Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know

Find answers to the most common questions about our programs, admissions process, costs, and student experience.

Programs & Curriculum

SCTI currently offers two diploma programs: the Artificial Intelligence Developer Diploma and the Data Analytics Developer Diploma. Both are 12-week, 194-clock-hour programs delivered 100% online.

Both programs are 12 weeks (one academic term). Each program consists of 194 clock hours of instruction — 174 hours of theory and 20 hours of hands-on lab work.

Students should expect to commit approximately 20–25 hours per week to coursework, live Zoom sessions, assignments, and lab activities. Our programs are intensive by design — the 12-week pace is demanding and rewarding.

Classes combine live instruction via Zoom with self-paced coursework on Moodle LMS. Live sessions are scheduled weekly and recorded for students who need to review. Attendance at live sessions is required and tracked as part of your clock hours.

Graduates earn a Diploma (not a degree) in their chosen program — either Artificial Intelligence Developer or Data Analytics Developer. SCTI is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE License #13616) to grant these diplomas.

Admissions & Requirements

Yes — prior tech experience or a tech-adjacent background is required. Our programs are intensive and move quickly. Applicants should have foundational knowledge in technology, IT, data, or programming before enrolling.

This is not a beginner boot camp. We are designed for professionals who are ready to deepen and formalize existing skills, not those learning from scratch.

Applicants must have: (1) a high school diploma or GED, (2) basic computer literacy and internet proficiency, (3) prior exposure to technology, data, or programming concepts, and (4) be 18 years of age or older.

The application deadline for Fall 2026 is August 24, 2026. Classes begin September 8, 2026. We recommend applying early as our inaugural cohort has limited seats.

Visit our Admissions page to complete the online application. Our admissions team will review your application and follow up within 2 business days to schedule a brief interview and discuss next steps.

Costs & Financial

The total cost is $6,900 per program, broken down as: Tuition ($6,550) + Books & Materials ($200) + Application Fee ($150). There are no hidden fees.

Yes. Payment plan options are available and discussed during the admissions process. Contact our admissions team at info@sctechinstitute.org to learn more.

SCTI follows a 4-tier refund policy as required by CIE: (1) Within 3 business days of signing — full refund; (2) After 3 days, before first class day — full refund minus $150 application fee; (3) Through 40% of program completion — pro-rata refund based on hours completed; (4) After 40% completion — no refund.

All refunds are processed within 30 days of withdrawal. Full details are in the Enrollment Agreement.

Student Experience

You need a reliable computer (Windows or Mac), a stable high-speed internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone for live Zoom sessions. All learning content is accessed through Moodle LMS — no specialized software purchase is required beyond standard office tools.

Yes. Enrolled students receive 24/7 access to the Aquinas Network Online Library — a white-labeled e-library with 200+ databases including ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, Harvard Business Review, Journal of AI Research, Journal of Machine Learning Research, and more. Librarian support is available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.

Students who need to take a break may request an approved Leave of Absence (LOA). All students are monitored via our Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy, evaluated at 50% (97 hours) and 100% (194 hours) of program completion. Our student services team works proactively with students who are falling behind.

SCTI uses a Pass/Fail grading system. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass each course. Students may retake assessments up to 3 times. A minimum course average of 70% must be maintained across all courses to remain in satisfactory academic progress.

Accreditation & Compliance

SCTI is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE), License #13616. CIE licenses are granted by the Florida Department of Education and require schools to meet defined standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, student policies, and financial responsibility.

SCTI is a newer institution and has not yet sought regional or national accreditation. We recommend prospective students verify how this credential is recognized by any employers or institutions relevant to their goals.

Transfer of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. As a CIE-licensed vocational school (not a regionally or nationally accredited institution), transfer credits are not guaranteed to be accepted by colleges or universities. Contact your target institution directly to confirm their transfer credit policies.

Still Have Questions?

Our admissions team is here to help. Reach out and we'll respond within 2 business days.