--- title: USF Pathway to Computing Certificate description: This fully online program builds the foundation you need for the MS in Artificial Intelligence at USF. This is an excellent AI career transition program. image: https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hubfs/Round%20Interview%20Headshots_groupcomputer.png --- [![USouthFlorida-green-logo](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hubfs/Logo/USouthFlorida-green-logo.png)](https://www.usf.edu/) ![Erin-Crop](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/general/graphics/recruiters/Erin-Crop.png?width=200&height=200&name=Erin-Crop.png) **Erin Nolan** Online Success Coach [![Schedule a Call](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/43905124/interactive-195524926997.png)](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK3Eu46Buu4CgFAJudTtVc%2B5aioc2bni6o6vA%2Fej18uBQSoQWCCcHiq1Czr%2BhOzpD6N7bbaIlFYbX2rnvV7Xv3V9f3doNCNPnhTDzDqXkSBRaJVJqPIFufBDryhXfeYjqzkc1vRNH1uEYkVSHDk0OWn8QgVckJY%2BCYcsG0soTGh5sVEwyUUhgtXnK1GugSL%2FGXZJUtfGGvJy9pnxGzVnAVnUc8PULahLapNlB8%3D&webInteractiveContentId=195524926997&portalId=43905124&hsLang=en) [![erinnolan@usf.edu](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/43905124/interactive-195524927033.png)](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLUyyW1sCxTx8PEd05A4WvYEzfzz%2BL7satJCfoKUymP5018NAHvT6Mwk2N%2BXhN8mxLCLwBp88o1BeH9UcQAG6u2nW2rO57WU4PdgBhnfuvnrhKThNFP0pe4%2F%2Fh16s%2FHLPIGIcn0yoVTbhoL1VJVexi2JeEBMykrHGSgZ3dA5QxPkkA0JPJofC%2Fj0PT88Jsk&webInteractiveContentId=195524927033&portalId=43905124&hsLang=en) # Pathway to Computing ### \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ### GRADUATE CERTICATE **Missed the Deadline but Want to Start Classes January 2027?** **Email us now for an expedited admissions decision:** **[![\
Apply Now for Expedited Spring 2027 Admission\](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/43905124/interactive-218934002764.png)](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKPhoZAlDVvhQVacU9a0mIpMuawbyNUypue4QRE8sKaCwtabAMhsvJJN9%2BLf%2Ft4%2BD1Y84C07AbtlQaSI6PlxUqnshyO4SyKObchB1V4oA%2F7qhfZbHvZhx%2BLuJ6ito3NjkrqPE3Jyg%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=218934002764&portalId=43905124&hsLang=en)** **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. ![PTC\_Spring 2027 EXTENSION\_Landing Page Deadline Graphics](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/PTC_Spring%202027%20EXTENSION_Landing%20Page%20Deadline%20Graphics.png?width=1133&height=921&name=PTC_Spring%202027%20EXTENSION_Landing%20Page%20Deadline%20Graphics.png) ### What You 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. 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.   ### What You Get: 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.** ![Technology Bridge Icon](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Technology%20Bridge%20Icon.png?width=229&height=182&name=Technology%20Bridge%20Icon.png "Technology Bridge Icon") # 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. ![CYC Landing Page Icons\_No Tech Background Requred Icon](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/CYC%20Landing%20Page%20Icons_No%20Tech%20Background%20Requred%20Icon.png?width=182&height=182&name=CYC%20Landing%20Page%20Icons_No%20Tech%20Background%20Requred%20Icon.png "CYC Landing Page Icons_No Tech Background Requred Icon") # 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. ![CYC Landing Page Icons\_Schedule Icon](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/CYC%20Landing%20Page%20Icons_Schedule%20Icon.png?width=182&height=182&name=CYC%20Landing%20Page%20Icons_Schedule%20Icon.png "CYC Landing Page Icons_Schedule Icon") # 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.   ## join us for a # *Virtual Info Session* ### *USF's Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate* Attend an online info session for USF’s Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate, an **AI career transition program** that introduces computing fundamentals and pathways to prepare you for a master's degree in artificial intelligence and other AI graduate programs. Learn about admissions, coursework, and how this flexible program can prepare you for an **online AI masters degree** or related data intelligence or cybersecurity programs, and [**register today to reserve your spot.