Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those working in the artificial intelligence field tend to be innovative, objective and directive.
You need:
- analytical skills
- technical aptitude
- effective communication
- ethical awareness
- speaking and writing skills
- an inquiring and inventive mind
- an eye for details
- patience and an organized approach to troubleshooting
- decision-making and problem-solving skills
- business acumen
- an aptitude for math and science
- teaching skills
- time-management skills.
To do well in this field, you should enjoy being innovative, working with others or independently, and being precise in your work.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You’ll complete a capstone project where you’ll address a real-world AI challenge in a safe-to-fail environment.
You can also complete an optional work term after semester two. This work placement includes full-time paid employment.
Specialized intakes
International bundle program
This program is available to international applicants as a stand-alone program or as part of a program bundle - two programs delivered consecutively.
If you choose the program bundle, you’ll complete the Integrated Artificial Intelligence post-diploma certificate in the first year of study.
In the second year of study, you’ll complete one of the following:
After completing both programs, you’ll receive two credentials, including an Integrated Artificial Intelligence post-diploma certificate.
You may then qualify for a post-graduate work permit of up to three years. If you only complete one of the programs, you may be eligible for a one-year post-graduate work permit.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for both programs.
Learn more about international bundle programs >
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Integrated Artificial Intelligence post-diploma certificate.
Program length
30 to 42 weeks (42 weeks if you choose the co-op work term)
Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options).
International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Data scientists (21211)
- Cybersecurity specialists (21220)
- Information systems specialists (21222)
- Business systems specialists (21221)
- Software developers and programmers (21232)
- Software engineers and designers (21231)
- Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (21311)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- a diploma or degree from an accredited post-secondary institution in one of the following subject matter areas with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 (67% or C+)
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Analytics
- Software Development
A combination of education and professional experience may be considered in place of the above at the discretion of the Academic Chair.
Application process
International bundle program applicants
International applicants who wish to apply for this program as part of a program bundle should review the admission requirements for both programs and then sign in to the application portal to begin their application.
When selecting your programs, your first choice should be the program delivered in year one. The second choice program will be the program delivered in year two.
International applicants who wish to take this as a stand-alone program must complete the co-op work term to be eligible for a PGWP.
The bundle is not available to domestic applicants.
Program outline
The Integrated Artificial Intelligence post-diploma certificate requires 30 credits (10 courses) to complete.
The program spans 30 weeks (42 weeks for those who choose to participate in the optional co-op work term), with two semesters. International students must participate in the work term to be eligible for the PGWP.
All courses must be completed within this timeframe.
Suggested schedule of study
Co-op work term (Optional)
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $1,500 per full-time year. The required textbooks will be discussed in class.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a custom computer hardware and software requirement. You can choose to use a PC or Mac computer.
PC computer minimum requirements
- i7 processor
- 32 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD storage
- Nvidia Quadro T1000 video card
- 15” screen size
- 1920x1080 screen resolution
- Windows 10 Pro 64-bit operating system
Suggested model: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 3
Approximate cost: $3,000
Mac computer
- i7 processor
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD storage
- AMD Radeon Pro video card
- 15” screen size
- 1920x1080 screen resolution
- Mac OS Catalina or newer operating system
Suggested model: Macbook Pro
Approximate cost: $2,750
Required equipment/tools
You’ll require a cloud computing service subscription to CloudMyLab, approximately $800 - $1,200 per year.
Program outcomes
- Governance - explain the ethical considerations and their application in AI systems deployment, management, and integration within organizations.
- Data management - apply knowledge of cloud computing and data management for AI.
- Emerging trends - examine emerging trends and developments in AI operations and integration.
- Analytics - apply advanced data science and data analytics concepts to existing data sets to create a model.
- Solutions - recommend appropriate AI technology solutions for various organizational contexts.
- Processes - interpret how AI systems impact business processes and decision-making.
- Communication - implement data visualization and communication strategies to communicate AI systems’ impact effectively.
- Design - design AI infrastructure solutions.
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