OVERVIEW
Power the Technology Behind AI
AI needs more than models. It needs the infrastructure that allows AI systems to run, scale, and stay secure.
WGU's B.S. in AI Infrastructure and Operations prepares you to build, deploy, and operate the technology behind AI—including cloud infrastructure, accelerated compute, automation, MLOps, and AI workloads.
Unlike AI degrees focused primarily on model development, this program focuses on the infrastructure and operations that keep AI systems running in production.
You'll learn how to:
- Build and manage AI-ready cloud and compute infrastructure.
- Deploy and orchestrate AI workloads.
- Automate infrastructure and AI/ML workflows.
- Apply security practices to AI infrastructure and systems.
- Monitor and optimize AI environments.
- Manage infrastructure performance, cost, and scalability.
Have questions? Attend our prospective student webinar to learn more about our programs.
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,425
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their degree. Finish faster, pay less!
COURSES
AI Infrastructure and Operations Courses
Program consists of 40 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
The Bachelor of Science in AI Infrastructure and Operations Degree combines a strong foundation in IT, networking, cloud, and programming with 13 AI-focused courses designed around the technology that companies need to operate AI systems and to stay ahead in rapidly changing work environments.
Before companies can rely on AI, AI needs well-tuned infrastructure. This program will help you grow your skills in high-performance and accelerated compute, cloud infrastructure and orchestration, MLOps and machine learning DevSecOps, and more. From AI workloads and deployment to automation and security, the curriculum focuses on practical skills you can apply in today's technology environments.
This fully online program allows you to progress by demonstrating competency and working closely with WGU faculty. You'll complete a minimum number of competency units (or more) each term while building experience working with designing AI-ready infrastructure, managing cloud and platform systems, building AI/ML delivery pipelines, securing AI infrastructure, and optimizing infrastructure for cost and performance.
An unofficial estimated 14 courses are fulfilled by your associate degree leaving 27 courses.
This is an unofficial estimate of your transfer credits. You may receive more or less credits depending upon the specific courses taken to complete your degree and other credits you may have.
Below are the anticipated courses that will be fulfilled based on your indication that you have earned an associate’s degree. During the enrollment process this information will be verified.
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
Western Governors University
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
$350*
Included with your tuition cost
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.
Traditional Universities
Western Governors University
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
$350*
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
Included with your tuition cost
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
TRANSFER CREDITS
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.
Why WGU?
Affordability
WGU tuition is charged per six-month term, not per credit. That means if you want to move faster through the online computer science degree program, you'll pay less.
On Your Schedule
No class times, no assignment deadlines. You are in charge of your learning and schedule. You can move through your courses as quickly as you master the material, meaning you can graduate faster.
Entirely Online
At WGU, you'll have 24/7 access to online coursework. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.
IT CERTIFICATIONS
Industry Certifications Included in Your Program
Built into the B.S. AI Infrastructure and Operations degree program—adding no extra costs or time—graduates will also earn up to résumé-boosting, and third-party certifications.
- LPI Linux Essentials
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- AWS Certified CloudOps Engineer – Associate
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner
- (Optional) NVIDIA Certified Associate: AI Infrastructure and Operations (NCA-AIIO)
These certifications will prove to employers what you know before you even complete the degree program.
COST & TIME
An AI Infrastructure and Operations Degree
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
WGU strives to keep its educational offerings current and relevant. As part of this process, one or more courses in your degree program are being refined and are not presently available. These courses will become available to you within your first six-month term. WGU will notify you once the courses are available. If you have questions about which courses are under refinement or how this may impact your degree plan, please contact your Enrollment Counselor.
A College Degree Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt at graduation for WGU undergraduates who borrowed was about half the national average.
*College Board (2024)
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused teaching program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.
CAREER OUTLOOK
Build a Career in the Infrastructure Behind AI
Widespread adoption of AI is creating career demand for far more than just training and shaping AI models. There is also a great need for people who can deploy, operate, secure, scale, and optimize the systems that AI depends on.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in computer and IT occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035. BSAIIO can help prepare you for career paths such as:
- AI infrastructure engineer
- MLOps engineer
- CloudOps engineer
- AIOps engineer
- Platform engineer
- Site reliability engineer (SRE)
- DevOps engineer
You can apply the skills you'll learn in this program across all industries where organizations are putting AI into production.
WGU Grads Hold Positions with Top Employers
ADMISSIONS
AI Infrastructure and Operations Admission Requirements
To be considered for enrollment into this program, you must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent AND demonstrate program readiness through one of the following:
- Option 1: Submit all transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a minimum of 2.25 cumulative GPA or higher.
- Option 2: Possess a bachelor's or associate degree (A.A, A.S., or A.A.S. acceptable) from an accredited post-secondary institution.
- Option 3: Submit official record of completion of a transferable IT certification, some of which may provide transfer credit into various programs.
- Option 4: Submit all high school transcripts with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- Option 5: Submit all transcripts documenting completion of previous IT coursework. IT coursework must be 300 level or higher.
NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to a WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Transfer Credits
If you have taken courses, earned certifications, or received a degree from a community college or another university, you're likely already well on your way to a WGU degree. You can almost always transfer credits when you send accredited bachelor's or associate degree transcripts.
WGU’s curriculum structure is competency-based, allowing you to apply your existing knowledge and skills to your education. Students with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree usually qualify for upper-division standing at WGU.
Depending on your degree program, you may qualify for additional requirement waivers. If you have completed some college coursework but have not earned a degree, WGU will conduct a transcript evaluation. Your experience may waive some of your requirements.
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?