation
- Interpreting and communicating data insights
- Solving complex problems using data-driven approaches
- Building and assessing predictive models
It also serves as an entry point to deeper AI study, positioning you to continue into Ball State’s Master of Science in Computer Science and Master of Science in Data Science degrees.
Meet Our Computer Science Faculty
Ball State's Master of Science in Computer Science provides its students with educational opportunities to gain applicable skills, preparing them for real-world applications for their career. The exceptional faculty are active contributors in their fields who design their curriculum around the ever-evolving tech of computer science. Visit our faculty bio page to learn more.
Why Coursera?
Ball State is intentional about the organizations we work with. Our priority is always our students. Coursera shares the same commitment to bringing flexible, affordable, job-relevant online learning to individuals and organizations worldwide. Since its inception, Coursera partners with other accredited and well-known public institutions to offer credit-bearing courses and degree programs that involve rigorous study and proven outcomes for graduates of these programs.
The 100 percent online computer science curriculum is built and owned entirely by Ball State and you will still earn a reputable Ball State credential.
Our programs are designed with the adult learner and working professional in mind. You will complete your course work through the Coursera online learning platform. Courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them at a pace that fits into your daily routine without worrying about being late to class. Many students take one or two courses at a time to balance work, classes, and other responsibilities.
A Smarter Path Into AI
The AI Foundations certificate removes barriers and creates opportunities, making AI education more accessible, career-relevant, and in line with today’s workforce needs.
Start with the fundamentals. Build real skills. Move forward with confidence.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We're here to help! You may request more information, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.