Before pursuing an M.S.A. in Data Science & Analytics at Georgia State’s Robinson College of Business, Kelly Stallworth took a bit of a baby step. He enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Generative AI and Machine Learning for Business*, which would require less time and money than a full-blown degree. Plus, he could apply the course credits from the certificate to the graduate program. Getting a taste of data science before diving all in made sense.
“One of the good things about Georgia State is that you have all the resources you need to go as far as you choose,” Stallworth said. “The professors are extremely available and knowledgeable, and they’re willing to help.”
Stallworth spent almost a decade as a civil engineer before pivoting into the music industry. He wanted to continue his singing career while transitioning into the data science space. After completing the certificate in May 2025, he had built enough machine learning and programming skills to land an entry-level position if he wanted. But instead, he decided to keep going and enrolled in the master’s in data science and analytics program.
As part of the certificate, Stallworth developed a business proposal for an app that provides resources, support, and a discussion forum for foster parents across the country. Throughout his master’s studies, he expects to further expand his AI, project deployment, and data visualization expertise. He compares AI to the introduction of computers, the printing press, and the iron plow—other advances that significantly impacted society and changed human life.
“AI allows us to focus our attention where it’s most necessary and do more with our abilities,” he said. “The strength of the human race is our mental capacity.”
Stallworth spent an entire semester on a Sprint Project: an assignment sponsored by a real company looking to address an issue by leveraging students’ knowledge. Stallworth and a group of peers built a tool that measures the accuracy of a financial institution’s AI-powered QA system. The tool checks whether the system’s responses are relevant, truthful, and grounded in source material, ultimately providing a reliable way to monitor quality and catch errors.
“We merged our skills with their data to derive actionable solutions,” Stallworth said.
Stallworth also participated in the 2026 Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Data Challenge. This year’s focus was the Georgia Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Stallworth’s team analyzed the nonprofit’s limited data, developed metrics to measure community impact, and translated their findings into practical recommendations.
Stallworth graduates this spring. With a master’s degree and AI certificate under his belt, he’ll be ready to compete for data scientist jobs.
“I recommend the certificate for anybody in a role that involves creating things,” he said. “If you’re a project manager, for example, explore Python, machine learning, and the AI tools that are out there.”
*During Stallworth’s enrollment, the program was called the Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation.