Applied Data and AI Operations

Program at a Glance

2.5 Year Bachelor's Degree
121 Total Credits

CompTIA, Microsoft Azure, & AWS AI
Certification Preparation


2 Courses Per Term
5 Week Terms

Transfer Credits
Up to 90 Credits

On Campus or Online
View Available Locations


Applied Data and AI Operations Degree Overview

ECPI University's Bachelor of Science in Applied Data and AI Operations is a career-focused degree centered on applied AI and the data, systems, and technologies that support it. The program prepares you to help design and deploy data-enabled and AI-enabled systems, with a focus on operating, testing, and securing them in real organizational environments.

Develop skills in SQL and data pipelines while using analytics and large language models (LLMs) to build and integrate applied AI solutions. Apply systems development and testing practices through continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), while monitoring performance and data quality. Build experience in AI operations and security while supporting responsible AI practices through real-world workflows.

As organizations integrate artificial intelligence across more of their operations, professionals who can support applied AI systems and help keep them reliable and secure play an important role. At ECPI University, you can earn your bachelor's degree in as little as 2.5 years.

Knowledge and Skills

Gain practical experience across key areas of the field:

  • AI Systems & Applied AI Integration:
    Design and integrate AI-enabled solutions using LLMs, APIs, and structured prompting within modern development workflows.
  • Data & Analytics Operations:
    Use SQL and Python to build data pipelines with ETL/ELT processes and apply analytics to deliver reliable, decision-ready data.
  • AI Operations & Governance:
    Deploy, test, and monitor applied AI systems while using DevSecOps processes to support security and responsible use.

University Benefits

On Campus or Online

Learn your way with in-person collaboration or online simulations and flexible schedules.

Graduate Faster

Our year-round, accelerated, programs let you earn your degree in just 2.5 years.

Simplified Schedule

Your degree path is pre-scheduled, so you can focus on learning, not course registration.

Possible Career Paths

Your Applied Data and AI Operations degree can help prepare you to support applied AI, data, and AI operations across a range of professional roles:

AI Operations Analyst

Monitor AI-enabled systems, troubleshoot issues, and test performance to help maintain reliability across operations.

DevSecOps Analyst

Help build security into software development and deployment by identifying risks and supporting security checks throughout the process.

Analytics Engineer

Organize and transform data into reliable datasets for analysis and reporting to inform business decision-making.

Flexible Learning Environments

Campus

On-campus learning provides an immersive, in-person setting with small class sizes. Build skills through hands-on labs, simulations, and discussions while connecting directly with instructors and classmates.

Online

Online learning offers a flexible format that lets you complete coursework on your own time. Access lectures, course materials, labs, and simulations online while collaborating through virtual discussions.

Hybrid

Hybrid learning combines multiple formats for greater flexibility. Depending on your course, learn on campus, attend live virtual classes, or complete coursework online outside of scheduled classes.

Applied Data and AI Operations Curriculum

Featured Courses

Secure Data & AI Systems AIS310

This course examines security, privacy, and governance considerations for data-driven and AI-enabled systems. Students apply secure data handling, access control, risk awareness, and safeguards for AI inputs and outputs while addressing relevant compliance requirements. Emphasis is placed on integrating security into everyday operations and evaluating risks, safeguards, and governance obligations in increasingly regulated, AI-driven environments.

AI Integration for Operational Systems AIS401

This course focuses on applied AI integration, including the use of large language model APIs in operational workflows. Students apply structured prompting techniques, design human-in-the-loop processes, build automated workflows, and validate AI outputs for quality and reliability. Emphasis is placed on responsible, accountable AI use, preparing students to implement practical AI-enabled workflows in business and technical environments

Program Requirements

To receive the Bachelor of Science in Applied Data and AI Operations, student must earn 121 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 8 semesters, which is equivalent to 30 months or 120 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:

Certifications

As you build your skills, you can also pursue relevant certifications to show employers what you know.

 
CompTIA AI Essentials Certification

CompTIA AI Essentials (or Tech+ with AI modules)

Broad AI literacy covering key concepts, terminology, and organizational impact without requiring deep programming.
Microsoft Certified AI Fundamentals

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-901)

Foundational knowledge of machine learning and common generative AI and computer vision AI workloads on cloud infrastructure.
AWS AI Practitioner

AWS Certified AI Practitioner (AIF-C01)

Core generative AI concepts, responsible AI frameworks, and the integration of pre-built AWS AI/ML services into data workflows.

Institutional Accreditation

ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. ECPI University also offers credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.

Questions about the accreditation of ECPI University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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