Next Start Date:
January 13, 2025
Time to Complete:
24 weeks,
part-time
Live Online Classes:
9 hours
per week
AI’s Been Here.
Now Learn Where It’s Going.
Whether you’re just starting out with AI or you’ve dabbled with AI applications, we can help you tap into its full potential. The boot camp serves as an introduction for those just entering tech and builds on that foundation with specialized AI skills for those looking to upskill and set themselves and their resumes apart. Upon completion, you will be able to lead AI conversations — and initiatives — to bring about key results for your organization.
As you prepare to start, switch or upgrade your career, we will support your learning journey with unparalleled services and resources.
No previous programming skills are required to apply. However, it is recommended that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree and/or two years of work experience in business, finance, statistics, management or a related field.
Develop the AI Skills Employers Are Seeking
AI applications rely on human intelligence. To take advantage of all things AI, employers will need professionals who understand AI applications and can leverage them to drive results. According to a McKinsey report, 39% of businesses reported hiring software engineers, and 35% hired data engineers for AI-related positions in 2022.1
The SMU AI Boot Camp will prepare you to leverage AI and machine learning to solve business problems and to discuss the latest innovations in AI with key stakeholders.
1The State of AI in 2022 — and a Half Decade in Review. (2022). Quantum Black AI by McKinsey. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
Further Your Career
Our Career Engagement Network will help you apply the tools and knowledge you learn in your program to advance your career by assisting you in developing a strong portfolio, a polished resume and sharp interview skills. You’ll also have access to free career resources throughout your professional life.
Our rigorous AI boot camp curriculum reflects the latest in an ever-changing field. You will learn everything from “What is AI?” to machine learning optimization to emerging topics and developments that point to where AI is headed. Classes are delivered through high-quality coursework and live, online sessions led by instructors who are fully vetted by the university. That means you can ask questions in real-time, engage in discussion with fellow classmates and feel supported as you learn something entirely new.
All instructors are assessed for not only their experience in the field, but also their ability to successfully communicate complex AI concepts in an online environment. Before and after class, instructors hold office hours where you can check in, ask questions and problem solve on assignments.
In this first section, you will learn fundamental skills to source, prepare and analyze data for machine learning models and AI applications. Building on these skills, you will learn to make predictive models to use for forecasting time series data.
Portfolio Project: This section will culminate in a project where you will prepare data and forecast predictions. You will leverage skills learned in this first section such as programming, data preparation, visualization and forecasting.
The second section takes your programming and data skills to the next level through machine learning, using supervised and unsupervised learning, evaluating models for optimal performance and understanding the legal and ethical considerations of using artificial intelligence.
Portfolio Project: This section concludes in a project where you will train machine learning models, optimize the models and evaluate model performance in order to choose the best model for your application.
The final section of the course will explore cutting-edge AI topics such as neural networks, deep learning, natural language processing, transformers and emerging topics in AI.
Portfolio Project: The final section of the course consists of a capstone project that utilizes skills and knowledge from across the course. Learners are encouraged to explore advanced techniques utilizing neural networks and transformers.
Now You’re Ready
By the time you complete the boot camp, you will have gained in-demand skills, built an impressive portfolio of AI-focused projects and earned a valuable Certificate in AI from SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE).
This is a part-time programis designed for working adults, students and busy professionals. It combines flexible online content with live virtual classes held outside of business hours.
| Time to complete | 24 weeks |
| Live classes | 9 hrs/week |
| Homework & projects | 20+ hrs/week |
| Class time | 3 weekday evenings (3 hrs/class) |
edX Boot Camps does not receive any commissions or payments for referrals or successful loan applications. The lender’s loan approval criteria will apply and you should consider the terms and conditions of any loan carefully. We are not credit advisors. We make no representations about whether you will be given a loan or whether a loan will be suitable for you. We are not responsible for representations made to you by any credit provider.
Don’t just take our word for it. See what hiring managers and tech leaders across the globe with experience are saying about the AI Boot Camp. From top research universities to start-ups, these leaders have their fingers on the pulse of what AI skills are needed today and tomorrow.
Testimonials come from paid members of the edX AI advisory council.
A nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research with a liberal arts tradition. SMU’s 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through seven schools.
This program is offered through SMU Continuing and Professional Education, in partnership with edX.
edX, part of 2U Inc., works with respected universities and organizations to deliver innovative, skills-based training to a community of over 45 million learners around the world to support them at every stage of their lives and careers. edX delivers boot camps through an immersive learning experience with expert services and valuable resources. As of 2021, graduates have been hired by 6,700+ companies, including more than 62% of the Fortune 100.
This boot camp, offered in partnership with edX, is made available through a unique consortium delivery model to provide skills-based learning to participants across Dallas and beyond. Participants will be taught by a university-approved instructor, while learning alongside students from other consortium-participating universities and institutions. Upon meeting the completion requirements, participants will be issued a certificate from SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE).
The Next AI Boot Camp Starts January 13, 2025.
Reserve Your Spot Today!
It only takes a minute to request information. You will also be put in touch with an admissions advisor who can answer questions and get your application started.