AI Engineering

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Software Bootcamp AI Engineering

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AI Engineering: From Core Fundamentals to Production-Ready Multi-Agent Systems

Move beyond basic prompting. Build the autonomous future.

The AI Engineering Program at Austin Community College is professional coursework designed to help you move beyond simple chat interfaces and build production-ready AI systems. This modular program allows you to master the full lifecycle of AI development—from foundational LLM orchestration to complex multi-agent architectures used in modern industry.

Why AI Engineering?

The demand for AI talent is shifting from "prompting" to "engineering." As enterprises move from simple chatbots to autonomous workflows, the need for developers who can coordinate reliable systems is exploding.

  • Market Demand: AI-related job postings have grown 3–5x since 2022.
  • High Compensation: AI Engineers earn $140K–$200K+ on average in the US.
  • Enterprise Shift: Over 70% of enterprises are investing in GenAI, with a major focus on multi-agent systems to automate operations, research, and compliance.
  • The Opportunity: There is a critical shortage of engineers who can design reliable, coordinated agent systems—making this a very future-proof skill set in tech.

Course Structure

The course is structured as a series of five progressive courses. You must take them in order, and you may take one course at a time.

It starts with a two week long "Prep & Orientation Course" designed to help interested students in learning more about the series and preparing for it. It leads to the Core Course, a 16-week long "AI Engineering Fundamentals" course. Then there are three Capstone Courses that solidify students' understanding and builds a strong portfolio.

1. AI Engineering: Prep & Orientation

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This is an optional, low-stakes, but highly recommended "vibe check" and preparatory course. You will move through the fundamental differences between traditional web development and AI development to see if this career pivot excites you. You will also brush up on programming skills using Python.

Difficulty: Introductory
Focus: Understand the AI Engineering landscape, areas and skills, Python refresher and a Smart Translator script project.
Pre-requisite: Computer programming skills in any tech stack, and/or graduate of one of ACC's CS/IT or Continuing Education programming courses.
Duration: 2 Weeks (Tue, Thu 7 pm - 10 pm, Fri 11:30 am - 1:30 pm) | 16 contact hours
The first course will start in the Fall 2026.
Tuition: $255

2. Core Course: AI Engineering Fundamentals

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The foundation of your journey. Learn to design and implement real-world applications using LLMs, retrieval systems, and agent frameworks like LangGraph. Career support included (see below).

Difficulty: intermediate
Focus: From Python fundamentals to production deployment — in 16 weeks you'll move through LLM fundamentals, structured outputs, evaluation and reliability, RAG pipelines, LangGraph orchestration, single and multi-agent systems, memory, backend APIs, and full-stack deployment. Every week builds a working system. By Week 12 you'll have the knowledge to build, evaluate, and ship production-grade AI applications independently.
Pre-requisite: Python programming and/or Software Development Bootcamp.
Duration: 16 Weeks, 8 hrs/week, meet via Zoom, with several class meetings on campus, with virtual attendance options. First session offered in the Fall 2026.
Tuition: $4,800

3. Capstone 1: Company Chatbot Customizations / Production AI Pipeline with RAG

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Design and deploy a real-world AI pipeline that moves beyond simple chatbots into reliable, data-driven systems. You will build a knowledge-enabled AI system that:

  • Ingests and processes real-world data
  • Retrieves relevant context using vector databases
  • Generates grounded responses with citations
  • Is deployed as an API and a simple application
Difficulty: Intermediate
Focus: Understanding and developing a complete production-grade AI system (LLM pipelines, backend, and UI), along with debugging and CI/CD to AWS Cloud.
Pre-requisite: AI Engineering Fundamentals (First Course).
Duration: 6–8 Weeks, self paced with 1 class meeting per week.
Tuition: $1,800

4. Capstone 2: Knowledge-Enhanced Chatbot (RAG) with Agent / Agent-Based AI Systems

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Master the industry standard for reducing "hallucinations" and giving AI access to proprietary, real-time data. Career support will include updating online profiles, resumes to include the acquired skills and mock interviews to test the understanding. Build systems that go beyond predefined workflows by introducing agents that can plan, reason, and use tools. Learn when agents add value and when they introduce unnecessary complexity. You will build an AI agent system that:

  • Plans multi-step tasks
  • Uses tools such as APIs, search, and retrieval
  • Handles failures and retries
  • Is implemented using modern orchestration frameworks
Difficulty: Intermediate
Focus: Design and implement agent-based systems that plan, use tools, and handle multi-step workflows reliably. Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems and vector databases.
Pre-requisite: AI Engineering Fundamentals and Capstone 1.
Duration: 6–8 Weeks, self paced with 1 class meeting per week.
Tuition: $1,800

5. Capstone 3: AI Assistant with Memory & Multi Agent Behavior

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The cutting edge of AI development. Build systems that don't just answer questions, but execute complex tasks autonomously. Build advanced systems that coordinate multiple specialized agents with memory, enabling complex task execution in real-world scenarios. You will build a production-grade multi-agent system that:

  • Coordinates multiple agent roles such as planner, executor, and critic
  • Uses persistent memory effectively
  • Handles complex, real-world workflows
  • Is designed with scalability and reliability in mind

We invite local area small businesses to get their AI projects completed by student teams, so our students gain real world experience and real life deployment reference. Availability will depend on business response at the beginning of this Capstone 3 course. Capstone will include mock interviews and feedback based on the skills learnt in this course.

Difficulty: Advanced
Focus: Architect scalable multi-agent systems with memory, observability, and production-grade reliability. Agent-based systems, persistent memory, and multi-agent collaboration frameworks.
Pre-requisite: Completion of AI Engineering Fundamentals and Capstones 1 & 2, with working knowledge of RAG pipelines, agent workflows, and orchestration.
Duration: 6–8 Weeks, self paced with 1 class meeting per week
Tuition: $1,800

Career Support

Our commitment to your career goes beyond the classroom. Every student in the AI Engineering series receives:

  • Portfolio Development: Build a massive, end-to-end multi-agent system to showcase on GitHub. Develop a real life AI pipeline for a small business or non-profit to serve as a solid portfolio validator.
  • Technical Interview Prep: Master the architecture and coding challenges unique to AI roles.
  • LinkedIn & Resume Optimization: Position yourself as a specialist in the 3–5x growing AI job market.
  • ACC Industry Network: Access to local Austin and national tech partners looking for specialized AI talent.
  • ACC Career Services: As an ACC student you would have unlimited access to services by a dedicated college wide career office and counselors.

Frequently Asked Questions

? How much effort is required to successfully complete the AI Engineering series?

The AI Engineering series is a professional, modular series. We recommend having about 10-15 hours a week available for study and project work, including scheduled online class hours. The course workload builds progressively from introductory to advanced concepts.

? Are there any pre-requisite courses for AI Engineering?

Suggested pre-requisites include basic programming experience (preferably Python) or completion of a Software Development Bootcamp. The 2-week Prep & Orientation course serves as an initial orientation to check your interest and readiness before committing to the full series.

? What career support is available?

Students receive dedicated portfolio development (building real-world multi-agent systems for small businesses or non-profits), LinkedIn and resume optimization specifically for the growing AI job market, technical interview prep, and access to ACC's industry hiring network.

? Is financial aid available for the AI Engineering courses?

Yes, ACC's payment plan options are available to help spread out tuition payments. Additionally, students may explore tuition grants via local Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education scholarships based on financial need.

? What kind of job opportunities are available for AI Engineering graduates?

Graduates can target roles such as AI Engineer, Machine Learning Developer, RAG Pipeline Developer, Generative AI Specialist, and Software Engineer (AI/ML Integrations).

? What are the computer requirements for the AI Engineering course?

A modern laptop (Windows, Mac, or Linux) with an Intel Core i5 or Apple M-series chip, at least 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended), and a reliable high-speed internet connection for Zoom sessions and cloud-based development workflows.

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What Our Students Are Saying

I'm proud to share that I've officially graduated from the ACC Software Developer Bootcamp!

As an adult learner with no prior tech experience, this was one of the toughest, and most rewarding learning experiences I've ever taken on. In just six months, we compressed two years' worth of material into an intense, fast-paced program. Just as I'd start to understand one concept, we were already diving into the next!

I want to sincerely thank my classmates. Your support, patience, and camaraderie made a big difference, especially during those moments I needed clarity or time to catch up. Y'all are talented and I'm grateful to have been part of such a hardworking group.

And of course, thank you to our instructors - Deng Smyth, Brittany Sifford, Piyush Mehta. Your patience, humor, and deep knowledge made this journey possible. You taught a wide range of learners with different backgrounds and personalities, and somehow managed to meet us all where we were. You all are true educators.

