# Applied Data and AI Operations

**Institution:** ECPI University

**College:** Technology

**Sub-Program:** Information Technology

**Degree:** Bachelor of Science in Applied Data and AI Operations

**Canonical URL:** https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/applied-data-and-ai-operations

**Last Updated:** 2026-10-14T21:50:42+00:00

## 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.

- **121 Total Credits** — 2.5 Year Bachelor's Degree
- **Certification Preparation** — CompTIA, Microsoft Azure, & AWS AI
- **5 Week Terms** — 2 Courses Per Term
- **Transfer Credits** — Up to 90 Credits

### 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.

### 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.

## Program Structure and Learning Formats

### 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.

### Locations

- [Virginia Beach, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/virginia-beach-va)
- [Newport News, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/newport-news-va)
- [Northern Virginia, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/northern-virginia-va)
- [Online](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/online)
- [Richmond, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/richmond-va)

## 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:

#### Core Courses 80 semester credit hours

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [AIS101](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS101 "View AIS101") | [Foundations of AI-Enabled Systems](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS101 "View AIS101") | 3 |
| [AIS101L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS101L "View AIS101L") | [Foundations of AI-Enabled Systems Lab](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS101L "View AIS101L") | 1 |
| [AIS301](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS301 "View AIS301") | [Data Pipelines and ETL/ELT Operations](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS301 "View AIS301") | 3 |
| [AIS310](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS310 "View AIS310") | [Secure Data and AI Systems](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS310 "View AIS310") | 3 |
| [AIS401](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS401 "View AIS401") | [AI Integration for Operational Systems](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS401 "View AIS401") | 3 |
| [AIS402](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS402 "View AIS402") | [Monitoring, Reliability and AI Operations](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS402 "View AIS402") | 3 |
| [AIS495](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS495 "View AIS495") | [Capstone: Applied AI Systems and Operations](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/AIS495 "View AIS495") | 3 |
| [BAN317](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BAN317 "View BAN317") | [Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Business Forecasting](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BAN317 "View BAN317") | 3 |
| [BAN325](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BAN325 "View BAN325") | [Advanced Business Analytics and AI](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BAN325 "View BAN325") | 3 |
| [BAN327](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BAN327 "View BAN327") | [Data Visualization and BI Tools with Applied AI](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BAN327 "View BAN327") | 3 |
| [BUS121](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BUS121 "View BUS121") | [Introduction to Business](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BUS121 "View BUS121") | 3 |
| [BUS480](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BUS480 "View BUS480") | [Strategic Planning and Implementation](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BUS480 "View BUS480") | 3 |
| [BUS480L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BUS480L "View BUS480L") | [Strategic Planning and Implementation LAB](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BUS480L "View BUS480L") | 1 |
| [CST120](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST120 "View CST120") | [Computer Configuration I](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST120 "View CST120") | 3 |
| [CST160](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST160 "View CST160") | [Introduction to Networking](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST160 "View CST160") | 3 |
| [CST200](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST200 "View CST200") | [Linux Administration](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST200 "View CST200") | 3 |
| [CST210](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST210 "View CST210") | [Introduction to AI](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST210 "View CST210") | 3 |
| [CYB120](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CYB120 "View CYB120") | [Introduction to Python Programming](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CYB120 "View CYB120") | 3 |
| [CYB120L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CYB120L "View CYB120L") | [Introduction to Python Programming LAB](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CYB120L "View CYB120L") | 1 |
| [CYB310](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CYB310 "View CYB310") | [Introduction to Data Handling with AI](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CYB310 "View CYB310") | 3 |
| [SDC130](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC130 "View SDC130") | [Database Systems and SQL](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC130 "View SDC130") | 3 |
| [SDC130L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC130L "View SDC130L") | [Database Systems and SQL Lab](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC130L "View SDC130L") | 1 |
| [SDC235](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC235 "View SDC235") | [Foundations of Versioning and Workflows](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC235 "View SDC235") | 3 |
| [SDC255](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC255 "View SDC255") | [Introduction to Agile and Scrum Methodologies](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC255 "View SDC255") | 3 |
| [SDC300](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC300 "View SDC300") | [Cloud Development and Monitoring Using AI Tools](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC300 "View SDC300") | 3 |
| [SDC305](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC305 "View SDC305") | [Software Architecture with AI Tools](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC305 "View SDC305") | 3 |
| [SDC315](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC315 "View SDC315") | [Secure Coding Practices Using AI Tools](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC315 "View SDC315") | 3 |
| [SDC325](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC325 "View SDC325") | [Software Testing and Quality Assurance](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC325 "View SDC325") | 3 |
| [SDC332](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC332 "View SDC332") | [DevOps and CI/CD Using AI Tools](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC332 "View SDC332") | 3 |
| [SDC332L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC332L "View SDC332L") | [DevOps and CI/CD Using AI Tools Lab](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/SDC332L "View SDC332L") | 1 |

#### Arts and Sciences Courses 31 semester credit hours

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [CAP480](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CAP480 "View CAP480") | [Arts and Sciences Capstone](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CAP480 "View CAP480") | 3 |
| [COM115](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COM115 "View COM115") | [Principles of Communication](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COM115 "View COM115") | 3 |
| [ENG110](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG110 "View ENG110") | [College Composition](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG110 "View ENG110") | 3 |
| [ENG120](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG120 "View ENG120") | [Advanced Composition](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG120 "View ENG120") | 3 |
| [HUM205](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/HUM205 "View HUM205") | [Culture, Thought, and the Human Experience](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/HUM205 "View HUM205") | 3 |
| [MTH131](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MTH131 "View MTH131") | [College Algebra](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MTH131 "View MTH131") | 3 |
| [MTH140](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MTH140 "View MTH140") | [Statistics](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MTH140 "View MTH140") | 3 |
| [PSY105](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY105 "View PSY105") | [Introduction to Psychology](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY105 "View PSY105") | 3 |
| [PSY225](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY225 "View PSY225") | [Industrial/Organizational Psychology](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY225 "View PSY225") | 3 |
| [PHY120](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120 "View PHY120") | [Physics](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120 "View PHY120") | 3 |
| [PHY120L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120L "View PHY120L") | [Physics Lab](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120L "View PHY120L") | 1 |

#### Self-Integration courses 10 semester credit hours

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [CST100](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST100 "View CST100") | [Introduction to Computing](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST100 "View CST100") | 3 |
| [CST140](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST140 "View CST140") | [Introduction to Operating Systems](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST140 "View CST140") | 3 |
| [FOR110](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/FOR110 "View FOR110") | [Essentials for Success](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/FOR110 "View FOR110") | 3 |
| [COR191](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COR191 "View COR191") | [Career Orientation](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COR191 "View COR191") | 1 |

## Certifications

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

- **CompTIA AI Essentials (or Tech+ with AI modules)** — CompTIA AI Essentials (or Tech+ with AI modules)
Broad AI literacy covering key concepts, terminology, and organizational impact without requiring deep programming.
- **Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-901)** — 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 Certified AI Practitioner (AIF-C01)** — 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.

## 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.

Full accreditation details: [ECPI University Accreditation](https://www.ecpi.edu/accreditation).