PSU’s Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence helps working technology professionals, current graduate students, and technically prepared post-baccalaureate learners move into AI engineering and machine learning roles through an 18-credit graduate credential built for part-time study, grounded in engineering-level AI skills, and connected to Portland’s Silicon Forest.
You already work in tech. You can see AI restructuring the roles around you. The question is not whether to build these skills, but how to do it without walking away from your job for two years.
Recent Silicon Forest employer data show that 69% of companies invested in AI, and Portland tech salaries run 12% above the national average. Across technology, healthcare, finance, government, and product development, the professionals moving into the roles this growth creates are the ones who can build, evaluate, and improve AI systems at an engineering level, not just deploy tools others built.
At Portland State University, the Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence gives working professionals a direct path into that capability. You can take one course per term, select courses are available online, and part-time students can complete the certificate in under two years. The curriculum covers machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, generative AI, and computer vision, with coursework taught by faculty active in AI and machine learning research.
This certificate prepares you for AI engineering roles in the Silicon Forest and beyond. For students who later pursue a full master’s degree, certificate credits can apply toward the MS in Computer Science when they meet degree requirements and are planned with an advisor.
Built for working technology professionals
The PSU Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence is designed for people who want to build AI capability without pausing their careers.With our diverse and frequent course offerings, you'll have the flexibility to complete this certificate at your own pace. Over two years with as few as one course per term, or in as little as 6 months taking 3 courses a term, this certificate gives working professionals a practical route into advanced AI study.
Connected to Portland’s Silicon Forest
PSU is located in the center of Portland, with direct proximity to Oregon’s technology employers, startups, public agencies, and innovation networks. For students searching for Artificial Intelligence programs in Oregon, PSU offers a Portland-based graduate certificate connected to the region’s AI, software, semiconductor, and data-driven workforce needs.
Focused on engineering-level AI skills
This certificate is not about learning prompts or adopting tools casually. You will study how AI systems are built, trained, evaluated, improved, and deployed. The program emphasizes the technical judgment employers need as AI becomes part of software products, operations, research, and decision-making systems. Dive deeper, beyond just learning how to use these modern AI models, learn how to build them, from the ground up.
Faculty expertise in active AI fields
Coursework is delivered through PSU Computer Science by faculty with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, data science, and related areas. Students learn from instructors connected to the cutting edge of research and technical practice.
Stackable with graduate study
The certificate can be completed as a standalone credential or planned alongside graduate study. Students who later pursue the MS in Computer Science should work with an advisor to determine how certificate credits can apply toward degree requirements.
The Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence prepares you for technical roles that require more than basic AI tool use. You will build graduate-level skills in machine learning, model evaluation, natural language processing, generative AI, computer vision, and responsible AI development.
If you are researching careers with a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence or jobs in artificial intelligence, this credential can support roles such as:
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) Engineer
- Generative AI Engineer
- Applied AI Scientist
- AI Product Manager
Graduates can apply these skills across software, semiconductors, healthcare technology, finance, transportation, government, consulting, education technology, research organizations, and startups.
For students comparing an Artificial Intelligence degree in Portland with a shorter graduate credential, PSU’s certificate offers focused AI preparation without requiring a full master’s degree. It can also strengthen preparation for graduate pathways in computer science, data science, robotics, applied AI, human-centered computing, and related fields.
WHAT YOU’LL STUDY
The Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence requires 18 graduate credits. Students complete one required core course and five approved graduate AI electives.
Required core course
- CS 545 Machine Learning, 3 credits
Elective areas may include:
- Deep learning
- Natural language processing
- Generative AI
- Computer vision
- Visual computing
- Physical AI
- Reinforcement learning
- Responsible and ethical AI
- Advanced machine learning methods
You will build skills in:
- Designing and evaluating machine learning models
- Applying AI methods to text, image, visual, and data-intensive problems
- Using Python-based AI and machine learning workflows
- Understanding classical and modern AI/ML techniques
- Evaluating model performance, risk, bias, and limitations
- Communicating AI results to technical and non-technical audiences
- Making responsible decisions about AI use in real-world systems
The goal is to move you from AI user to AI builder. You will learn how to evaluate systems, understand tradeoffs, and apply AI methods in ways that hold up in professional, technical, and organizational settings.
ADMISSIONS
Applicants must have graduate status at Portland State University or apply directly to the Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence.
Students should be prepared for graduate-level computer science coursework and are expected to have proficiency in:
- Python programming
- Algorithms
- Linear algebra
- Calculus
The direct certificate application uses selected elements of the MS in Computer Science application process, including academic history, transcripts, employment information, a statement of purpose, and program-specific questions. GRE scores are not required, and recommendations are not required for direct certificate admission.
Admission review considers academic readiness for graduate-level computer science coursework. Students with prior graduate coursework, current PSU graduate enrollment, or interest in applying certificate credits toward the MS in Computer Science should consult a Computer Science graduate advisor before registering.
Students planning to start in Fall 2026 should apply early enough to complete admission steps, advising, and course planning before registration.
FAQ
Is the PSU Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence available online?
The certificate is delivered primarily through PSU’s Portland campus. Select courses may be available online depending on the term schedule.
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
The certificate requires 18 graduate credits. Working professionals taking one course per term can complete it part time in under two years, depending on course availability and advising.
Can I work while completing this program?
Yes. The certificate is designed for working technology professionals, current graduate students, and technically prepared learners who want to build AI expertise while continuing their careers.
What prerequisites do I need?
Students should be ready for graduate-level computer science coursework. Expected preparation includes Python programming, algorithms, linear algebra, and calculus.
What makes PSU’s Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence different?
PSU offers a Portland-based AI certificate connected to Oregon’s Silicon Forest technology ecosystem. The program combines graduate-level computer science coursework, applied AI skill development, responsible AI practice, and part-time flexibility for working professionals.
Is this the same as an Artificial Intelligence degree in Portland?
No. This is a graduate certificate, not a full degree. It is a shorter, focused credential for students who want advanced AI training without completing a master’s program. Students who later pursue the MS in Computer Science should talk with an advisor about how certificate credits can apply toward degree requirements, including MS focus areas such as AI/ML and Visual Computing.