AI Coding for Non-Coders: From Idea to Working Application

This artificial intelligence (AI) coding course is designed for those who want to build useful applications with AI—no prior programming or coding experience is required to get started. You will learn how to use modern AI coding tools from companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic to move from an idea to a working application and gain practical experience programming with AI.

This AI coding course introduces you to tools and workflows associated with platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub...

6 Months / 135 Course Hrs

Open Enrollment

Offered in partnership with your preferred school

CSU Channel Islands

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Learning method

Instructor-led

$1,895USD

Self-paced. Study on your own schedule

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Details + Objectives

Course code: GES3151

What you will learn

Use AI coding tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot, OpenAI Codex, and Claude Code to help plan, build, test, debug, and improve applications
Set up and use essential tools such as Visual Studio Code, GitHub, and git
Build and publish simple web applications with AI assistance, including a portfolio site and an interactive quiz game
Understand APIs, make API calls, and use public APIs and AI APIs in your applications
Turn plain-English ideas into specifications, prompts, and structured workflows that AI tools can act on
Use agentic coding workflows to build, review, refine, and prepare applications for release

How you will benefit

Learn how to build working applications without needing to become a professional software developer
Gain practical experience with AI coding tools from leading AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic
Build confidence translating your own ideas, business needs, or workflow problems into functioning software projects
Complete hands-on projects that show how AI can help you create useful, interactive applications
Develop enough technical fluency to collaborate more effectively with developers, vendors, technical teams, and AI tools
Finish with a capstone application of your own design that demonstrates your ability to move from idea to working application

How the course is taught

Self-paced, online course
6 Months to complete
Open enrollment, begin anytime
135 course hours

Outline

AI Coding for Non-Coders: From Idea to Working Application

Part 1 - Things Every Developer Should Know
- Zip Files
- Showing Extensions
- Taking Screenshots
- Using Command Line Shell
- Relative and Absolute Paths
- Browsers
- Visual Studio Code
- Git and GitHub Foundations
- Asking Good Questions
Part 2 - Getting Started with AI Development
- AI Toolkit Setup and First Interactions
- Building Your First Webpage with AI
Part 3 - AI as a Coding Partner
- Chat and Agent Workflows
- AI as Reviewer and Debugger
Part 4 - Working with APIs
- What APIs Are and HTTP Fundamentals
- Making Your First API Call
- Calling AI APIs from Your App
Part 5 - AI for Complex Problem Solving
- Planning and Specification with AI
- Building from Spec with Agentic Workflows
- Testing, Auditing, and Refactoring with AI
Part 6 - Agentic Coding Workflows
- Team Review and Release Readiness Workflows
- The Full Agent Loop

Requirements

Prerequisites:

This course is intended for non-coders, including project managers, designers, entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals in any field who want to use AI coding tools to build working applications. No prior coding experience is required to get started.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac. Chromebooks are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

PC: Windows 10 or later.
Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
Microsoft Word Online
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Visual Studio Code
GitHub and git
Command-line shell access
Access to AI coding tools/platforms referenced in the course, including ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot, OpenAI Codex, and Claude Code.
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

FAQ

No.

After you register, you will receive 6 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."

AI Coding for Non-Coders: From Idea to Working Application

CSU Channel Islands