Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad field of computer science that uses algorithms, data, and computational power to enable machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI systems can learn and improve through exposure to large amounts of data, and can identify patterns and relationships. As AI use grows across all sectors of business, organizations are investing heavily in AI research and development to stay competitive and prepare for future adoption. Additionally, as AI continues to advance, the need for skilled professionals to develop, implement, and maintain AI systems will grow exponentially.
What You Will Learn
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that are capable of performing tasks traditionally associated with human intelligence such as making predictions, identifying objects, interpreting speech and generating natural language. AI systems learn how to do so by processing massive amounts of data and looking for patterns to model in their own decision-making. In many cases, humans will supervise an AI’s learning process, reinforcing good decisions and discouraging bad ones. AI is able to interpret and sort data at scale, solve complicated problems and automate various tasks simultaneously, which can save time and fill in operational gaps missed by humans. Artificial intelligence programmers use tools and skills that can train a machine to behave like a human. One of their primary responsibilities is to be well-versed in applied math, probability, statistics, and similar topics so they can successfully and efficiently program machines.
The A25710 Information Technology degree is an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Concentration in generative AI, chatbots, and machine learning that focuses on building machine learning models that can be used for predicting, making decisions and enhancing human capabilities. The program is designed to prepare students for various opportunities within fields and organizations using AI such as: technology, finance, healthcare, and research. Some of the relevant job titles include:
- AI engineer
- machine learning engineer
- data scientist
- computer vision engineer
- natural language processing engineer
- AI research scientist
- AI product manager
- business intelligence professional
- deep learning engineer
Why Choose Central Piedmont
Community colleges are critical to the innovation economy. In recent years, community colleges have moved beyond their roots in skilled trades, manufacturing, and healthcare into emerging technology workforce development for key sectors, including those Congress enshrined in the CHIPS and Science Act, such as biotechnology, autonomous vehicles, energy technology, and quantum science. Their affordable, nimble, and employer-aligned programs help meet middle-skill labor market needs in the innovation economy, completing the work of universities.
Though Central Piedmont Community College is the second NCCCS community college to offer this degree, it is the first of its kind, as it provides the opportunity for students to learn about Artificial Intelligence from the ground up, regardless of experience. Course offerings include:
- AI Fundamentals
- Machine Learning
- Chatbot Programming
- Computer Vision
- AI Ethics
In addition, the innovative program has been built in direct partnership with local, national, and international employers as well as universities across North Carolina. Though AI is an emerging and ever-evolving technology with impacts and exposures covering countless industries, many of the opportunities that students will become prepared have yet to be in existence. The A25710 degree at Central Piedmont aims to empower students and professionals for currently evolving spaces and for possibilities on the technology’s horizons.
Real World Education
At Central Piedmont, your education goes beyond what you learn in class. We offer numerous opportunities for you to enhance your learning — and to make friends, network, and pursue your passions — through clubs and organizations, sports, events and activities, leadership opportunities, job experience, volunteer experiences, visual and performing arts, and even international experiences.
IT Careers
Completing an information technology degree at Central Piedmont will prepare you for entry-level information technology jobs in the businesses, educational systems, and government agencies as a designer, tester, support technician, system administrator, developer, or programmer. You will have more opportunities for advancement as you gain more experience and training. Visit Central Piedmont’s Career Coach for detailed information technology career opportunities, salary information, and job openings.
Career CoachThe Details
-
Program Options
The college catalog lists the information technology program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements currently available at Central Piedmont. If you would like information on opportunities to transfer associate degree credit to a four-year institution, please visit the Transfer Resource Center.
Visiting Students
If you wish to transfer information technology course credit back to your home institution, explore how to enroll at Central Piedmont as a visiting student.
Continuing Education
Central Piedmont's continuing education provides non-degree courses and programs, including job skills, industry-focused career training, certificates, certifications, professional licensure, and personal enrichment. Day, evening, weekend, and online opportunities are available.
College and Career Readiness
If you are looking for programs to gain the knowledge or skills necessary to finish a high school degree or to get a job, visit Central Piedmont's College and Career Readiness.
College Credit for High School Students
Visit Career and College Promise to learn about opportunities for high school students to earn college credit at Central Piedmont.
-
Artificial Intelligence Program Requirements and Suggested Course Sequences
The associate degree requires the completion of 68-70 credit hours; a minimum of 21 credit hours must be earned at Central Piedmont. For detailed information on artificial information technology program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements, visit the Central Piedmont Community College catalog.
Several courses may be substituted with other courses that offer related content. Our technology courses are continually updated and replaced by newer courses as the core subject material of IT is continually changing and evolving. Because your situation will vary based on your enrollment year and projected graduation date, you may need to seek approval for some course substitutions to be reflected in your program evaluation. Contact your advisor regarding course substitutions. Due to the inherent rapid and continual changes in information technology, course substitutions and/or transfer credit for technology courses will only be considered for courses that are fewer than five years old.
If you already have the skills needed for a required course, some classes have standardized test-out procedures. Others do not, or are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. You'll need to consult with your advisor to determine the policy for that course. Central Piedmont does not award credit for prior experience. If you already have a recognized industry certification, several nationally recognized industry certifications may be substituted for classes. Ask your advisor for more information if you hold an industry certification. Note that due to the inherent rapid and continual changes in information technology, certifications will only be considered for course substitutions that are fewer than five years old, regardless of expiration date.
Suggested Course Sequences
Visit the college catalog to view the suggested course sequences and review previous catalogs.
Contact your advisor for help planning your courses.
-
Locations and Course Delivery Methods
Classes for the information technology program are delivered in several ways:
- Central Campus
- combined (classroom/lab and online)
- online (certain certificates)
Courses available and their schedules can change each semester. Check the information technology program options, courses, eligibility, and requirements each semester.
You will also have the opportunity to make use of the information technology student labs.
-
Industry Certifications
In addition to the information technology degrees offered at Central Piedmont, many of the companies and professional organizations who are responsible for the development of industry-leading technologies and programming languages offer certification exams in a specific area of expertise. If you plan to work in one of these industries or professional fields, you should note that many potential employers view industry certifications as being (often equally) as important as a college degree. In order to give yourself every possible edge in a competitive job market, you should plan to sit for industry certification exams that apply to your professional field. Industry certifications require a passing score on an exam administered by the company or organization responsible for a proprietary technology; these are external certifications that Central Piedmont does not administer. Visit Central Piedmont's continuing education to explore industry certification preparation courses. Our information technology certificates are also excellent tools to prepare to take industry certifications.
- CTI 260 Data Center Troubleshooting - Google Cloud Foundations (one exam)
- CTI 270 Data Center Design and Problem Resolution - Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner (one exam)
-
Costs and Aid
Central Piedmont provides real-world, affordable, hands-on education and career training. Learn how much it costs to attend Central Piedmont. Financial aid and scholarships are available.
Information Technology Scholarships
In particular, students who plan to enroll in an information technology degree program are eligible to apply for the following Central Piedmont scholarships:
- Opportunity Scholars Program
- Merancas Scholarship
- Accelerated Career Training IT Fundamentals program
-
Related Programs
- Advertising + Graphic Design
- Audio Engineering (non-degree)
- Broadcasting and Production Technology
- Business Administration
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Computer-Integrated Machining
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Graphic Design, Printing, and Photography (non-degree)
- Information Technology
- Information Technology (non-degree)
- Simulation and Game Development
-
Admitted Students: Find Your Advisor
If you are currently enrolled and taking classes, log in to MyConnect to find your assigned academic advisor.
If you do not have an advisor, you can:
- visit the advising office at the campus nearest you, or
- send an email to the advising office