Graduate Certificate In AI and Machine Learning

with an Astrophysics-AI Badge

One of our core missions is to increase training opportunities for the Astronomy community in AI/ML methods. We have partnered with the UT Austin Computer and Data Science Online program to create a new, accessible graduate training program that offers courses in AI/ML methods, including an AI-Astronomy application course.

Application information

The program equips professionals from all scientific fields with essential AI skills for data analysis, predictive modeling, and research.

The program fosters career advancement and long-term growth in AI-driven fields.

Partner

FAQ

It is a 100% online graduate certificate, accessible from anywhere.
Structured and flexible—on-demand lectures released weekly, and corresponding to a typical semester schedule.
Requires 4 (3-credit) courses, including a Machine Learning class, a Deep Learning class, and two electives.
Students may earn the Astro-AI badge by enrolling in the AI for Astrophysics course as one of the electives.
The 12-credit credential can stand alone or stack onto additional online courses to complete a full 10 course MS degree in AI.
The program is accredited through UT Austin, such that courses are transcripted and course credit is transferable to other programs.
The program tuition is low-cost ($ 1,250 per course); CosmicAI will offer a small number of student fellowships.
Spring 2026 deadlines: Applications are open June 1–September 1. Classes begin January 2026.
Applications are open to both national and international prospective students. There is no U.S./Texas residency requirement and no out-of-state tuition.
Topics will include application of machine learning and deep learning to astronomy data; curation of training sets; explainable AI methods; simulation-based inference techniques.
Undergraduate degree in a computer science related field, math, or natural science, which includes preparation in programming, statistics, and discrete math. See Spring 2026 Application Guide for more information for more information.

The Deep Learning and Machine Learning courses are required prior to enrolling in the AI for Astrophysics course.
Yes. See details below

CosmicAI Scholarships

To support participation in this program, CosmicAI offers a tuition-free scholarship opportunity for junior faculty and early-career educators with a PhD to enroll in the AstroAI pathway within UT Austin’s Graduate Certificate in AI and Machine Learning (CAIML).

Eligibility Requirements

Must be Junior faculty or early-career educators
Research faculty, adjuncts, assistant, or associate professors
Astronomy, Physics, or a relevant academic career track
Must hold a PhD

Particularly encouraged: faculty at non-R1 or teaching-focused institutions

How to Apply

To be considered for scholarship support, applicants must complete both of the following:

NRAO CosmicAI Interest Form
Submit an application to the UT Austin Graduate Portal.

Please note that scholarship support is contingent on meeting CAIML admission requirements and being admitted to the program.

For scholarship questions, contact the CosmicAI Program Coordinator, Alia Wofford.

Important Dates

Fall Application

Application Opens

December 15

Final Deadline

April 15

Decision Released

Rolling; latest by mid-December

Spring Application