Vanderbilt University

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $28.9K puts this certificate program at the 96th percentile on cost — about 163% above the $11.0K average across 180 comparable listings. It runs on a part-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, along with basic programming knowledge and recommended experience with APIs like OpenAI.

About This Program

This human-centered certificate focuses on leveraging emerging technologies to support learning and development in diverse settings. Coursework concentrates on Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI. Most students complete it in about 1 year.

It is one of 12 AI-related programs we track in Tennessee, of which about 42% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 75% of the Tennessee programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $45.1K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as AI Engineer, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Architect and build autonomous AI agents that reason, plan, and execute multi-step tasks.

Budget planners should note $28.9K estimated total tuition (96th percentile among AI certificate programs, above the $11.0K average). Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of Vanderbilt University's Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate most often target AI Engineer roles, where reported compensation runs around $120,000. Its focus on Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI maps directly to how employers in education ai screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 23% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. AI Agent Developer
• 2. Machine Learning Engineer
• 3. AI Systems Architect
• 4. Data Scientist

What You'll Learn

• Architect and build autonomous AI agents that reason, plan, and execute multi-step tasks
• Apply prompt engineering to design intelligent agent behaviors for complex problem-solving
• Accelerate AI development using generative AI tools for code generation and API integrations
• Deploy production-ready AI agents for real-world applications like data processing and automation

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum includes technological innovation for learning, designing future learning technologies, and intelligent learning environments.

Top Employers

Top employers include tech companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, and enterprises deploying AI agents in production environments.

Admissions

Admission to Vanderbilt University's Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate 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