South Dakota Mines

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $6.0K puts this certificate program at the 26th percentile on cost — roughly 46% below the $11.0K average across 180 comparable listings. It is one of the 54% of programs in our database offered fully or partly online.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in a related field such as computer science, mathematics, engineering, or statistics with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required; relevant work experience or programming skills may be preferred.

About This Program

This 12-credit online or on-campus graduate certificate provides professionals with foundational and applied skills in machine learning and data analytics to extract insights from large datasets. Most students complete it in about 4 years.

Budget planners should note $6.0K estimated total tuition (26th percentile among AI certificate programs, below the $11.0K average). That makes it one of the more affordable options for students weighing return on investment.

It is one of 9 AI-related programs we track in South Dakota, of which about 78% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 100% of the South Dakota programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $22.8K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Data Scientist, with reported salaries around $130,000.

Apply machine learning algorithms to real-world datasets for predictive modeling.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of South Dakota Mines's Graduate Certificate in AI and Data Science most often target Data Scientist roles, where reported compensation runs around $130,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 36% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Data Scientist
• 2. AI/ML Engineer
• 3. Data Analyst
• 4. AI Research Specialist

What You'll Learn

• Apply machine learning algorithms to real-world datasets for predictive modeling.
• Design and implement AI systems using neural networks and deep learning frameworks.
• Analyze large-scale data using statistical methods and big data tools.
• Address ethical considerations in AI development and deployment.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum focuses on foundations of data science, statistical learning, and applying data science to business, the petroleum industry, and earth resources.

Top Employers

Top employers include tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM, as well as consulting firms and government research agencies.

Admissions

Admission to South Dakota Mines's Graduate Certificate in AI and Data Science generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is not required here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions