小优传媒

Related Information

 

Accelerate Your Future with Applied Artificial Intelligence at 小优传媒

robert-phillip-hau-ahnRobert Gillespie, Philip Bell, Hau Nguyen and Ahn Nuzen

 

小优传媒 is proud to announce its newest program 鈥 Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) 鈥 designed to prepare students for some of today鈥檚 most in-demand careers. From predictive analytics to large language models, the Applied AI program equips learners with cutting-edge skills that bridge theory and real-world practice.
 
With hands-on instruction, students gain experience using industry-standard tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Hugging Face, while learning how to apply AI across diverse fields such as business, science, and cybersecurity. Courses are regularly updated in partnership with industry experts to ensure students stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
 
Students can pursue an Associate of Science degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Certificate of Achievement, or a smaller Certificate of Proficiency for credit, featuring core courses such as Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Introduction to Python Programming, Generative AI Models, and Large Language Models.
 
Grossmont鈥檚 collaboration with the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute provides additional value, giving students access to NVIDIA certifications and free high-quality training resources. Faculty receive specialized AI training through a 鈥淭rain-the-Trainer鈥 model, ensuring top-tier instruction and industry relevance.
 
For those looking for a flexible start, the college also offers non-credit AI Fundamentals and AI Developer Certificate of Completions, helping learners gain practical, job-ready skills 鈥 no prior experience required.
 
Whether you鈥檙e a student aiming for a career in AI, a professional seeking to upskill, or simply curious about how technology is shaping our future, 小优传媒鈥檚 Applied AI program offers the perfect launchpad to accelerate your future.
 
Special thanks to Philip Bell, Ahn Nuzen, Hau Nguyen, and Robert Gillespie for their efforts in making this new Applied AI program a reality at 小优传媒.
 
Fast Facts
  • Program Credit Options: Associate of Science Degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Certificate of Achievement, and Certificate of Proficiency.
  • Non-Credit Options: AI Fundamentals and AI Developer Certificate of Completions
  • Industry Partner: NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute
  • Core Topics: Machine Learning, Generative AI, Large Language Models, Cloud AI, Prompt Engineering
  • Hands-On Tools: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, Stable Diffusion, OpenCV, AWS, Azure, GCP
  • Career Fields: Data Science, AI Development, Cybersecurity, Cloud Engineering, Research, and more
Learn more at:

 

Computer Science Professor Publishes Groundbreaking AI ZBooks

ahn nuzenProfessor, Ahn Nuzen

 

The Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Department celebrates our Adjunct Professor, Ahn Nuzen, for publishing several new Zero-Textbook-Cost eBooks (ZBooks) funded through the ZTC Acceleration II Grant. In the rapidly emerging field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), textbooks鈥攅specially zero-cost options鈥攁re extremely rare. With the encouragement of the department and support from colleagues, Professor Nuzen worked tirelessly through the Spring and Summer of 2025 to produce the first series of AI-focused ZBooks.
 
These groundbreaking resources strengthen the Applied AI Associate of Science pathway at 小优传媒, giving students expanded access to essential, no-cost materials in this growing field. 
 
Among the initial completed titles are:
  • Computational Theory for AI - CSIS 185 - An Intuitive Math Approach to Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence with Python - CSIS 252 - Data Structures for AI and Security Applications 
  • Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs) - CSIS 266 - A Practical Approach to Understanding LLMs

 

 

 

The Computer Science Information Systems (CSIS) curricula provides a foundation in computing and information systems serving the diverse goals of the Grossmont community: employment in various phases of the computing industry, transfer to a baccalaureate institution for continued study in the computer and information sciences, training in selected topics for application in other professions or for personal enrichment, and advanced study for returning computing professionals. Throughout, emphasis is placed on blending fundamental theory and technique with practical applications in business, scientific and academic computing. A guiding principle is the use of intense hands-on instruction with state-of-the-art computer technology.

 

Three related but distinct areas of emphasis designed to provide corresponding job entry points are available as two-year curricula: Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, and Deep Learning. Completion of the Computer Science Information Systems core courses or their equivalent plus any one area of emphasis satisfies the major requirements for the Associate Degree.

 

An area of emphasis leading to an entry level position which specializes in artificial intelligence or machine learning. Students completing this sequence will be expected to assist data analysts, data driven decision making, and automation for small, medium, and large-sized organizations.

 

Career Opportunities:

 

路 AI Systems Tester

路 Data Annotator/Labeler

路 Junior AI Developer

路 Automation Technician

路 Chatbot Maintenance Technician

路 AI Help Desk Support

路 Junior Data Analyst

路 Process Automation Assistant

路 AI Trainer

路 Data Scientist1

路 Machine Learning Engineer1

路 AI Researcher1

路 AI Product Manager1

路 Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialist1

路 Computer Vision Engineer1

路 AI/ML Consultant1

路 Deep Learning Engineer1

路 Data Engineer1

路 AI Ethics Specialist1

路 Business Intelligence Analyst1

路 AI Systems Architect1

 

 *Bachelor鈥檚 Degree or higher required.

 

Associate Degree Major Requirements

 

Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade "C" or higher.

Subject & Number

Title

Units
CSIS 115 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) 3
CSIS 185 Computational Theory for AI 3

CSIS 250

Introduction to Python Programming

4
CSIS 252 Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence with Python 4

CSIS 256

Introduction to Generative AI models

3
CSIS 266 Introduction to Large Language Models 3
CSIS 275 Artificial Intelligence Prompt Design 3

CSIS 292

 Applied Artificial Intelligence in Cloud Computing 3
PHIL 142 Ethics of Technology 3

Select at least 3

units from the

following:

    
CSIS 235 Deep Learning (DL) 3

CSIS 225

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

3

CSIS 285

 Computer Vision (CV) 3

 

Total 

32

 

Certificate of Achievement

Any student who chooses to complete only the requirements listed above qualifies for a Certificate of Achievement in Applied Artificial Intelligence. An official request must be filed with the Admissions and Records Office prior to the deadline stated in the Academic Calendar.

 

 

 

The certificate prepares students by covering an area of emphasis leading to an entry level position which specializes in artificial intelligence or machine learning. Students completing this sequence will be expected to assist data analysts, data driven decision making, and automation for small, medium, and large-sized organizations.

 

The Program-level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) below are outcomes that students will achieve after completing specific degree / certificate requirements in this program. Students will utilize the latest AI tools and frameworks to solve problems, automate processes, and analyze data.

    1. Analyze and evaluate machine learning and artificial intelligence frameworks that best fit a               problem, data set, or process automation in a business and/or scientific environment.

    2. Design a technologically feasible and efficient solution.

    3. Standup and implement the solution.

    4. Demonstrate and explain the solution.

 

Requirements

Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade "C" or higher.

Subject & Number

Title

Units
CSIS 115 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) 3
CSIS 250 Introduction to Python Programming 4

CSIS 256

Intro to Generative AI models

3
CSIS 266 Intro to Large Language Models 3

 

Total

13

 

Any student who chooses to complete only the courses related to growing industry focuses listed above qualifies for a Certificate of Proficiency in Applied Artificial Intelligence. Certificates of Proficiency are designed for the student who needs to be prepared to enter an entry-level job. A department-issued certificate may be awarded upon successful completion of a prescribed course of study. This certificate will not appear on a student鈥檚 transcript.

 

 

Artificial Intelligence Developer Certificate of Proficiency (non-credit)

 

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Developer Certificate of Proficiency program is designed for individuals seeking to gain foundational knowledge and practical skills in AI technologies through a focused, non-credit curriculum. This program emphasizes accessibility and hands-on learning, making it ideal for beginners, career changers, or professionals seeking to enhance their skill set. Students will learn how to implement AI, including generative AI, large language models, and practical applications in cloud computing.

