Worcester Polytechnic Institute

How this program compares

Budget-wise, $20.3K puts this certificate program at the 87th percentile on cost — about 85% above 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: Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree in a technical field (computer science, engineering, mathematics, or related discipline) and demonstrated competency in programming and mathematics. Some programs may require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and relevant professional or academic experience in computing or quantitative fields.

About This Program

This graduate certificate leverages WPI's long-standing expertise to help professionals grow their technical ability to innovate with artificial intelligence techniques and systems. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI. Most students complete it in about 1 year.

At roughly $20.3K total, Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence sits above the $11.0K average among AI certificate programs we track — the 87th percentile on price. Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

It is one of 27 AI-related programs we track in Massachusetts, of which about 56% offer an online option. On price, it comes in cheaper than about 81% of the Massachusetts programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $58.9K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $130,000.

Develop, train, and deploy machine learning models using industry-standard tools like PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn[1].

Career Outcomes

The Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, Massachusetts) is oriented toward Machine Learning Engineer hiring, with alumni reporting pay near $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. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. AI Research Scientist
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. AI Product Manager

What You'll Learn

• Develop, train, and deploy machine learning models using industry-standard tools like PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn[1]
• Design and build neural networks for computer vision, natural language processing, and autonomous systems applications[1]
• Apply ethical frameworks to AI development, understanding bias, privacy, fairness, and societal impact[1]
• Collaborate across disciplines to explain complex AI models to stakeholders and implement AI solutions for real-world problems[1]

Curriculum Highlights

The 12-credit program consists of four graduate courses, with credits that can be applied toward advanced degrees in computer science, robotics, or data science.

Top Employers

Top employers include technology companies like IBM, Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI, as well as industry partners in healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and robotics sectors.[1

Admissions

Admission to Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is optional 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 (preferably from academic or professional references)
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions