How AI Works—And How CSU Global Helps You Build Real-World AI Skills

AI entered the mainstream in a big way when tools like ChatGPT by OpenAI and Google’s Gemini captured the world’s attention. Since then, it has reshaped how we think about work, decision-making, and what’s possible across industries, from healthcare to finance to logistics. 

And while the technology has advanced rapidly in just a few years, we’re still in the early stages of what AI can do—and who’s equipped to use it.

That’s why CSU Global offers two flexible pathways designed for working adults at different stages in their tech journey:

• A master’s degree in artificial intelligence and machine learning

• An undergraduate certificate in Azure AI automation

“At CSU Global, we understand that students enter our AI program with a wide range of backgrounds, some come from non-technical fields, while others have advanced programming and data experience. It was important for us to design a single, unified program that is accessible to all learners but still rigorous enough to challenge those with more advanced technical skills,” said Matthew Brown, PhD., Lead Program Director. “The program scaffolds learning in a way that builds confidence and competence, ensuring students are progressively exposed to both foundational concepts and more complex, hands-on applications. Our goal is to prepare every student, regardless of starting point, to be job-ready in the evolving AI workforce.”

If you’re still getting familiar with the basics of artificial intelligence, here’s a quick overview — then we’ll show you how CSU Global can help you take the next step.

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is a set of technologies that allow machines and computer programs to mimic human intelligence. AI systems learn from experience, identify patterns, and make decisions based on large volumes of data, often at a speed and scale far beyond what people can achieve alone. 

AI isn’t a single tool. It’s a collection of algorithms, models, and systems used to solve complex problems, automate tasks, and support better decision-making. 

How Does AI Learn?

At the core of most AI systems is machine learning, which allows programs to improve over time without being explicitly programmed. Here’s how it works:

• Massive Data Sets feed the system—everything from medical images to customer purchase histories.
• Intelligent Algorithms crunch that data repeatedly, learning which inputs lead to the best outcomes.
• Feedback Loops constantly refine the model’s accuracy, helping it “learn” from its mistakes and improve with each pass.

This process allows AI to develop insights, make predictions, and take actions based on data, all without needing step-by-step human instruction.

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI refers to a category of artificial intelligence that creates new content—text, images, code, audio, and more—based on what it has learned from existing data.

Tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are well-known examples. These platforms use large language models (LLMs) and deep learning to respond to prompts, summarize documents, generate creative writing, or even debug code. Generative AI tools are becoming essential for professionals in marketing, education, customer service, data analysis, and software development.

Here’s a closer look at what CSU Global’s two AI programs offer. Whichever path students choose, Brown said the focus is on graduating with the skills to make an impact. 

“We want every CSU Global student to graduate from the program feeling confident in their ability to apply AI in real-world settings,” he said. “This means being able to analyze data, work with AI tools, understand ethical implications, and contribute to innovation within their organizations.”

The programs are designed to go beyond technical training, equipping students with the practical knowledge, adaptability, and critical thinking needed to succeed in a workforce that increasingly relies on AI-literate professionals.

Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

CSU Global’s online master’s degree in artificial intelligence and machine learning is designed for professionals interested in advanced concepts in programming, data science, and automation. The program emphasizes applied skills in software development, AI modeling, and machine learning implementation.

Students in this program:

• Apply software development techniques to AI and machine learning projects.
• Use AI and machine learning to address real-world problems.
• Build systems that simulate human behavior.
• Evaluate the performance and effectiveness of AI-driven solutions.

The program is intended for students with a strong foundation in math or programming who want to deepen their expertise.

Undergraduate Certificate in Azure AI Automation

CSU Global’s undergraduate certificate in Azure AI automation is an 18-credit program that introduces students to core concepts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud-based automation. The certificate is aligned with Microsoft’s Azure Data Engineering certifications and can be applied toward CSU Global’s Bachelor of Science in computer science.

Students in this program:

• Learn the fundamentals of machine learning.
• Work with core Azure services to build AI solutions.
• Use Azure Cognitive Services to automate tasks.
• Develop bots using Azure Bot Services.
• Explore advanced features in cloud-based AI platforms.

This certificate is designed for students looking to build job-ready skills in cloud and AI technologies. It is fully online and accessible to learners with a general familiarity with technology.

To learn more about CSU Global’s online AI programs, contact an enrollment counselor at enroll@csuglobal.edu or call 800-462-7845. You can apply here.