WCTC to offer two certificates in artificial intelligence (AI), one in data analytics this fall

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PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Thursday, Aug 10, 2023) – Starting in the fall semester, Waukesha County Technical College will add three new information technology certificates – two in artificial intelligence and one in data analytics -- and build upon the robust IT offerings available within the School of Business.

These include:

•  Foundations of AI -- a 17-credit certificate, which provides an introduction to AI and focuses on data skills to support AI, including how to extract and analyze data and how to prepare it for AI algorithms.
•  AI Technician -- a 23-credit certificate, which digs deeper into the field of AI and dives into predictive analytics, image recognition and natural language processing.
• Foundations of Data Analytics – a 12-credit certificate that serves as an introduction into the fast-growing field of data analytics.

“These certificates really complement our existing Data and Analytics Specialist program,” said Alli Jerger, associate dean of Information Technology. “Students in the Data and Analytics program, or those who may be pursuing certificates within that area, will find that they can rapidly move toward an AI certificate.”

The College began its initial research for AI programming more than two years ago, Jerger said. With input from business and industry representatives who would need employees with these skillsets in the near future, WCTC began developing the AI certificates in fall of 2022 with the goal of launching them in August 2023.

Because AI is an emerging field, business and industry leaders have also been working to determine how their companies can leverage AI and ensure employment opportunities for graduates, Jerger said.

“Employers told us that they will be looking for people who can help identify the right data to feed into AI tools, and who can help that data and the results that come from AI tell a story,” she said.

These new certificates are just the beginning of what WCTC plans to offer for AI programming, Jerger said. The College is creating a full Associate of Applied Science degree in AI, which will be launched in fall of 2024 (pending approval); credits from the AI certificates have been designed to transfer into that degree program.

For more information on the 30 IT associate degree, technical diploma and certificate offerings at WCTC, visit www.wctc.edu/programs