How to Learn AI in South Florida: Free Classes to Degrees

Pick the Right Rung for Where You Are

You don't need a computer science background to start. The best path builds on what you already do: a marketer learns AI for content and analytics, an operations lead for automation, a teacher for lesson design. Start with something free and hands-on, and move up the ladder only when you want the credential.

Rung 1: Free and Low-Cost Classes and Workshops

Public libraries are an underrated starting point. The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, for example, runs free classes like Computer Basics & AI, Practical AI for Real Life, AI in Action, and Intro to AI in Small Business. Chambers of commerce in West Palm Beach and Delray Beach host AI breakfasts and seminars, and community meetups in Boca, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami feature live demos.

We keep a verified list of these — plus our own hands-on workshops in West Palm Beach — on our events page.

Rung 2: Short Workforce Programs

Indian River State College, with CyberGen, offers non-credit Junior AI Engineer and AI Data Center Technician training — 240 hours delivered as accelerated six-week programs leading to industry certifications. Contact IRSC Continuing Education for cost and start dates.

Broward College runs a grant-funded track for income-eligible students that includes CompTIA Data+, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), and Python certifications.

Rung 3: College Credit Certificates

Palm Beach State College offers an AI Awareness college credit certificate (9 credits, about six months) and an AI Practitioner certificate (18 credits) that stacks into its associate degree. Broward College offers an 18-credit AI Practitioner technical certificate. Miami Dade College offers AI college credit certificates as well.

Rung 4: Associate and Bachelor's Degrees

Associate in Science in Applied AI programs are available at Palm Beach State College (60 credits), Broward College (60 credits, at all campuses and fully online), and Miami Dade College. Miami Dade College also offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied AI, and FIU offers a B.S. in Data Science and AI.

Rung 5: Graduate Programs for Working Professionals

FAU offers a graduate AI certificate open to people with a bachelor's in any field, plus a Master of Science with a major in AI — including a professional track with evening, weekend, and online courses. FIU offers an M.S. in Applied AI and IoT.

Learn With Others

Whatever rung you're on, learning sticks faster with people. Pair a class with a monthly meetup, practice with real work, and share what you build. Our sister sites AI Teachers and CodeTeachers also offer practical training for professionals and educators.