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Submitter's Information

Name

Monica Romero

Title

Dean, Business & Technology

Region

San Diego/Imperial

College

San Diego Mesa College

CTE Dean

CTE Dean's Name

Monica Romero

CTE Dean's Email

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Program Details

Program Title

Applied Artificial Intelligence

Submission Type

New Program

TOPs Code

Computer Programming (070710)

Projected Start Date

08/01/27

Catalog Description

The Certificate of Achievement in Computer and Information Sciences - Applied Artificial Intelligence is a career-focused certificate that prepares students for applied roles in computing and information technology where artificial intelligence (AI) is integrated into system design, data workflows, and technical decision-making. The program builds foundational AI literacy, responsible evaluation skills, and applied system design competencies through a sequence of structured coursework and supporting technical electives. Core courses emphasize conceptual understanding of AI technologies, ethical and responsible use, workflow engineering, data pipelines, model evaluation, and hands-on implementation projects. Students complete approved CISC programming and technical electives to ensure readiness for contemporary technology environments. Students possess both conceptual and applied skills relevant to AI-augmented computing roles.

Enrollment Completer Projections

25-50 annual completers.

Program Proposal Attributes

Program Award Type(s) (Check all that apply)
  • Certificate of Achievement: 8 to fewer than 16 semester (or 12 to fewer than 24 quarter) units (B)
Program Goal

The goals of this Certificate in applied artificial intelligence are to prepare students to:

1) apply computer and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to diverse business and professional environments,

2) qualify for employment as an entry-level AI engineer in the computer and information sciences industry, and

3) transfer to a 4-year institution, and/or 4) build skills of current workers that align with industry demands.

Course Units and Hours

Total Certificate Units (Minimum and Maximum)

15-16

Units for Degree Major or Area of Emphasis (Minimum and Maximum)

n/a

Total Units for Degree (Minimum and Maximum)

n/a

Course Report

Program Requirements Narrative

Students who complete this CISC certificate will display the ability to:

  • Technological Awareness: Students will be able to evaluate and apply appropriate technology to support specific business activities and business solutions.
  • Critical Thinking: Students will be able to analyze specific business or information technology problems or situations and identify possible solutions, including predictive analysis, synthesis of information, resourcefulness, and troubleshooting.
  • Communication: Students will be able to choose the appropriate mode of communication for a specific situation and then communicate ideas, concepts, and solutions through effective written and oral communication.

Students will be assessed through a combination of performance evaluations, written assignments, and written tests and quizzes.

Program Requirements

COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:

UNITS

YEAR/TERM

CISC 162

Foundations of Applied Artificial Intelligence

4

Year 1 - Fall

CISC 163

Designing Artificial Intelligence Systems

4

Year 1 - Spring

CISC 150

Introduction to Computer and Information Sciences, or

3

Year 1 - Fall

CISC 106

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming, or

4

Year 1 - Fall

CISC 112

Introduction to Computer Science with Visual Programming

4

Year 1 - Fall

CISC 181

Principles of Information Systems, or

4

Year 1 - Spring

CISC 179         Introduction to Python Programming

4

Year 1 - Spring

Total Units

15-16

 

San Diego/Imperial Regional Questions

No questions to display.

Submission Details

Published at

04/13/26 - 04:53 PM

Status

Recommended

Return to Drafts

Please list the reason(s) for returning "Applied Artificial Intelligence". to Monica Romero's drafts. This message will be sent to mdromero@sdccd.edu

Comments, Documents, Voting

Comments

All Comments


NR

Nichol Roe   ·  04/16/26

Palomar Supports

JE

John Edwards   ·  04/13/26

San Diego Mesa College submitted the appropriate LMI from the COE. The COE recommends proceeding with developing a new program because 1) there is a supply gap in the labor market; 2) there is a high number of annual job openings for these occupations; and 3) entry-level wages are above the living wage. Colleges should also note that employers typically require a bachelor’s degree as the minimum educational requirement for these occupations.