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By Data Analytics Certificate Program Faculty
Air Force Institute of Technology

The Air Force Institute of Technology’s (AFIT) graduate certificate program in data analytics celebrated its 300th graduate in June of 2025. The program was established in 2019, and is managed by AFIT’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management’s (GSEM) Department of Systems Engineering and Management. This accomplishment marked a major milestone in building artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capacity across the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and United States Space Forces (USSF).  

This online, five-course program equips Airmen and Guardians with the knowledge and skills to put the Air and Spaces Forces on the path to becoming more data-informed organizations. The distance learning posture allows the program to be offered CONUS and OCONUS to officers, enlisted and civilians—providing them with operationally relevant data analytics and machine learning skills. 

“In 2019, AFIT identified a critical need of making data analytics education accessible across the Air Force, empowering all Airmen—regardless of technical background—with the tools to harness data effectively. Today, less than seven years later, that vision has come to life, proudly marked by the graduation of our 300th data analytics program student,” said Dr. Brent Langhals, data analytics certificate program chair. 

Certificate program courses cover an introduction to data analytics, data and databases, introduction to machine learning, statistics, and computer programming with Python. Courses focus on the use and understanding of applications/tools, not mathematical theory and algorithm development. Each student performs a machine learning capstone project focused on improving decision analysis, efficiency or battlespace awareness of their unit. 

Program graduates now represent every USAF Major Command (MAJCOM) and all Space Force Field Commands such as Space Operations Command (spOC), Space Systems Command (SSC), and Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM). The student’s 300+ DoD-focused capstone solutions  improve decisions, efficiency or capabilities of their unit, including specific contributions at TRANSCOM, the 56th Medical Group, 14th & 45th Weather Squadrons, 90th Fighter Squadron and language-proficiency support at the Air Force Cryptologic Office.   

For more information about this program, please contact Dr. Brent Langhals, associate professor and data analytics certificate program chair, or email afit.en.dataanalytics@us.af.mil.

The graphic above is a breakdown of the number of DoD-focused capstone projects accomplished in each machine learning problem type from AFIT’s graduate certificate program in data analytics. Advanced students have the opportunity to apply innovative text and image processing techniques to their project. (U.S. Air Force graphic)

As seen in the graphic above, graduates from AFIT’s graduate certificate program in data analytics now represent every USAF Major Command (MAJCOM) and Space Force Field Command, in addition to  Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and USAF headquarters organizations. (U.S. Air Force graphic)

AFIT’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management (GSEM) provides in-residence and distance learning graduate degrees and certificates in engineering, applied science, mathematics and management. GSEM provides its students with several significant advantages, including a more personalized educational experience, academic programs with a defense-related focus, and research on high-priority defense problems.  

About AFIT
AFIT is located at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. AFIT’s mission is to educate defense professionals to innovatively accomplish the deterrence and warfighting missions of the USAF and USSF. AFIT’s vision is to lead defense-focused education, research and consultation to accelerate military superiority across all domains and is accomplished through operationally relevant advanced academic education, research, and professional continuing education. For more information, please visit the AFIT webpage https://www.afit.edu/ or contact the Graduate School of Engineering and Management at AFIT.EN.Outreach@us.af.mil.