This certificate can serve as a stepping stone toward further study in AI or as a standalone credential to improve job readiness in roles involving AI-assisted tools and processes.

Career Opportunities

  • Junior AI/ML Developer
  • AI Tooling Specialist
  • AI Businesses Application Developer

Note: This certificate is non-credit and designed for foundational knowledge. Additional certifications or degrees may be required for advanced roles.

The Program-level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) below are outcomes that students will achieve after completing specific degree / certificate requirements in this program. Students will utilize the latest AI tools and frameworks to solve problems, automate processes, and analyze data.

  1. Understand and implement foundational concepts of artificial intelligence, including generative AI, large language models, and their practical applications.
  2. Build custom AI tools such as prompt and cloud based AI solutions, to solve real-world problems.
  3. Demonstrate proficiency in developing AI tools to automate processes, analyze data, and enhance decision-making.

Certificate of Proficiency Requirements

To earn the Artificial Intelligence Developer Certificate of Proficiency, students must complete all the following courses below. All courses are non-credit and focus on building foundational AI knowledge and skills.  Certificates of Proficiency are designed for the student who needs to be prepared to enter an entry-level job. A department-issued certificate may be awarded upon successful completion of a prescribed course of study. This certificate will not appear on a student鈥檚 transcript.  Note: All non-credit courses must be completed with a 鈥減ass鈥 credit. 

 

 

Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade "C" or higher.

Subject & Number

Title

Units
CSIS 093 What is Generative Artificial Intelligence 0
CSIS 094 Get Started with Large Language Models 0

CSIS 095

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Cloud Computing

0

 

 

 

Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals Certificate of Proficiency (non-credit)

 

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fundamentals Certificate of Proficiency program is designed for individuals seeking to gain foundational knowledge and practical skills in AI technologies through a focused, non-credit curriculum. This program emphasizes accessibility and hands-on learning, making it ideal for beginners, career changers, or professionals seeking to enhance their skill set. Students will explore key topics in AI, including generative AI, large language models, and prompt design, while addressing ethical considerations and practical applications in cloud computing.

This certificate can serve as a stepping stone toward further study in AI or as a standalone credential to improve job readiness in roles involving AI-assisted tools and processes.

Career Opportunities

  • AI Enthusiast or Advocate
  • AI Ethics Analyst
  • AI Application Support Specialist
  • Prompt Designer
  • AI Cloud Technology User
  • Technical Support for AI Tools

Note: This certificate is non-credit and designed for foundational knowledge. Additional certifications or degrees may be required for advanced roles.

The Program-level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) below are outcomes that students will achieve after completing specific degree / certificate requirements in this program. Students will utilize the latest AI tools and frameworks to solve problems, automate processes, and analyze data.

  1. Explain foundational concepts of artificial intelligence, including generative AI, large language models, and their practical applications.
  2. Apply AI tools and techniques, such as prompt design and cloud-based AI solutions, to solve real-world problems.
  3. Evaluate ethical considerations and societal impacts of AI technologies in professional and personal contexts.
  4. Demonstrate proficiency in using AI-assisted tools to automate processes, analyze data, and enhance decision-making.

 

Certificate of Proficiency Requirements

 

To earn the Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals Certificate of Proficiency, students must complete all the following courses below. All courses are non-credit and focus on building foundational AI knowledge and skills.  Certificates of Proficiency are designed for the student who needs to be prepared to enter an entry-level job. A department-issued certificate may be awarded upon successful completion of a prescribed course of study. This certificate will not appear on a student鈥檚 transcript.  Note: All non-credit courses must be completed with a 鈥減ass鈥 credit. 

 

Subject & Number

Title

Units
CSIS 090 Artificial Intelligence Jumpstart 0
CSIS 091 Artificial Intelligence - Workplace Ethical Issues 0

CSIS 092

Better Prompt Design

0