NOTE: This program is no longer offered on the edX platform. However, Columbia University does offer an AI certification program as part of their Columbia Engineering Executive Education.

After a lot of thought and back-forth, I finally overcame my apprehension and decided to enroll in my very first MicroMasters Program offered on the edX platform. My motivation was not to enhance my resume, but to really immerse myself in a new topic. I decided to enroll in the program instead of auditing because I really wanted to complete it. I figured if I invested the money, the time-investment would follow as well.

The AI MicroMasters Program was offered by Columbia University and entailed completing 4 graduate level courses:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Animation and CGI Motion
• Robotics.

Except for Animation and CGI Motion, where the projects had to be done in C++, the projects for the courses had to be completed using Python.

I started the program while juggling a full-time job and thought I would have ample time left in the day to take two courses at a time. Boy, was I wrong. The courses, especially the projects, demanded at least 10-12 hours a week, with some projects needing 15-20 hours. I thought that since this is a program offered online, it wouldn’t be as rigorous as a full-blown university curriculum. This was a big mistake on my part. After I finished the courses, I decided to finish the remaining two one-at-a-time.

Just like any university course, these courses had assignments, projects and quizzes. The instructors also assigned relevant reading from textbooks and other sources. Questions about the projects and doubts needing clarification could be posted on the discussion board which were then answered by the instructors, dedicated TAs (teaching assistants) or other students.

The courses were stand-alone, so they could be taken in any order. I started with Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence first, then did Robotics and then Animation and CGI. I just enrolled for the courses as and when they became available.

At the end of each course was a proctored exam which required turning on the web-cam and micro-phone for the entire duration of the exam. Once the video of you taking the exam was reviewed to determine that you did not cheat, then your grade would be given.

The format and checks-and-balances made me feel relieved that this wasn’t a scam but a genuine certificate which I would have to work towards. It wasn’t something that I could just buy. I would have to show up and do the work.