**](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/pathway-to-computing-certificate#RSVP)   [SIGN UP TODAY](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/ptc-info-session-rsvp-landing-page?hsLang=en) ![PTC Round](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/PTC%20Round.png?width=1000&height=1000&name=PTC%20Round.png) ### 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. [Download Brochure](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/pathway-to-computing-certificate#download) ![PTC Brochure Thumbnail-01](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/PTC%20Brochure%20Thumbnail-01.png?width=555&height=422&name=PTC%20Brochure%20Thumbnail-01.png) ![Erin-Crop](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/general/graphics/recruiters/Erin-Crop.png?width=100&height=100&name=Erin-Crop.png) **Erin Nolan** *Online Success Coach* ***[Schedule a Call](https://meetings.hubspot.com/erinnolan1/ptc-grad-cert)*** ***[erinnolan@usf.edu](mailto:erinnolan@usf.edu)*** ### 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. ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Jing Wang](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Jing%20Wang.png?width=4500&height=4500&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Jing%20Wang.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_James Anderson](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_James%20Anderson.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_James%20Anderson.png) ## **James Anderson, PhD** #### Associate Professor of Instruction Blockchain Technology Supply Chain Improvement Programming Languages Engineering Design Software Engineering - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Isabela M. Hidalgo](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Isabela%20M.%20Hidalgo.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Isabela%20M.%20Hidalgo.png) ## **Isabela M. Hidalgo, PhD** #### Assistant Professor of Instruction Human-Computer Interactions Programming Languages Databases Programming Courses Computer Science and Engineering - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Alessio Gaspar](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Alessio%20Gaspar.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Alessio%20Gaspar.png) ## **Alessio Gaspar, PhD** #### Associate Professor Evolutionary Algorithms Computer Assisted Learning Python Linux Technologies Operating Systems - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Marbin Pazos-Revilla](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Marbin%20Pazos-Revilla.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Marbin%20Pazos-Revilla.png) ## **Marbin Pazos-Revilla, PhD** #### Assistant Professor of Instruction and Systems Administrator Cybersecurity Internet of Things Programming Languages Computer Networks Virtualization and Cloud Computing - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Shaun Canavan](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Shaun%20Canavan.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Shaun%20Canavan.png) ## **Shaun Canavan, PhD** #### Associate Professor Biometrics Image Processing Pattern Recognition Computer Vision Data Structures and Algorithms - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Srinivas Katkoori](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Srinivas%20Katkoori.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Srinivas%20Katkoori.png) ## **Srinivas Katkoori, PhD** #### Professor VLSI Design and CAD Embedded Systems Hardware Security Electronic Design Automation Computer System Design - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Ken Christesen](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Ken%20Christesen.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Ken%20Christesen.png) ## **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 - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_James Anderson](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_James%20Anderson.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_James%20Anderson.png) ## **James Anderson, PhD** #### Associate Professor of Instruction Blockchain Technology Supply Chain Improvement Programming Languages Engineering Design Software Engineering - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Isabela M. Hidalgo](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Isabela%20M.%20Hidalgo.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Isabela%20M.%20Hidalgo.png) ## **Isabela M. Hidalgo, PhD** #### Assistant Professor of Instruction Human-Computer Interactions Programming Languages Databases Programming Courses Computer Science and Engineering - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Alessio Gaspar](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Alessio%20Gaspar.