Program Overview:
About Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a burgeoning field undergoing rapid progress and development. Technological advances that rely on AI are numerous and include applications such as self-driving automobiles, medical diagnosis, computer-assisted translation tools, speech recognition, biometrics, entertainment, and a wide variety of classification and predictive technologies. AI is recognized as having immense social, technological, and ethical implications for society.
Why Study Artificial Intelligence at StFX?
StFX stands out among the best universities for artificial intelligence in Canada, offering a focused, high-quality education in a supportive environment. Whether you're launching a new career or building on past education, StFX’s AI diploma programs offer a clear path forward.
Students join a vibrant department, learning alongside engaged undergraduate and graduate peers. Our Computer Science faculty are active researchers who prioritize student success. StFX's Computer Science program was ranked the top in Atlantic Canada by Maclean’s for three consecutive years and tied for first in Canada for field-specific research impact (Maclean’s 2019).
Program Options
Which AI program is right for you?
I haven’t attended university or have only completed a few courses:
The Diploma in Artificial Intelligence is designed for you.
I already have a 3- or 4-year university degree:
You’re likely a great fit for the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence.
Diploma in Artificial Intelligence
Are you fascinated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and eager to explore its possibilities? Not sure you want to commit to 4 years of university? The Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (DipAI) at StFX is an excellent way to start. This unique 2-year undergraduate program provides a strong foundation in computer science with a specialized focus on AI, equipping you for a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
As a DipAI student, you’ll gain essential skills in AI, including modelling, algorithmic techniques, and computational foundations. The program also emphasizes the social and ethical dimensions of AI, ensuring you’re prepared to navigate its real-world impact.
If you are a graduate of a college IT program, a working professional, or if you have already completed some university credits, this option might be for you. The DipAI will enhance your expertise and prepare you for opportunities in this dynamic and fast-growing field.
Why Choose a Diploma in Artificial Intelligence?
- High-Demand Skills: AI is a growing field with numerous applications, including self-driving cars, medical diagnosis, speech recognition, and more. You’ll develop the skills needed to thrive in this high-demand area, making you a valuable asset in various industries.
- Fast-Track Your Career: Already have some post-secondary education or work experience? A 2-year diploma offers a practical and efficient way to gain specialized skills in AI without the longer commitment of a 4-year degree. This allows you to quickly transition into the AI field and start applying your knowledge.
- University Credential: Unlike college programs, the DipAI is a university credential, adding significant value to your resume. The diploma provides the theoretical foundations in AI and programming that will enable you to adapt in a rapidly changing field and will create a solid foundation for pursuing further studies and/ or advancing your career.
- Transition to a Degree: If you opt to continue your education past the two-year DipAI, you will be well positioned to transfer into a Joint Major or Honours BSc in Computer Science and will be able to compete a degree with approximately two years of further study.
Program Highlights
- Curriculum: The program includes a mix of fundamental and advanced courses in programming, data science, statistics, discrete structures, social issues in technology, computer organization, data structures, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, you'll have the flexibility to choose several electives to tailor your learning experience.
- Capstone Course: CSCI 495 (Artificial Intelligence) serves as the culminating experience for the program, integrating knowledge from previous courses while providing a broad perspective on the field. You will explore core AI concepts such as heuristic search, knowledge representation, logical inference, and machine learning, with hands-on applications in neural networks, genetic algorithms, and reinforcement learning.
Future Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for junior programmer positions (both general and AI-focused) that require a diploma or the equivalent of a degree. While some AI positions require a full degree, the skills developed in this program are sought after by employers and DipAI students complete more Computer Science credits than Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Science students, giving you a strong competitive edge.
Admission Requirements
Apply to the Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (DipAI) program at StFX and take the first step towards a rewarding career in AI. With a focus on high-demand skills and a fast-track to the job market, this program offers unparalleled value in a field that is defining the future of technology.
The DipAI program shares the same admission requirements as the Bachelor of Science program for students applying directly from high school.
Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence
This diploma helps graduates launch or advance careers in computing-related fields, offering in-demand expertise in Artificial Intelligence. With AI rapidly transforming industries, graduates will be well-prepared for roles in the workforce or for further academic study.
The Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence is a two-year program designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree, particularly those without a background in Computer Science. The curriculum is intensive and fast-paced, with at least half of the courses at the upper-year level. Students quickly build foundational knowledge in their first term before progressing to advanced topics. Learning is enriched by their prior academic experience and the diverse perspectives of their peers. Graduates emerge with a strong, interdisciplinary foundation that positions them for success in the evolving AI landscape.
Post-baccalaureate diplomas are attractive to students who want to do one or more of the following:
- Expand their knowledge into a discipline outside of their first degree.
- Change the direction of their first degree into new areas for career reasons.
For details on the structure and courses of the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence program, click here.
Available Courses
Students will need to successfully complete 16 courses (48 credits) over 2 years to obtain the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in AI. The courses are wide-ranging, including some core Computer Science courses and courses such as Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining and Machine Learning, Data Science, Evolutionary Computation, Biomedical Computation, Health Analytics, Big Data, Social Issues in the Information Age, Parallel and Distributed Computing. Equipped with the knowledge gained from these courses, students will be well-prepared to navigate the artificial intelligence landscape upon graduation.
Courses included:
- Programming and Data Structures
- Social Issues
- Discrete Structures
- Health Analytics
- Data Science
- Advanced Data Structures
- Computer Organization
- Evolutionary Computation
- Artificial Intelligence
- Software Design
- Database Management Systems
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Biomedical Computation
- Parallel and Distributed Computing
- Big Data
- Computer Graphics
- Mobile Application Development
- Natural Language Processing
Admission Requirements
- Completion of a four year-undergraduate degree from a recognized university with a cumulative average of 70% or higher in the applicant’s undergraduate program.
- One Computer Science course in a programming language (or equivalent).
- IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6. Recognized English Language Proficiency Tests.
- Students with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science may be eligible to apply to either of our two Master’s programs in Computer Science. Click here for more details.
- Students must have completed a university-level statistics course prior to beginning semester 3 of the program. Students who have not taken a statistics course as part of their undergraduate degree can complete the course while at StFX.
Future Opportunities
- Consultant
- Data Scientist
- Researcher
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
Admission Requirements
Ready to pivot into the world of AI? Apply to the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence at StFX. This focused two-year program will equip you with the advanced skills needed to thrive in today’s AI-driven industries or to pursue graduate studies.
Applicants must hold a four-year undergraduate degree with a minimum 70% average, along with at least one university-level course in a programming language. A statistics course is also required by the third semester and can be completed at StFX.