Learn the technology that's transforming every industry
What You'll Learn
Applied artificial intelligence is the practice of using AI and machine learning to solve real-world problems, from automating tasks and analyzing data to building chatbots and intelligent applications. As an Applied Artificial Intelligence student at Ivy Tech, you will:
Understand what AI is, how it works, and the major disciplines it covers, from machine learning to generative AI.
Build, train, and evaluate machine learning models using Python and contemporary AI frameworks.
Explore core machine learning approaches, including classification, regression, clustering, and reinforcement learning.
Work with large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing, including transformer architectures, chatbots, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
Apply prompt engineering strategies to improve writing, data analysis, and problem-solving with generative AI tools.
Prepare and analyze structured and unstructured data to generate insights that inform decision-making.
Follow the complete AI lifecycle, from problem definition and data readiness through model development, evaluation, and deployment.
Use cloud-based tools and platforms to build, train, and deploy intelligent systems.
Evaluate the ethical, security, fairness, and responsible-use implications of AI systems.
Communicate AI-driven findings, limitations, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Design and complete a substantial, team-based project in the Applied AI Projects course.
Career Options
Applied AI professionals build and support the intelligent systems that organizations increasingly rely on. Their work spans the full AI lifecycle: preparing and analyzing data, training and evaluating machine learning models, developing AI-powered applications like chatbots and computer vision systems, and helping teams put generative AI tools to work responsibly and effectively.
Becausenearly every industry is adopting AI, these skills open doors across the workforce. Some graduates step into dedicated AI roles, while others combine AI with a specialization in data analytics, software development, cloud, networking, or cybersecurity. AI skills also strengthen existing IT careers, as employers look for professionals who can bring intelligent tools into everyday operations. Here are some of the roles you could take on in the field:
AI Application Developer
AI Support Specialist
AI Analyst
Automation Specialist
AI Trainer / Data Annotation Specialist
Business Intelligence Analyst
Chatbot / Conversational AI Developer
Data Analyst
Prompt Engineer
AI Toolkit
Leverage our Toolkit to access resources and information related to educational opportunities, competitions, certifications, programming languages, tools, blogs, forums, projects, volunteering, freelancing, events, professional associations, and jobs in AI.
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
The Applied Artificial Intelligence Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is a 60-credit-hour degree focused on one of the most in-demand areas in technology.You'll learn to build, train, and deploy intelligent systems, and you'll put it all together in a hands-on Applied AI Projects course. Along the way, you'll examine the ethical, security, and fairness implications of AI and learn to communicate your findings to technical and non-technical audiences. A 12-credit specialization track lets you tailor the degree to your goals. It's an ideal choice for students who want to enter the AI workforce with practical, project-based skills.
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
The Applied Artificial Intelligence Technical Certificate is a 32-credit-hour credential that provides the complete technical core of the Applied AI degree without the general education requirements.You'll work through computing logic, software development, Python, cloud foundations, machine learning, natural language processing, and a capstone-style Applied AI Projects course, and prepare for a cloud or AI certification. It's a focused, hands-on way to gain job-ready AI skills, and every credit stacks directly into the Applied Artificial Intelligence AAS.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to either of the associate degrees in Informatics is to complete one or more of the three certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level informatics careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 32 credit hours.
Short-Term Certificate
known as a Certificate (CT)
The Applied Artificial Intelligence Professional Certificate is afocused 21-credit-hour credential centered on artificial intelligence.You'll concentrate on the AI core and choose 9 credits of electives in data, software, or informatics to round out your skills. It's a great fit for learners who want to specialize in AI quickly, including working professionals who already bring technical experience.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree or long-term certificate in Informatics, you can earn this short-term certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level informatics careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 21 credit hours.
Applied Artificial Intelligence is offered at 23 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana. Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options:
Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest-moving fields in technology, and the people who thrive in it are curious, hands-on learners who enjoy experimenting with new tools and techniques. Applied AI work blends technical skill with human judgment:you'll train models and dig into data, but you'll also weigh questions of fairness and ethics and explain your results to people who aren't technical. And because nearly every industry is adopting AI, this career path can take you almost anywhere — from healthcare and manufacturing to finance, logistics, and beyond. Dreaming of a career in artificial intelligence?Read through the traits below to see if it could be a good fit for you.
Careers in Applied Artificial Intelligence often involve:
Curiosity and continuous learning
Analytical thinking
Problem solving
Working with data
Experimentation and iteration
Attention to detail
Ethical judgment
Communication
Collaboration
Creativity
Adaptability
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the traits above,Applied Artificial Intelligence may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
All students will take prerequisite courses during their time at Ivy Tech, typically during the first semester. Students mustdemonstrate competency through appropriate assessment or by earning a grade of “C” or better in at least one course from each of the following groupings:
See when specific courses will be offered by searching our course list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the course in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming courses are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Course Formats
Applied Artificial Intelligence courses are taught both in person and online.
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
If you’re not yet an Ivy Tech student, contact us at 1-888-489-5463 and we’ll be happy to help.
Current Students
Contact your academic advisor, who can answer any questions you have about the Applied Artificial Intelligence program and your certificate and degree options.
Find Local Advising Contact Info
Don't see a nearby location?
Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.
Advising Team Ginny Leonard, Senior Director for Academic Advising and Student Success Advisor for: Exploratory/Undecided students vleonard5@ivytech.edu
Dee Denton Advisor for: Nursing Interest and Health Science ddenton@ivytech.edu
Jake Brunsman Advisor for: General Studies, Liberal Arts and Education programs jbrunsman2@ivytech.edu
Will Parshley Advisor for: School of Public and Social Services, School of Information Technology and Psychology-AS TSAP wparshley@ivytech.edu
Zech Saenz Advisor for: School of Business, Logistic and Supply Chain Management, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science zsaenz@ivytech.edu
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-803-1953
Zoom Video Calls Call 812-803-1953 to make an appointment for a meeting via Zoom or join virtual drop-in hours as shown below.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 463-207-5972 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:00pm Zoom Link
Olivia Bruce 463-231-5073 obruce1@ivytech.edu Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Mondays 1:30pm-4:30pm & Tuesdays 8:30am-11:30am Zoom Link
Monday Virtual Office Hours Mondays 5:00pm-6:00pm Zoom Link
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Indiana. (2025). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2024-2025
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
