The Applied AI Lab is an advanced learning opportunity designed to help you master the core concepts behind neural networks through six hands-on projects ranging from image classification to generative AI. Applicants are expected to have the following prerequisite skills:

• Intermediate-level Python programming
• Ability to manipulate basic data structures like lists and dictionaries, and write definitions for functions and classes
• Familiarity with essential machine learning concepts, including supervised and unsupervised learning, overfitting and regularization, and training, validation, and test sets

All applicants must pass an Admissions Quiz with a minimum passing score of 66%. Before you attempt the Admissions Quiz, we recommend that you use the following free resources to help you prepare:

• Python at LearnPython.org: Learn the Basics.
• Applied Data Science Lab: WQU’s own Applied Data Science Lab is free and always available. The Applied Data Science Lab teaches you the Python and Machine Learning skills needed to succeed in the Applied AI Lab.
• Linear Algebra from Khan Academy: study the mathematical foundation for key concepts in neural networks, data transformations, and optimization algorithms that power machine learning models.
• College Algebra: A full course with companion python code on YouTube.
• Mathematics for Machine Learning: A free eBook available online and as a PDF.
• Practical Deep Learning for Coders: A free course designed for people with some coding experience, who want to learn how to apply deep learning and machine learning to practical problems.

No, this professional development opportunity does not require you to have any prior degrees or credentials.

The Applied Data Science Lab is a credentialed offering that integrates data skill development with real-world, applied projects to prepare students for professional, demanding business settings.

To succeed in this sixteen-week continuing education offering, you need to have beginner-level Python skills and be familiar with basic statistics.

Applicants who are required to submit English proficiency test scores are responsible to cover the fees associated with these tests. WQU accepts the Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE.

Upon acceptance into the Program, all students are required to submit official transcripts for their highest previously earned college or university degree. The potential cost of obtaining official transcripts is the only other fee students are expected to cover.

Financial Engineering is a field where mathematical techniques are used to solve financial problems. It is an interdisciplinary specialty that leverages skills and tools from computer science, statistics, economics, and applied mathematics, enabling practitioners to address financial challenges and opportunities, and in some cases, develop new products and services. As more businesses and organizations become data-driven, there are growing opportunities for financial engineers outside of the financial industry, including healthcare, the supply chain, agriculture, and more.

For a more detailed breakdown of how this field emerged, what it takes to become a financial engineer, and what kinds of jobs financial engineering graduates pursue, head over to the WQU blog and check out the Guide to Financial Engineering.

WorldQuant University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Distance Education Accrediting Commission
1101 17th Street NW, Suite 808
Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 234-5100

Becoming accredited is a formal recognition that WorldQuant University and its programs have been vetted for quality and consistency. As part of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission’s (DEAC) accreditation process, WQU was evaluated in areas that include academic quality, curriculum requirements, faculty, student services, ethical business practice, academic support services, learning and research resources, administrative capacity, and financial capacity.

WQU offers a two-year Master of Science in Financial Engineering (MScFE) Program and two continuing education Applied Labs in Data Science and Deep Learning for Computer Vision. All offerings are entirely free and delivered 100% online.