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In recent years, public perceptions of AI have shifted from a futuristic concept to acceptance of its current everyday applications — from ChatGPT and Grammarly to AI-driven fraud detection systems in banking; however, the technology is not new. John McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Allen Newell, Herbert A. Simon and Alan Turing, known as the “founding fathers” of AI, were the visionary researchers who established the field of AI during a Dartmouth workshop 70 years ago in 1956.
Today, artificial intelligence is benefiting digital strategies globally and across industries, and the ability to use and manage AI tools has become a primary job skill. Pensacola State College is helping meet this demand with two new programs: the Applied Artificial Intelligence Associate in Science degree and the Artificial Intelligence Practitioner certificate.
“Most of us are affected by AI on a daily basis even if we don’t realize it,” said PSC Baccalaureate Studies and Academic Support Dean Kirk Bradley, Ed.D. “AI skills are used to develop and enhance systems in almost all industries.
“Some examples are virtual assistants that require AI training and skills that students gain by studying AI so that Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri function as expected. This is done, in part through natural language processing and machine learning, topics of two new courses that we are now offering at PSC.
“There are many other AI skills required to develop smart home automation, autonomous vehicles, fraud detection, customer support Chatbots and so on. Also, business, marketing, healthcare and social science students may have an interest in pursuing a second degree in artificial intelligence as knowledge gained in its study allows for improved decision making in business, patient care and medical technology enhancements, and the ethical impact of AI technology on society.”
Leading job board company Indeed reports that its share of U.S. job postings mentioning AI has reached new heights, even as growth in the total pool of jobs stagnates. At the end of 2025, the number of postings mentioning AI measured 134% above February 2020. In contrast, total job postings are up just 6% above 2020. (Source: Indeed)
What’s more, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is on the horizon and expected to create systems that perform intellectual tasks the same as humans do.
As the world gets closer to AGI, demand for AI-related jobs is projected to continue its rapid growth, even as AI automates existing positions. New roles in AI ethics and infrastructure will need to be filled, and more specialized talent will be sought to develop, manage and inspect advanced systems.
To keep abreast of this rapidly evolving job landscape, PSC’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department has an advisory committee that provides a range of industry information, including job forecasts, internships and industry updates in the fields of computer science, cybersecurity and AI.
PSC’s A.S. degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence is a 60-hour program that includes comprehensive technical knowledge of AI tools and their real-world applications. Machine learning fundamentals; data collection, classification and model deployment for natural language processing; the functions of AI virtual assistants; and techniques used in AI for computer vision and domains to build AI solutions are covered.
The Artificial Intelligence Practitioner certificate is an 18-hour program that provides technical skills proficiency. Course content includes, but is not limited to, relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Information Technology career cluster; technical knowledge of AI tools and their real-world applications for data management, machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision; and ethics as relevant to the design and implementation of artificial intelligence.
Bradley says that students who have an interest in computer science, engineering, data science, cybersecurity and information technology are those who are likely to seek a degree in AI.
“The number of students enrolling in the program is growing rapidly, and we have a target of 100 students in the program by Fall 2026,” said Bradley.
There are no prerequisites to enroll in either program. Interested students should first apply to the college, choosing artificial intelligence, in order to be assigned an advisor who will assist them in developing their academic plan and with course registration.
For more information on the new AI programs at PSC, contact Mathematics and Computer Science Department Head Nelson Stewart, Ph.D., at 850-484-1128.