Gain AI skills and college credit in just 8 weeks
- $990 course cost ($330/credit)
- 100% online, no set class times
- No application fee
- No SAT/ACT scores required
- No prior experience needed
- Explore AI concepts for beginners
Overview
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly evolving and changing the way organizations and individuals work. SNHU's foundational course on AI, IT-215 Introduction to AI Literacy, is designed for non-technical users in modern work environments, providing a beginner-friendly gateway to AI without requiring prior AI or computer science knowledge. It's ideal for business professionals, managers, frontline workers or anyone with a personal interest in AI who wants to integrate knowledge of AI into their skill set.
Skills you'll learn:
- A comprehensive understanding of AI
- How to communicate key AI concepts
- Creating effective AI prompts
- When and where to use AI
- How to use AI responsibly
- Discerning AI misconceptions and facts
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your education. That’s why we make signing up for individual courses simple.
- Get started by talking to an admission counselor
- Take up to 10 courses without enrolling in a degree program
- High school diploma or GED required*
*If you are currently a high school student who hasn't graduated yet, you can still take individual courses at SNHU. Please reach out to an admission counselor for documents and forms that may be required.
If you choose to enroll in a degree program in the future, we’re here to help with additional forms, transcripts and other materials that may be necessary. For degree programs, acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
Curriculum
IT-215 Introduction to AI Literacy is designed to be a starting point, giving you the opportunity to unlock the world of AI with confidence. This 8-week course provides an overview of AI and its practical applications. From learning essential AI terminology and common misconceptions to effective prompt engineering (how to instruct a very intelligent but literal robot), this course will help you develop a basic understanding of AI systems. You'll also explore how AI is being used in industries such as healthcare and urban planning and learn about the principles behind AI adoption – it’s a jam-packed course!
After taking IT-215, you'll be ready to take two additional AI classes online at SNHU – IT-216 Introduction to Responsible AI and IT-217 AI in Practice – to further advance your AI knowledge and skills.
You may also consider our accelerated 6-week Generative AI: Concept to Innovation course. For a fraction of the time, this engaging professional certification can help you build workplace-relevant skills – and show employers your capabilities as an ethically-minded AI practitioner. Plus, you may even be able to transfer up to 9 IT credits toward an undergraduate program at SNHU.
Highly Recommended
★★★★★★★★★☆
22 students who took this course in 2024 were surveyed and rated it 9 out of 10 stars.
Where Can a Single Course Take You?
There are lots of advantages to taking a single course. Whether you want to grow in your current career, prepare yourself for a new one, or get one step closer to a college degree, an individual course is a great way to get started.
Learn from instructors with AI experience
"Learning about AI can open up opportunities, foster innovation and enhance your critical thinking. It also helps you navigate ethical considerations and keep up with technological advancements."
— Timothy Hogg, Technical Program Facilitator
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online courses are among the lowest in the nation.
| Non-Degree Seeking Coursework Only | Course Cost | Credits Earned |
|---|---|---|
| Online Undergraduate |
$990 ($330/credit) |
3 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
Please note: Books and materials are not included in the above costs. Federal Financial Aid is not available, but you can use employer tuition benefits or tuition reimbursement if available to you. Contact your employer benefits manager to see if you have funds available, or talk to our admission team to learn about payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best online course for Artificial Intelligence?
If you're just a beginner with artificial intelligence, SNHU's Introduction to AI Literacy course (IT-215) is a solid starting point.
Not only will you gain a basic understanding of AI and its practical day-to-day applications during this 8-week online course, you'll also learn proper prompt techniques and essential terminology that will help you talk the AI talk as you walk the AI walk.
Can I learn AI in 3 months?
You may not become an artificial intelligence expert in 3 months, but you can gain a solid foundational knowledge in about 2 months through Introduction to AI Literacy (IT- 215) at Southern New Hampshire University or similar courses offered elsewhere.
If you choose IT-215, you'll be prepared to take two additional 8-week online classes offered at SNHU: Introduction to Responsible AI (IT-216) and AI in Practice (IT-217). These 2 courses are designed to enhance your AI skillset with additional application methods and real-world knowledge.
Is it worth doing an AI course?
No doubt! Timothy Hogg, a technical program facilitator at Southern New Hampshire University, said practical knowledge of artificial intelligence can drive innovation and open up personal and professional opportunities, among other benefits.
Does AI require coding?
Some AI activities may require coding; however, there are many uses for artificial intelligence that require only a basic knowledge of crafting prompts and some creative thinking. If you're interested in developing a foundational skillset, minus the coding, Introduction to AI Literacy (IT-215) may be a good place to start.
How do I get into AI?
If you're interested in getting into artificial intelligence, you can start playing with generative AI tools on your own, including Google's AI Overview tool, ChatGPT or many other options available at no cost. If you like it and want to take a step toward a career in AI or enhancing your professional resume with a foundational knowledge of AI from a reputable, accredited university, Introduction to AI Literacy at SNHU may be the right first step for you!
What are some careers in AI?
At this point, AI is still very new to most everyone and isn't aligned with specific careers or job titles. But the good new is, almost any industry you can think of will likely utilize AI on some level moving forward. This could be your opportunity to start your AI journey and, at the very least, add it to your resume for future employers to see.
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