Pase Lupeamanu

As a current student of the full stack developer bootcamp, I can honestly say this has been one of my most rewarding experiences. All of the professors and mentors have provided exceptional instruction, encouragement and thoughtfulness. It is apparent that all involved have committed fully to providing the best learning environment. I have grown tremendously and I am very thankful for this opportunity. As a side note, I really think the tuition for this bootcamp is a steal and easily could be more.

Marlo

My daughter taught this 30+ year veteran developer a few things that she learned in bootcamp, very impressed.

Steve Heymann

I just accepted an offer as a software engineer with a great local employer and will be using the skills I acquired in the bootcamp. Instructors helped me prep for the interview and the class saved me time learning what I needed to know. The TA's have been awesome.

Andy M.

I just wanted to say thank you to all instructors and everyone who helped put the Austin Community College Boot Camp on. I was in the 2020 January class that recently ended. I had to work full time throughout all the boot camp and it got fairly stressful, frustrating and exhausting throughout that time. Every one of the instructors was there for me any time of day or night for any help or questions I had. They continually pushed me to better myself while learning all new skills.

I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in coding.

David Chovanetz

The Bootcamp was a lot of hard work but definitely worth it. I had a much better experience here at ACC than I had at my four year college.

Brylie Baird

My experience at the software developer bootcamp offered by ACC, paired with a good dose of aptitude, provided me with the foundation I needed to lock down an entry level job as a software developer. The part-time schedule allowed me to work full-time while pursuing that goal. I was also happy to spend half of what any other similar program costs for an excellent education.

Caleb Brenner

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Questions or Comments About This Program?

Do you see yourself being a good fit for this program? Perhaps you have some additional questions you would like answered? Well, know that we are there for you to assist in any way we can. Please fill out the following form and our Software Developer Bootcamp program coordinator will contact you directly.

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Coordinator

Maria Coleman
512-223-7662

Location

ACC Northridge Campus
11928 Stonehollow Dr
Austin, Texas 78758

Software Developer Bootcamp

We're Here to Help You Get There

Program Information: http://continue.austincc.edu/ai-engineering
Program Coordinator: Maria Coleman @ 512-223-7662 | maria.coleman@austincc.edu

AI Engineering: From Core Fundamentals to Production-Ready Multi-Agent Systems

Move beyond basic prompting. Build the autonomous future.

The AI Engineering Program at Austin Community College is professional coursework designed to help you move beyond simple chat interfaces and build production-ready AI systems. This modular program allows you to master the full lifecycle of AI development—from foundational LLM orchestration to complex multi-agent architectures used in modern industry.

Why AI Engineering?

The demand for AI talent is shifting from "prompting" to "engineering." As enterprises move from simple chatbots to autonomous workflows, the need for developers who can coordinate reliable systems is exploding.

Schedule

Tuesdays: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursdays: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fridays: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Syllabus Overview

1. AI Engineering: Prep & Orientation (2 Weeks | $255)
Understand the AI Engineering landscape, skills, Python refresher, and a Smart Translator script project.

2. Core Course: AI Engineering Fundamentals (12 Weeks | $4,800)
From Python fundamentals to production deployment — LLM fundamentals, structured outputs, evaluation, RAG pipelines, LangGraph orchestration, single and multi-agent systems, memory, APIs, and cloud deployment.

3. Capstone 1: Company Chatbot Customizations / Production AI Pipeline with RAG (6-8 Weeks | $1,800)
Design and deploy a complete production-grade AI system (LLM pipelines, backend, and UI), along with debugging and CI/CD to AWS Cloud.

4. Capstone 2: Knowledge-Enhanced Chatbot (RAG) with Agent / Agent-Based AI Systems (6-8 Weeks | $1,800)
Design and implement agent-based systems that plan, use tools, and handle multi-step workflows reliably. RAG systems and vector databases.

5. Capstone 3: AI Assistant with Memory & Multi Agent Behavior (6-8 Weeks | $1,800)
Architect scalable multi-agent systems with memory, observability, and production-grade reliability. Multi-agent collaboration frameworks.

Career Support

Includes Portfolio Development (GitHub project for business/non-profit), Technical Interview Prep, LinkedIn & Resume Optimization, and access to the ACC Industry Network.

AI Engineering Program Information