New Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence Takes an Interdisciplinary Approach to Enhancing AI Understanding
Unique eight-month professional program at Trent Durham GTA prepares students to integrate the use of artificial intelligence into their field of work
Trent University is meeting the demand for professional Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programs with the creation of a new postgraduate certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence, launching in September 2024.
The new certificate will be offered exclusively at Trent’s growing Durham campus in the Greater Toronto Area and can be completed in as little as eight months. Students in the program will study at the new Trent Durham Advanced Learning Centre in downtown Oshawa and will explore AI from various perspectives including Computer Science, Mathematics, Business Administration, Media Studies, and Philosophy.
“As a truly interdisciplinary campus, with a focus on experiential and community-based learning, Trent Durham provides the ideal backdrop for students to learn about AI and its various applications from a number of different perspectives,” says Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent University Durham GTA. “The Durham Region, as a Top 7 Intelligent Community, has an increasing need for professionals knowledgeable of AI. Students in this program are studying right where they need to be – in a place full of opportunities post-graduation.”
Through this professional program – open to anyone with an undergraduate degree from an accredited university – students will learn the fundamental concepts of AI, including basic computer programming, algorithms of machine learning, statistics, information systems, as well as the history, ethics, social, and political implications of AI. Featured courses include the Philosophy of AI, Human-Computer Interaction, Financial Econometrics, and Programming for Computer Science.
The certificate program has the advantages of interdisciplinary training and quick development for people from diverse backgrounds. Students will learn from professors from various programs to deepen their understanding of AI’s relevance across sectors.
“Our students will be well trained on theoretical foundation and programming skills, as well as experiential learning opportunities throughout their studies, including applications of AI tools and technologies to information systems.” says Dr. Wenying Feng, associate dean at Trent Durham. “Hands-on projects will allow students to focus on their own passions and fields as they develop creative solutions for inefficiencies within their profession.”
Upon graduation, students will have the skills necessary to implement AI into their discipline, giving them a competitive edge in the job market, or they can continue their studies on a subject related to AI that interests them.
“AI is here, and not going away, so those equipped to best understand AI and its impacts will be the ones positioned to benefit from it and help develop it in meaningful and positive ways,” says Dr. Henderson.
The new certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence will also be offered as a dual postgraduate certificate in combination with Financial Analytics. The dual certificate, which also launches in September 2024, can be completed in as little as 20 months and international students who complete the dual certificate may be eligible for a three-year post-graduation work permit.
About Trent University Durham GTA
Having established a tradition of academic excellence spanning five decades in the east GTA, Trent University Durham offers a dynamic and rigorous educational experience rooted in the social sciences, humanities and professional programs. Students at Trent University Durham GTA enthusiastically speak of the unparalleled sense of community on campus and the opportunity to be involved in a vibrant and dynamic student life experience. Quickly becoming the campus of choice for top scholars looking for a truly personalized learning experience, Trent University Durham GTA is conveniently located in the GTA, just 40 minutes from downtown Toronto while Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto.
For more information contact:
Shana Fillatrau, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University Durham GTA, (705) 748-1011 x5164 or shanafillatrau@trentu.ca