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At Columbia Engineering, we cultivate an environment that embraces interdisciplinary thought, creativity, and social responsibility.

That’s why we designed the online Columbia Artificial Intelligence (AI) certificate for curious and business-minded professionals — like you — who are seeking non-credit executive education to advance your programming skills. In just 18 months, you will learn how to ethically integrate AI technologies into your organization’s strategy. Before you get started on your application, learn more about the coursework and immersion experience

If you’re ready to take the next step now, start your application.

Start Dates

The program has multiple start dates per year. This means you have the flexibility to choose the one that best suits your schedule. 

Application Deadlines

For each cohort, we offer an early priority application deadline to help you plan. Applicants who submit their application by the priority deadline will have their application fee waived. Contact your admissions counselor before you submit your application to receive the fee waiver. 

CohortEarly Priority DeadlinePriority DeadlineFinal Deadline
April 2025
December 20, 2024
January 21, 2025
February 18, 2025

Scholarship Guarantee

The online Columbia Artificial Intelligence (AI) certificate is guaranteeing a scholarship of up to USD4,000 to learners who are accepted and enrolled into the upcoming cohort. Contact your enrollment advisor for more information.

Admissions Criteria

Be sure to review your undergraduate coursework before applying. To be eligible for the program, you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • Programming Requirements:
    • Proficiency in Python, including:
      • Experience with object-oriented programming and syntax in Python
      • Create software scripts in Python using programming fundamentals including variables, conditionals, loops, collections, and functions
      • Apply essential coding skills including problem decomposition, external library utilization, debugging, and literacy with pseudocode

    • If you lack experience with Python, experience with Java/C languages may be considered.
  • Academic Prerequisites:
    • Completed coursework in:
      • Linear Algebra
      • Multivariable Calculus
      • Statistics 

    • A bachelor’s degree with majors in computer science, engineering or a related field are preferred, but not required.
  • Professional Experience:
    • At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as software engineering, software development, data science, data manipulation and data analysis is recommended.

If you meet some, but not all, of the requirements, please reach out to our Enrollment team to discuss your options.

Assessments

These assessments will help you determine your fit for the program in programming and math skills. We encourage you to review these examples below. Your enrollment advisor can walk you through the prerequisite knowledge areas and how to best prepare for these assessments before applying.

Application Requirements

To complete your application, submit the following materials: 

  • You will need to complete an online application for the online AI executive certificate. 

  • On your résumé or CV, clearly and briefly outline relevant employment held (including titles of jobs and start/end dates), and include the following where appropriate: 

    • Research activities
    • Academic honors, including fellowships you have been awarded
    • Honorary societies
    • Awards for service or leadership you have received
    • Publications
  • We require that you have all colleges and universities you previously attended send official transcripts to Columbia University. You may submit unofficial transcripts and web printouts with your application, but official transcripts will need to be provided before registering for your term. Transcripts can be submitted electronically to appservices@ai.engineering.columbia.edu or sent by mail to:

    Columbia University
    Executive Education Program Processing
    Columbia Artificial Intelligence (AI) program
    P.O. Box 30096 028-001
    College Station, TX 77842

    If you are an international applicant, and the institution(s) you attended do not issue transcripts in English, you will need to submit translations of your transcripts and degree/diploma certificates. The translations must be conducted by a reputable service provider. English proficiency is required for all applicants.

    International applicants can submit unofficial transcripts as part of their application and do not need to submit their transcript through the evaluation process unless they have been admitted into the program.

  • The personal/professional statement serves as an opportunity to discuss what you hope to gain from the program and why this program is a good path to achieving your goals.

    The length is flexible, but you should aim to write between 350 to 500 words and use the space needed to address the following:

    • What are your post-completion plans or career goals?
    • How will this program help you accomplish your goals?
    • What do you hope to gain from this program?

    If there are any special circumstances that need to be brought to the attention of the Enrollment Committee, please include that information in your response.

  • There is a nonrefundable application fee of USD85. Fee waivers are available for Columbia University alumni, certificate recipients of Columbia Engineering Boot Camps, active-duty military and veterans and those who apply by the priority deadline of their desired cohort start date. 

  • The online Columbia AI executive certificate requires all learners to travel to the Columbia University campus in New York for a long weekend to attend the in-person immersion. This non-degree program is not eligible for a student visa, and individuals are not permitted to study in visitor or visa waiver (ESTA) status. Therefore, international applicants are expected to have their own immigration status that permits them to live in or enter the United States.

    If you have any questions about visa requirements, please email the International Student and Scholar Office at isso@columbia.edu.

Your Certificate

Columbia Engineering awards non-credit certificates to learners who complete the online AI program. This qualification — which you’ll be able to add to your résumé and professional networking profiles — tells employers that you’ve cultivated the skills, vision and acumen to transform organizations through AI.

Virtual Tours

The online Columbia Artificial Intelligence (AI) executive certificate program offers virtual tours of the online classroom experience. To schedule one or to learn more about other virtual engagement opportunities, please contact an enrollment advisor at 844-983-3511 or via email at admissions@ai.engineering.columbia.edu.

Integrate AI into Your
Organizational Planning

Take the next step toward building the technical skills and strategic perspective to boost your career and your organization. Learn more about the online Columbia AI executive certificate program.

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