Tampa Bay has become a magnet for tech start-ups. It’s an industry growing more quickly than the talent pool, especially in artificial intelligence (AI). In response to this demand, the University of South Florida has launched a graduate certificate program in AI. This program is for working professionals in the technology sector interested in enhancing their skillset.
“As Tampa keeps growing in economic development and becoming a bigger technology hub, USF had the foresight to put together this program to upscale the current workforce. Not just here, but everywhere,” said Distinguished University Professor Sudeep Sarkar. He’s chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
What does the graduate program in AI cover?
Participants in the Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate are required to take four online courses. These courses provide detailed information about crucial domains in AI, how to modify AI tools and strengthen programs. The certificate also serves as a pathway for those interested in enrolling in the USF Master of Science in Data Intelligence. This program will launch in the fall.
“Artificial Intelligence is an emerging field that will have a transformational impact on business,” said Craig J. Richard, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. “It’s wonderful that USF is being proactive in offering this additional training to our local tech professionals. This certificate program will strengthen our community’s competitiveness as we build our tech talent pipeline further to meet the demand for these new specialized roles.”
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According to Dice, Tampa is among the fastest-growing U.S. tech hubs for IT talent with an average salary of $120,900. The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council reports the number of businesses in the IT industry in the region has increased 27 percent during the past five years. That’s growth from 13,400 businesses to nearly 17,000. Predictions show the industry growing in Tampa with more than 3,700 jobs by 2027.
The Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate launches in the fall. An informational session is scheduled for June 9. Registration information is available here. The deadline to register for the course is Aug. 1. More information can be found here.