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Alessio%20Gaspar.png) ## **Alessio Gaspar, PhD** #### Associate Professor Evolutionary Algorithms Computer Assisted Learning Python Linux Technologies Operating Systems - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Marbin Pazos-Revilla](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Marbin%20Pazos-Revilla.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Marbin%20Pazos-Revilla.png) ## **Marbin Pazos-Revilla, PhD** #### Assistant Professor of Instruction and Systems Administrator Cybersecurity Internet of Things Programming Languages Computer Networks Virtualization and Cloud Computing - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Shaun Canavan](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Shaun%20Canavan.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Shaun%20Canavan.png) ## **Shaun Canavan, PhD** #### Associate Professor Biometrics Image Processing Pattern Recognition Computer Vision Data Structures and Algorithms - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Srinivas Katkoori](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Srinivas%20Katkoori.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Srinivas%20Katkoori.png) ## **Srinivas Katkoori, PhD** #### Professor VLSI Design and CAD Embedded Systems Hardware Security Electronic Design Automation Computer System Design - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) - ## ![Spotlight Scroll Icon PTC\_Ken Christesen](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Ken%20Christesen.png?width=272&height=272&name=Spotlight%20Scroll%20Icon%20PTC_Ken%20Christesen.png) ## **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 - ![taller no blur\_Spotlight Scroll](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png?width=100&height=125&name=taller%20no%20blur_Spotlight%20Scroll.png) # 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.**" ![Careers Circle Cutout-01](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Careers%20Circle%20Cutout-01.png?width=500&height=500&name=Careers%20Circle%20Cutout-01.png "Careers Circle Cutout-01") # 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.** ### 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: - **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** ![rankings\_Various CYC Landing Page Graphics2](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/rankings_Various%20CYC%20Landing%20Page%20Graphics2.png?width=400&height=140&name=rankings_Various%20CYC%20Landing%20Page%20Graphics2.png) ![Landing Page Rankings Semiconductor3-1](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page%20Rankings%20Semiconductor3-1.png?width=400&height=140&name=Landing%20Page%20Rankings%20Semiconductor3-1.png) ![Various PoP Landing Page Graphics](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Various%20PoP%20Landing%20Page%20Graphics.png?width=400&height=139&name=Various%20PoP%20Landing%20Page%20Graphics.png) ![CMS Refesh\_usf is great](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/CMS%20Refesh_usf%20is%20great.png?width=2000&height=2000&name=CMS%20Refesh_usf%20is%20great.png) [![USouthFlorida-green-logo](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hubfs/Logo/USouthFlorida-green-logo.png)](https://www.usf.edu/) ![Erin-Crop](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/general/graphics/recruiters/Erin-Crop.png?width=200&height=200&name=Erin-Crop.png) **Erin Nolan** *Online Success Coach* [![Schedule a Call](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/43905124/interactive-195524926997.png)](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK3Eu46Buu4CgFAJudTtVc%2B5aioc2bni6o6vA%2Fej18uBQSoQWCCcHiq1Czr%2BhOzpD6N7bbaIlFYbX2rnvV7Xv3V9f3doNCNPnhTDzDqXkSBRaJVJqPIFufBDryhXfeYjqzkc1vRNH1uEYkVSHDk0OWn8QgVckJY%2BCYcsG0soTGh5sVEwyUUhgtXnK1GugSL%2FGXZJUtfGGvJy9pnxGzVnAVnUc8PULahLapNlB8%3D&webInteractiveContentId=195524926997&portalId=43905124&hsLang=en) [![erinnolan@usf.edu](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/43905124/interactive-195524927033.png)](https://onlineprograms.usf.edu/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLUyyW1sCxTx8PEd05A4WvYEzfzz%2BL7satJCfoKUymP5018NAHvT6Mwk2N%2BXhN8mxLCLwBp88o1BeH9UcQAG6u2nW2rO57WU4PdgBhnfuvnrhKThNFP0pe4%2F%2Fh16s%2FHLPIGIcn0yoVTbhoL1VJVexi2JeEBMykrHGSgZ3dA5QxPkkA0JPJofC%2Fj0PT88Jsk&webInteractiveContentId=195524927033&portalId=43905124&hsLang=en)