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Python

Program at a Glance

  • Complete in as few as 6-9 months
  • Three online courses
  • Designed for beginning and intermediate programmers
  • Digital badge awarded upon completion  

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Pay for your Certificate Program in full and save 10%.

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Learn Python. Work Smarter with Data and AI. 

Python is one of today’s most widely used programming languages across data science, analytics and artificial intelligence.  As AI tools become more integrated into everyday work, professionals who understand Python are better equipped to go beyond basic prompting—enabling them to automate tasks, work directly with data, interact with AI models and build more advanced, customized solutions. Whether you are starting from scratch, building on existing experience or preparing for more technical work, you will gain practical, job-relevant skills you can apply immediately. 

What You'll Get

  • Hands-on practice using Python syntax, functions, data structures and problem-solving techniques
  • Experience working with industry-relevant tools and libraries such as Jupyter Notebooks, Pandas, NumPy, matplotlib and scikit-learn
  • Foundational skills that help you work more effectively with coding and can help with AI tools—moving beyond basic prompts to automate workflows, interact with APIs and understand how AI-driven systems operate 

Which Courses Apply to the Program?

The program is structured as a three-course sequence that develops core programming ability and applied data analysis skills:

  • Introduction to Python Programming
  • Intermediate Python
  • Python for Data Analysis 

You’ll Learn How To:

  • Write and debug Python code
  • Solve problems using Python data structures and programming techniques
  • Work in professional development environments such as Jupyter Notebooks and IDEs
  • Analyze and visualize data using Python libraries
  • Understand Python’s role in AI and machine learning workflows
  • Build scripts and tools that integrate with AI platforms and APIs 

Courses Open for Enrollment

Course Title Online Enroll Start Date
Introduction to Python Programming check mark Enroll Now
Intermediate Python check mark Enroll Now
Python for Data Analysis check mark Enroll Now
Introduction to Python Programming check mark Enroll Now
Intermediate Python check mark Enroll Now

UC Davis on Coursera

Course Title Online Enroll Start Date
Python Basics for Online Research Specialization on Coursera check mark Enroll Now Start any time
  • Who Should Enroll?
  • This program is designed for professionals and aspiring technical learners who want to build practical Python skills for programming, data analysis, automation and AI-enabled work.
    • Ideal participants include:
      • - Professionals looking to add technical skills or advance their careers
      • - Individuals with little or no programming experience seeking a structured introduction to Python
      • - Beginning and intermediate programmers looking to strengthen their coding foundation
      • - Business professionals, analysts and researchers working with data
      • - Career changers preparing for technical roles in data science, analytics or software development
      • - Professionals who want to better understand and apply AI tools in their work
  • How Can Python Help Me in My Current Role?

  • Python is one of today's most widely used programming languages because it helps professionals automate repetitive tasks, work with data and make better use of AI tools.

    • - Whether you work in business, marketing, finance, healthcare, operations, engineering, research or technology, learning Python can help you:
    • - Automate repetitive tasks and workflows
    • - Analyze and visualize data to support better decision-making
    • - Work with APIs and connect business systems
    • - Build simple scripts and tools that solve everyday challenges
    • - Better understand and apply AI tools in your work

    As organizations increasingly rely on data and AI, Python has become a valuable skill for professionals looking to work more efficiently, solve complex problems and stay competitive in their current roles.

  • Why Can Python Help Me Use AI Tools More Effectively?

  • Artificial intelligence is transforming how work gets done—but most professionals only interact with AI at the surface level through prompts and prebuilt tools. For professionals looking to stay competitive, Python is quickly becoming a foundational skill for working effectively with AI—not just using it but applying it strategically.

    • With Python, you can:
      • - Automate repetitive tasks and workflows using AI tools
        - Work directly with data that powers AI systems
        - Integrate AI capabilities into your day-to-day work using APIs
        - Better understand how AI models function, improving how you use and evaluate them
        - Build simple applications and scripts that extend beyond out-of-the-box AI tools

    Interested in a course focused on AI? Check out our AI in Construction course.

  • What Is the Structure of This Program?

  • The Python Professional Program is delivered fully online through Canvas, the UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education learning management system.

    Courses include video lectures, readings, assignments and discussion-based activities in a structured, week-by-week format with regular due dates. This format allows you to build skills progressively while maintaining flexibility. Most students can expect to spend approximately 10–12 hours per week on coursework.

  • Do I Need Prior Programming Experience?
  • No. The program is designed for beginning and intermediate learners, with courses that build from foundational to more advanced concepts.
  • What Topics Will I Study?
  • You will study Python syntax, functions, data structures, control flow, debugging, object-oriented programming and data analysis, along with commonly used Python libraries.
  • Is the Program Fully Online?
  • Yes. All courses are delivered online with structured modules, assignments and instructor-supported learning.
  • What Tools and Platforms Will I Use?
  • You may work with tools such as Jupyter Notebooks, IDEs, Pandas, NumPy, matplotlib and scikit-learn.
  • How Long Does the Program Take to Complete?
  • The program can be completed in as few as 6–9 months, depending on your pace and course schedule.
  • Will This Help Me Prepare for Data Science or Technical Roles?
  • Yes. The program builds foundational programming and data analysis skills that are widely used in data science, analytics and software-related roles. Python serves as a foundation for careers such as Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Software Developer, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Automation Engineer, Research Analyst, Financial Analyst and DevOps Engineer.