The University of Washington Information School is introducing a new graduate certificate geared toward professionals in organizations that are responding to the opportunities and challenges represented by artificial intelligence. The new Graduate Certificate in AI for Organizations program is anticipated to begin accepting applications in May for online courses beginning this autumn. The proposal has been submitted to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities for review.
This new offering was inspired by significant demand from professionals and employers voicing the need for leaders who can evaluate and implement AI strategically, as well as govern and assess the risks of AI for their organizations. The part-time program is designed for working professionals who want to cut through the hype and want a focused learning experience related to AI transformations and implementations, rather than a full master’s degree.
“We’ve seen a clear need for guidance in industry, not-for-profits, and government, but also have led groundbreaking research about the opportunities and risks of AI,” said Amy J. Ko, Professor and Associate Dean for Academics. “The new certificate brings together leaders to engage deeply over nine months on how and whether to strategically invest in AI solutions in operations, products, and services, while accounting for the risks of these rapidly changing systems.”
The cohort-based program seeks to support leaders in various fields across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Applicants aren’t required to have any coding or technical experience, only a bachelor’s degree and two or more years of relevant professional experience. Most importantly, the program’s project-based learning model will ensure students gain practical skills they can immediately apply within their organizations.
As recent reports from and show, organizations are struggling to realize the return on AI investments and need leaders who can support AI execution and adaptation. The Information School developed the Graduate Certificate in AI for Organizations to help address this gap through skill development in areas including generative AI capabilities and limitations, AI-enabled workflow development, risk assessment and iterative approaches to system improvements.
For more information, visit the AI for Organizations certificate program page or attend an upcoming information session.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What do I need to know about the certificate’s structure or admissions requirements to know if it is a good fit for me?
A: The Graduate Certificate in AI for Organizations is a transcripted, for-credit certificate. Details at a glance:
- Program start: Autumn quarter.
- Time commitment: 9 months, part-time (one 5-credit class per quarter for autumn, winter and spring).
- Learning format: Online with one required in-person orientation and project kickoff in Seattle prior to the start of autumn quarter. It is cohort-based, meaning you will take all three classes with the same group of students, allowing you to dig deeper into topics and form a stronger learning community.
- Visa eligibility: None.
- Required academic and professional experience: Completed bachelor’s degree and two or more years of related professional experience.
Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in AI for Organizations’ curriculum, faculty and student learning experience.
Q. What other AI-related programs are available through the Information School and how do they compare?
A: The 911±¬ÁĎÍř is committed to helping organizations and information professionals respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by AI. The school has integrated key learnings and focused coursework in its various degree programs, however, only the Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) offers a structured AI specialization. The courses that comprise the MSIM AI specialization are very similar to those offered in the Graduate Certificate in AI for Organizations, however the two programs offer very different learning experiences that are appropriate for very different prospective students. In the MSIM program, students take their AI-focused courses within a broader context of information management and alongside a core curriculum focused on strategic leadership, designing and implementing information management systems and technologies, ethics and systematic problem-solving. The MSIM program supports a broader range of students who have a diversity of career goals, including those looking to transition into a new industry and those looking to accelerate their current career path with new skills — in any combination of disciplines across information management, including AI. The Graduate Certificate in AI for Organizations is a very focused learning experience most appropriate for working professionals who have immediate goals related to AI implementations and transformations.
For more specific information about the differences between the Graduate Certificate in AI for Organizations and specializing in AI within the MSIM program see our comparison chart.
Q. How does this change affect current Information School graduate students?
A: While the Information School does not anticipate any impact on current graduate students, we recognize that the addition of an AI-focused graduate certificate may cause some incoming students to rethink their academic plans. If you are an incoming graduate student (MSIM, MLIS or Museology) and would like to talk to an academic advisor about this program and how it might impact you, please contact us immediately at aiorgs@uw.edu.
Q. Will certificate students have access to the same level of services and support as other graduate students?
A: Certificate students will receive the same access to UW services including health and wellness resources, the library and transit services as other UW matriculated students. They will also have a dedicated advisor to support their academic journey.
Additional questions?
Visit our expanded list of FAQ about the new Graduate Certificate in AI for Organizations, or contact the Information School AI for Organizations certificate team at aiorgs@uw.edu.