Overview
Learn to unlock the full potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and become a sought-after expert in AI systems integration and operation.
This program gives you the knowledge and skills to ethically design, develop and deploy AI systems in various industries such as healthcare, finance and energy. Gain hands-on experience in AI implementation and operation through project-based learning and practical work while understanding how to communicate effectively with stakeholders and team members.
You’ll also explore how to manage and analyze data with a people-first approach. The program focuses on developing your problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills. By combining technical and human skills, you will be well-equipped to lead AI projects and excel as a professional in this growing field. Enroll in our program today and take the first step towards a successful career in the AI industry.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Integrated Artificial Intelligence post-diploma certificate.
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $19,570
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $23,570
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Admission requirements
Program requirements
A diploma or degree from an accredited post-secondary institution in one of the following subject matter areas, or equivalent, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 (67% or C+):
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Analytics
- Software Development
At the discretion of the Academic Chair, a combination of education and professional experience may be considered in lieu.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After applying, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the sadt.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | May 8, 2024 | May 2, 2025 |
Courses
Program outline
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credits |
| ETHI 401 | AI Governance and Ethics | 3.0 |
| ARTI 404 | Web Development and Cloud Computing | 3.0 |
| STAT 400 | Applied Statistics | 3.0 |
| ARTI 406 | Human-Centred AI | 3.0 |
| DATA 440 | Predictive Analytics and Modeling Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credits |
| DATA 480 | Predictive Analytics and Modeling | 3.0 |
| ARTI 407 | Introduction to Natural Language Processing | 3.0 |
| ARTI 408 | Introduction to Computer Vision | 3.0 |
| ARTI 409 | AI Management and Maintenance | 3.0 |
| PROJ 407 | Capstone: Applied Projects | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 15.0 |
Co-op Work Term (Optional)
| Course code | Course name | Credits |
| CPWK 255 | Cooperative Work Term | 0 |
| Program total | 30.0 |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $18,000 | $948 | $622 | $19,570 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $22,000 | $948 | $622 | $23,570 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs of purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
More information will be posted as soon as it is available.
You can also prepare by attending Big SAIT Welcome, online information sessions, international or Indigenous orientation, and completing the preparation courses below.
*If your orientation occurs on the first day of classes, you will not see a separate ORNT 118 in your schedule. Students registering in classes via open registration must enroll in ORNT 118.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a power-user hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
All computers must meet the following minimum specifications:
Mac specifications
- Processor: i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Video card: AMD Radeon Pro
- Screen size: 15"
- Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080
- OS version: Mac OS Catalina or newer
- Approximate price (CAD): $2,750
- Suggested model: 16" Macbook Pro case model
PC specifications
- Processor: i7
- RAM: 32GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Video card: Nvidia Quadro T1000
- Screen size: 15"
- Screen resolution: 1920 x 1080
- OS version: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
- Other software: Antivirus/Malware protection
- Approximate price (CAD): $3,000
- Suggested model: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 3
Required equipment/tools
Students will require their own cloud computing services subscription to CloudMyLab, approximately $800 – $1,200 per year.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
The required textbooks will be discussed within the first few weeks of classes.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8543
sadt.advising@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Lauren Dwyer, Academic Chair
Lauren.Dwyer@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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