How do you enter the AI and computing field after college?

USF’s fully online 15-credit-hour Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate is an AI career transition program designed for students from non-computing backgrounds who want to enter tech, AI, or cybersecurity fields.

This flexible graduate certificate builds core skills in programming, data structures, and algorithms, preparing you for both industry roles and graduate study such as a master's in artificial intelligence, computer science, or data intelligence.

No prior coding experience is required. It supports future study in areas such as AI or cybersecurity master's degrees.

What you will learn:

Core computing fundamentals including programming, data structures, algorithms, and computer systems are built into these hands-on courses. These are skills that prepare you for advanced AI study and tech careers.

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PTC_Fall 2026_Landing Page Deadline Graphics

The PTC program is a focused, eight-course graduate certificate that provides a rigorous introduction to AI and computing for students without a technical background. Much of the coursework is grounded in mathematics to build confidence for entering a computing career or continuing on to a master's degree in artificial intelligence, data science or cybersecurity.

By completing the certificate, you gain priority admission to your choice of master's degree: USF's Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program or USF's Master of Science in Data Intelligence, with no GRE required.

As part of a national effort to expand opportunities in the tech industry, USF encourages applicants from all backgrounds, especially women in STEM. With flexible, asynchronous courses designed for busy professionals, this certificate offers a practical, accessible route into computing.

Apply today to take the first step toward expanding your options for AI, data engineering, cybersecurity and more.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR OUR ONLINE BROCHURE

For more information about the Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate, fill out the form at the bottom of this page to get immediate access to our in-depth online brochure about the program. The form will help us personalize information to guide you through your decision-making process.

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Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate Courses

Courses

Click each course to read the description.

JING WANG, PHD

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, PATHWAY TO COMPUTING PROGRAM

PROFESSOR OF INSTRUCTION

Jing Wang is a professor of instruction in the department of computer science and engineering. She received her PhD in 2005 in electrical engineering and computer science from Vanderbilt University. Her research interests are computer animation, undergraduate computer science and engineering education, and broadening participation in computing. Throughout her career, Wang has been actively involved in the important mission of recruiting and mentoring women in computer science and engineering. She serves as the faculty advisor of Women in Computer Science and Engineering student organization since 2013.

James Anderson, PhD

Associate Professor of Instruction

Blockchain Technology

Supply Chain Improvement

Programming Languages

Engineering Design

Software Engineering
Isabela M. Hidalgo, PhD

Assistant Professor of Instruction

Human-Computer Interactions

Programming Languages

Databases

Programming Courses

Computer Science and Engineering
Alessio Gaspar, PhD

Associate Professor

Evolutionary Algorithms

Computer Assisted Learning

Python

Linux Technologies

Operating Systems
Marbin Pazos-Revilla, PhD

Assistant Professor of Instruction and Systems Administrator

Cybersecurity

Internet of Things

Programming Languages

Computer Networks

Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Shaun Canavan, PhD

Associate Professor

Biometrics

Image Processing

Pattern Recognition

Computer Vision

Data Structures and Algorithms
Srinivas Katkoori, PhD

Professor

VLSI Design and CAD

Embedded Systems

Hardware Security

Electronic Design Automation

Computer System Design
Ken Christensen, PhD

Professor and Associate Chair of Undergraduate Affairs

Energy-Efficient Computing and Communications Systems

Improving Communications Storage

Distribution

Use of Energy in Small Grids

Computer Networks

James Anderson, PhD

Associate Professor of Instruction

Blockchain Technology

Supply Chain Improvement

Programming Languages

Engineering Design

Software Engineering
Isabela M. Hidalgo, PhD

Assistant Professor of Instruction

Human-Computer Interactions

Programming Languages

Databases

Programming Courses

Computer Science and Engineering
Alessio Gaspar, PhD

Associate Professor

Evolutionary Algorithms

Computer Assisted Learning

Python

Linux Technologies

Operating Systems
Marbin Pazos-Revilla, PhD

Assistant Professor of Instruction and Systems Administrator

Cybersecurity

Internet of Things

Programming Languages

Computer Networks

Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Shaun Canavan, PhD

Associate Professor

Biometrics

Image Processing

Pattern Recognition

Computer Vision

Data Structures and Algorithms
Srinivas Katkoori, PhD

Professor

VLSI Design and CAD

Embedded Systems

Hardware Security

Electronic Design Automation

Computer System Design
Ken Christensen, PhD

Professor and Associate Chair of Undergraduate Affairs

Energy-Efficient Computing and Communications Systems

Improving Communications Storage

Distribution

Use of Energy in Small Grids

Computer Networks

Projected to Grow

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033.

About 356,700 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently."

Similarly, "employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 20 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations."

Average Salaries

The Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate can be your first AI programming experience, leading to enhanced career opportunities and significant salary growth.

According to Gray Intelligence, the average salary for computer science roles among individuals who have completed post-baccalaureate education exceeds $110,000. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the annual median salary for Computer Information and Research Scientists is approximately $140,000.

Principal Software Engineering Manager - $218,474

Machine Learning Engineer - $186,878
AI Developer - $151,490
AI Architect - $148,486
Full Stack Developer - $134,046

Software Engineer - $131,346

Finance Manager - $119,319
IT Systems Engineer - $103,379
App Developer - $97,070

Pathway to Computing

____________________________________

GRADUATE CERTICATE

What you will learn:

A Bridge to Advanced Tech

USF’s PTC graduate certificate is an AI career transition program that provides a pathway into computing and AI graduate study, with priority admission (no GRE required) to USF master’s programs in engineering and artificial intelligence.

No Tech Degree Required

This program is designed for students with non-technical backgrounds, requiring no prerequisites or GRE, and builds foundational skills in Python, C programming, and data analysis for future study in computing and AI graduate programs.

Fully Online on Your Time

These are asynchronous, online courses that are ideal for busy adults who cannot attend on campus or attend set class times.

Students can complete this 15-credit-hour program in as little as two semesters if enrolled full-time. Part-time students can successfully complete the program in 3-5 semesters.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR OUR ONLINE BROCHURE

Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate Courses

Courses

Click each course to read the description.

James Anderson, PhD

Associate Professor of Instruction

Isabela M. Hidalgo, PhD

Assistant Professor of Instruction

Alessio Gaspar, PhD

Associate Professor

Marbin Pazos-Revilla, PhD

Assistant Professor of Instruction and Systems Administrator

Shaun Canavan, PhD

Associate Professor

Srinivas Katkoori, PhD

Professor

Ken Christensen, PhD

Professor and Associate Chair of Undergraduate Affairs

Projected to Grow

Average Salaries

According to March 2026 average salary data from Indeed.com, job titles related to artificial intelligence careers and other positions that would benefit from the foundation built in the Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate include: