Certificate

Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals & Automation

Master AI and learn how to harness its benefits for business. Automation technology will deliver advantages for businesses and the economy. Learn to use it now, and you’ll reap the benefits tomorrow.

Next start date: August 1

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Designed to keep your skills in demand

Flexible

Complete in your own time, on your own terms – in as little as 6 months from . Start on the first of the next month.

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Practical

Our certificates enable you to succeed in today's most in-demand fields. Apply your new skills from day one at work.

Sharable

Master the skills employers are looking for and put your accomplishments in the spotlight with certificates you'll be proud to share.

Valuable

Our intuitive learning experience focuses entirely on you – so you master valuable real-world skills, fast.

Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals & Automation: certificate with four courses

When you take Nexford’s Certificate “Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals & Automation”, you’ll need to complete four courses. You’ll cover an introduction to AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, robotics and IoT, and the fundamentals of cybersecurity — covering the essentials of this fast-moving field.

  • Introduction to AI

    Introduction to AI highlights the goal of artificial intelligence, which is to create software that can perform reasoning tasks and solve problems in complex environments the way humans do. This course begins with an overview of the evolution of AI tracing its history from the work of Alan Turing to the current state of the art software. Learners examine a range of AI techniques and their applications in business contexts, including knowledge representation, both basic and heuristic search, probabilistic modeling with Bayesian networks, and natural language processing techniques. Class discussions and readings address the philosophical and ethical implications of developing and deploying AI systems in a range of contexts. In the culminating course project, learners identify a problem or task that AI could effectively address, select and evaluate specific AI techniques, and identify and evaluate potential ethical questions surrounding the solution.

  • Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics

    Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics helps learners understand how in today’s global business markets organizations have the opportunity to reach a wider consumer base for their products, and as this consumer base expands, the need for a more sophisticated approach to data mining, analysis, and application is increasingly evident.

    This Predictive Analytics course focuses on the use of predictive analytics and the use of machine learning to find patterns in data sets; the organizations that can better understand the data they collect along with being able to make predictive calculations from that data will gain competitive advantages in their respective markets. In this course learners examine the tools and techniques of predictive analytics and machine learning, including regression analysis, decision trees, and rule models. Learn predictive analytics, and gain a better understanding of how to predict outcomes from available data. Learners explore and examine data, apply predictive tools and techniques to predict outcomes from the data, and interpret the results for improved decision making during this predictive modelling course.

  • Foundations of Robotics and IoT

    Foundations of Robotics and IoT engages learners in understanding how the interconnectivity of devices via the Internet is harnessed to improve robotic manufacturing processes. This course provides an overview of IoT architecture. Within the context of IoT ecosystems, learners explore software product design with cyber models, application modeling, IoT value modeling, and hardware product design with sensors, embedded systems, and connected sensors. Topics also include an overview of the network fabric in IoT, operational technology (OT), information technology (IT) and fog networks, IoT product cloud, and IoT platforms. This course provides an overview of intelligent process automation (IPA) and five major technologies supporting robotic process automation (RPA): smart workflow, machine learning, advanced analytics, natural-Language generation, and cognitive agents.

  • Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

    Information is the lifeblood for organizations of all types. Therefore everyone needs to have a fundamental understanding of the interdisciplinary field of cybersecurity. This course provides this fundamental knowledge by taking the learner through the evolution of the discipline from information security to cybersecurity. Learners evaluate several important laws, which have significant impact on cybersecurity strategy.

    Learners also investigate multiple cybersecurity technologies, processes, and procedures; they learn how to analyze threats, vulnerabilities, and risks in these environments, and develop appropriate mitigation strategies by applying a mission-focused and risk-optimized approach.

    This survey course introduces learners to the three primary sources of threats (technology, policy, and people, both internal and external) and the three classes of tools: technology, policy, and people used to develop an organizational cybersecurity strategy. This course and exercises are designed to emphasize, encourage and enhance the critical thinking abilities of learners. Although the course is not designed to prepare learners for this test, the material covered in this course includes most of the knowledge tested in the CompTIA Security+ exam.

    Learners will apply their learning by performing systematic case studies of actual organizations.

The future of automation and how to manage it

  • Discover how AI technology like automation and cybersecurity transforms businesses and contribute to economic growth
  • Gain soft skills of the future like critical and creative thinking
  • Learn hard skills like applying automation technology in your business and career to create intelligent workflows
  • Keep up with the fast-moving field of AI and lead with confidence: 94% of Nexford learners increased in confidence at work
  • Build a network of global professionals from 110+ countries working at firms like Google, TikTok, Deloitte, and EY
  • Earn a certificate as well as digital badges as you go – including credentials from LinkedIn Learning

Testimonials

The future is in artificial intelligence. I work in Silicon Valley, with the likes of Google, Apple, and Facebook. I need to give my career as long a path as possible.

Matthew Shokunbi
Matthew ShokunbiCountry flag
Current MBA learner

Demonstrate skills with stackable credentials

Nexford’s curriculum is designed to equip you with a competency-based education (CBE). Competencies are skills and abilities – the things you need to know and be able to do. CBE is a program of study based on the mastery of specific skills tied to careers.

The best part? Our stacked credential model means that you can start with a certificate and fold those into a larger degree. You can even earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree while working towards achieving a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. So, even if you start small, you’re on your way to a degree!

This means that you are continuously rewarded with additional credentials, and at no extra cost.

Have questions? Speak to a Nexford Application Specialist

Our community feedback says it all

of alumni stated they received a positive return on investment

98%

of learners would recommend Nexford

of alumni felt prepared to solve organizational challenges

What support will I receive?

When you have a dedicated team on your side, you'll never be alone studying at Nexford. Hailing from many different countries and with online education expertise, our faculty provides you world-class support. Ask them questions during one-to-one office hours or live chat, email them any time, and get individual feedback on your assessments.

At Nexford though, you'll do more than just learn. Alongside your studies, you'll receive access to all of our career services: beginning when you enroll, and ending... well, never.

From early career planning to personal branding to job applications, we'll be alongside you every step of your program. Even after you've graduated our support doesn't stop, as we'll continue to bring you lifelong learning opportunities — including LinkedIn Learning & the Nexford Digital Library.

Your career success is at the heart of everything we do. Discover our career services, and see how you'll come away from Nexford with more than just a certificate. 

Request information about Nexford’s online programs

Select which program you’re interested in, and submit your details to learn more about Nexford's fully online programs — a Nexford Application Specialist will then be in touch.

Certificates FAQs

Each certificate has a number of courses, and each course should be finished in a set timeframe.

You have eight weeks to complete each course. Nexford is 100% online, which means you can log in when it suits you.

While you're learning, your personal Success Advisor will help you stay on track.

We are a licensed, degree-granting institution of higher education. We’re licensed by the Higher Education Licensure Commission in Washington DC. All institutions of higher education are licensed by the Higher Education Licensure Commission (HELC).


Nexford University is accredited in the US by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).


For more information on our licensing and accreditation, visit www.nexford.edu/accreditation

Each university sets its own credit transfer policy. To find out whether a specific school or university will transfer credit from your Nexford coursework, you should reach out to their admissions’ or registrar’s office to inquire.

Nexford's learning experience is unlike any other. Think engaging, interactive online learning that helps you gain the skills you need – fast.


Our online learning environment contains everything you need to learn at Nexford. It's where you'll take courses, chat with peers, submit assignments, receive feedback, track your grades, and access your faculty's calendars to book one-on-one sessions. It's also where you'll manage your enrollment, add courses, and pay your tuition.


You'll get access to your modules through Canvas, a learning management platform, and you can even take your learning wherever you go with the Canvas mobile app. Module materials include reading, videos, interactive elements, quizzes, and relevant case studies. 


Live lectures are done by faculty once every two weeks or more often. Don't worry, these sessions are entirely optional, and you don't have to wait for them to progress in your learning or course — everything you need to complete your projects, assignments, or assessments is available through your modules.


Assessments are weekly, and you must meet assessment and project deadlines to progress seamlessly. We recommend you allocate a minimum of 15-20 hours per week to your learning at your most convenient time to achieve this. If you need additional support, our Learner Success team is available 24/7. They will also help you with transitioning to online studies, creating your study timeline, and goal setting.


Overwhelmed? Don't be! You'll get a full tour of the learning environment during orientation. You're in safe hands with us.

Everyone at Nexford benefits from our system of support. Our dedicated team of faculty is available by appointment to answer questions, discuss content, and help you meet your goals within your course. Additionally, our advisors are available 24/7 to provide guidance and support whenever you need it.


You also have the option to attend orientation, which is a great way to get familiar with the online learning environment. Access your dashboard and take your six orientation modules to understand where you'll take courses, view your grades, and explore your resources.

Not necessarily! You can enroll in a certificate without having a degree. But if you're enrolling in an Graduate certificate, you may struggle if you don't have enough business experience. That's why we recommend people work in their field for a few years before they enroll in an Graduate certificate.

Instead, enroll in an Undergraduate certificate to get a solid grounding in the topic you choose!

No. Relevant work experience is helpful, but not required.

If you're advanced in your field, you should choose from Graduate certificates.

If you're just starting out, or want to reskill in another area, choose from Undergraduate certificates.