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Applied Artificial Intelligence—M.S. & Graduate Certificate

Program Overview
Admissions Requirements
Courses

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has exploded in capability and popularity, disrupting many established industries and leaving urgent knowledge and skills gaps in its wake.

With a predicted addition of $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 (PwC), it is critical that professionals from various fields in the workforce:

Understand modern solution trends in AI
Learn and grow new skill sets in AI tools
Develop competencies in industry-specific AI solutions
Grow a deeper understanding of the impact that AI has on society

Lipscomb’s Applied Artificial Intelligence graduate program is the first of its kind in Nashville, Tennessee to provide professionals the opportunity to amplify their industry-specific experience with modern computing skills without requiring an undergraduate degree in computer science. Choose to pursue either a Master of Science (30 credit hours) or a graduate certificate (9 credit hours).

What is an Applied Artificial Intelligence degree and why is it significant?

Our program, Applied AI, focuses on the use and application of AI tools and techniques to solve practical problems in an effective, efficient and ethical manner. We aim to provide answers to the questions around the rise of AI technologies and their potential effects across all industries.

This program explores the core principles, strategic solutions and application domains of artificial intelligence, along with its ethical implications. Through discipline-specific application sequences, students will examine AI trends and their problem-solving capabilities across various industries, such as health care, business, education, the arts, engineering, entertainment and more. Our innovative curriculum and course delivery features a studio-based educational environment where students collaborate to build AI projects that address emerging challenges where AI is increasingly becoming the optimal solution strategy.

Our program focuses on top-tier tools and interfaces from industry leaders, such as Open AI (GPT), Microsoft (CoPilot and Azure AI), Google (Gemini), IBM (Watson) and others to solve challenging problems in health care, business, public leadership, education, the arts and engineering.

Master of Science

The Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program classes are offered both in person and via Zoom with cloud-based recordings of the weekly material so students can watch and participate remotely and/or asynchronously. This hybrid approach allows students to participate according to their own needs and schedule.

The 30-credit-hour M.S. program includes 15 hours of foundational AI courses, complemented by:

6 credit hours of discipline-specific AI application courses
6 credit hours of discipline-specific AI Studio courses
A 3-credit-hour capstone (non-thesis)

Graduate Certificate

The graduate certificate in Applied Artificial Intelligence is designed for professionals who seek to learn new skills in applying artificial intelligence tools toward solving problems in a particular discipline. Students will learn AI tools and techniques specific to their chosen discipline.

Classes for the certificate are offered in a hybrid format, available both in-person and online. Courses include:

Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (3 credit hours)
Applied AI in a particular discipline (3 credit hours)
AI Studio I (3 credit hours)

Want to expand on your new knowledge even more? Students who complete a certificate of graduate study can apply their existing course credits toward the requirements of the Master’s of Applied Artificial Intelligence degree. Then, with only a couple of additional courses, you can secure your master’s degree!

FAQs

How much does the program cost?

$899 per credit hour

Are there requirements to be eligible for this program?

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a transcript showing a minimum math course of college algebra.

Do I need a specific background for a degree Artificial Intelligence?

Historically, individuals who were seeking an advanced degree in artificial intelligence would have come from a computer science background. However, the landscape has recently changed with the emergence of AI-based tools as popular consumer products. This has driven the need for AI expertise among a variety of professionals (those without a CS background).

Can I attend the master’s courses remotely if I can’t attend in person?

Yes, you can attend either on-ground or remotely online either synchronously or asynchronously as your schedule permits.

Can I apply the certificate credits earned toward a master's degree in applied artificial intelligence?

Yes, the courses you take toward the certificate will apply toward the master's degree.

What if I don't know anything about computer science or programming?

Our program is designed for general professionals who do not have computer science or software engineering credentialing or experience. The minimum requirement is that applicants hold a bachelor's degree with a transcript indicating one course in college algebra or higher.

I have a computer science or software background. Is this program still for me?

Yes! With a background in computer science or software, this program is an excellent fit for you. It will enhance your skill set through project work focused on creating AI-based software artifacts. The program’s aim is to be inclusive of all backgrounds, including software.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants to the graduate or certificate program must submit the following:

Application with $50 nonrefundable fee
Official transcript(s) showing undergraduate degrees with a minimum math course of college algebra
Two letters of recommendation
Résumé
Interview

Courses

Applied Artificial Intelligence Courses

Contact Information

School of Computing

schoolofcomputing@lipscomb.edu

13%

Growth in Computer & IT Jobs by 2030 (BLS)

Curriculum and Flexibility

Our unique hybrid format offers the perfect blend of in-person engagement and online flexibility, providing a dynamic collaborative environment that promotes innovation and learning. Enjoy the convenience of attending classes in person or virtually, with access to cloud-based recordings for asynchronous participation.

Real-World Application

Complete your coursework with two directed project experiences, building AI projects in an innovative educational setting designed to meet the needs of particular industrial applications where AI is emerging as the preferred solution strategy.

AI Mastery for All Professionals

Designed for professionals in areas such as health care, business and entertainment, as well as career-changers and individuals looking to advance in their current roles, this program teaches how to apply AI in various industries. No computer science background needed.

Ethics & Faith at the Core

We're committed to providing a Christ-centered education that not only teaches AI but also its impact on society, ensuring you're prepared to use technology for the betterment of humanity.

Our Faculty

Steve Nordstrom

Associate Dean School of Computing

Dr. Nordstrom has served in several teaching and administrative roles in engineering and computing since joining the faculty of Lipscomb University in 2008. He currently serves as Associate Dean of...
Meet Steve Nordstrom
Ken Mayer

Assistant Professor

Ken received his first computer in the early 80's, a Commodore 64! This sparked his lifelong interest in computing, especially IT hardware. Just like many students who have gone for...
Meet Ken Mayer

Career Paths

AI Engineer

AI engineers help companies make better decisions and produce greater results by providing data, software development and algorithm engineering for computer systems to operate at an optimum, human-like function.

AI Solutions Architect

AI solutions architects design, develop and deploy artificial intelligence solutions to address business and client needs through a variety of strategies and systems. All of this is done in compliance with business goals and ethics.

AI Applications Analyst

AI applications analysts build artificial models and architectures from the ground up, optimizing solutions for businesses. Their involvement in the process encompasses the whole cycle from ideation to implementation.