SimpliLearn and UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education collaborate to introduce Professional Certification in AI and Machine Learning with a focus on GenAI and Agenttic AI
PLANO, Texas, July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — learn simpleA global leader in digital upskilling University of California Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education (UCSB PaCE)launched an AI and machine learning professional certification program. This program covers machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, agent AI, and machine learning operations (MLOps). This curriculum is delivered over six months and includes 12 months of program access, combining live virtual classes and self-paced Microsoft courses.
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This program helps learners build competencies across more than 10 in-demand skills, including ML model training, evaluation and deployment, deep learning agent AI, generative AI, and more. Recent reports continue to suggest that professionals with AI expertise earn nearly 28% more than those in roles that don’t require AI skills. As organizations move beyond standalone models, they will also need AI practitioners who can not only build machine learning models, but also connect data, models, automation, deployment, and agents to solve business problems.
The curriculum is based on a set of core courses covering applied data science using Python, machine learning, deep learning specializations, advanced generative AI, MLOps, and agent frameworks. This course module builds a strong foundation in AI, supported by hands-on projects such as developing AI models using deep learning frameworks for autonomous driving use cases. Learners also complete multiple real-world projects across areas such as e-commerce, retail analytics, consumer marketing, HR analytics, music streaming, HR technology, creative design, finance, and tourism. To provide additional hands-on experience, the program includes specialized electives in modern agent frameworks consisting of MLOps, Git, GitHub, Azure-based AI agent development, model contexts and tool protocols for portfolio building.
Speaking of the program, Kashyap Dalal, Co-Founder and COO, Simplilearn“AI and machine learning are often buzzwords, but AI and machine learning are often used to simplify and streamline workflows,” he said. “These technologies are now becoming the cornerstone of how organizations operate, innovate, and build for the future. We believe it is essential to integrate these capabilities into learning programs as a platform for acquiring skills. Our collaboration with UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education allows us to realize this vision through a curriculum that helps professionals build.” Run end-to-end ML workflows and demonstrate hands-on expertise through hands-on projects and capstones. ”
Learners also gain practical knowledge through over 130 demos and exercises across the AI/ML lifecycle, over 14 real-world projects including three capstones, and over 30 tools and frameworks. IT professionals, data analysts, product managers, and technical experts looking to move into AI and ML roles or specialize in generative AI applications are encouraged to apply.
Regarding our partnership with Simplilearn, Denis Couturier, UCSB PaCE Dean; said, ”As AI continues to shape the future of industry, we are recognizing the importance of programs that provide career-relevant skills. The collaboration combines UCSB PaCE’s globally recognized academic reputation with Simplilearn’s immersive learning model to create a future-ready curriculum designed to help professionals build practical AI and machine learning capabilities to meet evolving industry needs. ”
The program is comprised of a combination of live classes and self-paced learning, and the curriculum supports professionals in building and implementing end-to-end machine learning pipelines, including model training, versioning, deployment, and monitoring, for a comprehensive understanding of the AI and machine learning lifecycle.
A key benefit of completing the course is access to Simplilearn’s career services, including the AI Resume Builder and LinkedIn Analyzer, Job Tracker and Job Board, career workshops, and networking and community opportunities. Learners will also have access to exclusive masterclasses delivered by industry experts on emerging technologies and industry use cases. Upon successful completion of the program, learners can earn a certificate of completion from UCSB PaCE and SimpliLearn.
To be eligible for admission, candidates must be 18 years of age or older with at least two years of work experience, an understanding of the basics of programming and mathematics, and a high school diploma or equivalent.
About Professional and Continuing Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara
The University of California, Santa Barbara is a top-ranked public research university that consistently ranks among the top 15 public universities in the United States and is known for its academic excellence and global profile. UC Santa Barbara Professional Continuing Education (PaCE) provides essential skills to professionals and lifelong learners through flexible certification programs, professional courses, workshops, and seminars across a variety of business, technology, and other fields.
UCSB PaCE has teamed up with SimpliLearn to offer industry-aligned, online, non-credit professional programs. The collaboration combines UCSB’s globally recognized academic reputation with Simplilearn’s immersive learning model, featuring a career-focused curriculum designed to build expertise in data science, generative AI, agent AI, machine learning, and full-stack development through live virtual classes, applied projects, and hands-on applied learning.
About SimpliLearn
Founded in 2010, Simplilearn, a Blackstone portfolio company, is a global leader in digital upskilling, giving learners around the world access to world-class training for individuals and businesses. SimpliLearn offers more than 1,500 live classes each month in more than 150 countries, impacting more than 15 million learners around the world. Its programs are designed and delivered in collaboration with world-renowned universities, leading companies, and leading industry associations. From early career professionals to managers and executives to small businesses and large corporations, Simplilearn’s role-based, skills-focused, industry-recognized, and globally relevant training programs provide the perfect upskilling solution for a variety of career and business goals.
For more information, please visit www.simplelearn.com.
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