Certificate in Foundations and Applications of AI

The world is changing fast: 71% of business leaders would rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills than a veteran without them. But having "AI skills" isn't just about knowing how to type a prompt, it’s about knowing how to evaluate what an AI produces and how to refine its output, then taking accountability for the final result. As we move toward a future where digital agents act as our colleagues, the most valuable professionals won’t just be the ones building the tech; they’ll be the ones with the judgment to direct it wisely. 

This 12-credit certificate bridges the gap between technical savvy and moral leadership, setting you apart in a competitive market like Washington, D.C. Rooted in a tradition of practical wisdom, our program doesn't just teach you how AI works, it teaches you how to think, how to frame the right problems, and how to lead with a focus on human dignity. Gain the "agent boss" mindset and turn AI from a mystery into your most powerful professional tool.

The Certificate in Foundations and Applications of AI consists of 4 courses:

    • 1 core course - GS 250: The Art & Science of AI

      GS 250 introduces the foundational technical concepts of AI alongside the critical analysis required to govern its tools and agents. Students explore AI history, terminology, and core principles while examining their broader ethical and societal implications. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, students learn to evaluate AI outputs, determine when to trust or doubt system recommendations, and communicate effectively on technical topics. By applying basic machine learning concepts with a constant focus on human judgment, students gain a clear understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations, ensuring they remain accountable when directing these systems.

    • 1 ethics course

      This category ensures students directly engage with the fundamental moral questions and theoretical frameworks necessary to analyze, anticipate, and responsibly govern the use and development of artificial intelligence.

      Students must select one of the following courses:

      • PHIL 309B Theory of Ethics
      • PHIL 311 Contemporary Moral Issues
      • PHIL 313B Philosophy of Human Nature

    • 2 technology in context courses

      Students select three courses examining technology's role in specific domains, drawing from existing offerings in Arts & Sciences and beyond.

      Humanistic and Ethical Perspectives:

      • ENG 225 - Writing and Critical AI Literacy
      • GS 220 - Imagining Intelligence: AI in Global Literature
      • POL 300 - Ethics and AI policy
      • PSY 372 - Science of Minds and Machines
      • INFO 676 - Information Ethics and Policy

      Technical Foundations:

      • AI 109 Intro to Artificial Intelligence
      • CHEM 155 - Introduction to Scientific Computing and Machine Learning in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics
      • DA 503 - Data Visualization

      Applied Methods:

      • ANTH 201 - Ethnographic Methods
      • ANTH 353/LSC 851 - Geographic Information System for Social Sciences
      • EDUC 466 AI in Education: Research, Policy, Practice, and Innovation
      • INFO 676 - Information Ethics and Policy
      • HIST 340A - Mapping History
      • SOC 202 - Research Methods

      Other courses may qualify. Please contact the Certificate Director, Dr Cybele Arnaud, at arnaud@cua.edu for more information.