The University of South Florida has launched a graduate certificate program in artificial intelligence (AI) for working professionals in the technology sector. The program aims to enhance the skillset of participants and serve as a pathway for enrolling in the USF Master of Science in Data Intelligence. Tampa Bay is among the fastest-growing tech hubs for IT talent in the US, with a 30% increase in jobs over the last five years and an average salary of $120,900. The number of businesses in the IT industry in the region has increased 27% during the past five years, and the industry is projected to continue to grow with more than 3,700 jobs added by 2027.
As per a recent report by Dice, Tampa Bay is one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the United States, with a 30% increase in IT jobs over the last five years and an average salary of $120,900. However, with the rapid growth of the industry comes a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). In response to this demand, the University of South Florida (USF) has launched a new graduate certificate program in AI aimed at working professionals in the technology sector who are looking to enhance their skillset.
The Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate program consists of four online courses that cover crucial domains in AI and teach participants how to modify AI tools and strengthen programs like ChatGPT. The program is designed to provide professionals with the skills they need to succeed in an industry that is rapidly evolving and changing. As Distinguished University Professor Sudeep Sarkar, chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at USF, explains, “USF had the foresight to put together this program to upscale the current workforce, not just here, but everywhere.”
The certificate program also serves as a pathway for those interested in enrolling in the USF Master of Science in Data Intelligence, which is set to launch in the fall. This program will provide students with a deep understanding of data science and analytics, including machine learning, data mining, and predictive modeling. With these skills, graduates will be well-positioned to succeed in the growing field of data intelligence.
As per the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, the number of businesses in the IT industry in the region has increased 27% over the past five years, growing from 13,400 businesses to nearly 17,000. It is projected that the industry will continue to grow in Tampa, with more than 3,700 jobs added by 2027. Craig J. Richard, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, notes that “Artificial Intelligence is an emerging field that will have a transformational impact on business.” He adds that “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 skilled workers.”
Taking everything into account, the launch of the AI Graduate Certificate program by the University of South Florida is a significant step forward in addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the technology industry, particularly in the field of AI. The program provides working professionals with the skills they need to succeed in an industry that is rapidly evolving and changing. As Tampa Bay continues to grow as a technology hub, programs like this will be crucial in ensuring that the region’s workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of the industry.
