Close-up of person coding on a laptop

AI for Professional Practice (Certificate)

  1. Academics
  2. All Programs
  3. AI for Professional Practice (Certificate)

The AI for Professional Practice certificate allows students to earn a stand‑alone credential while building practical knowledge of AI concepts and tools used in professional settings.

Degrees & Offerings
  • Certificate
Location
  • Online
Department
College
Program Contact
MSIDT Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
Illustration of Mountain

Program Overview

Honors College is full of some of the quirkiest, most talented, and unique individuals I’ve met. There’s an incredible blend of personality and academia in each person, which makes the community so vibrant and engaging.
  • Career‑Focused Skills: Students learn how to apply AI tools in real workplace scenarios — including business, education, communications, and administrative settings — making the certificate valuable across industries.
  • Flexible Online Format: 100% online delivery supports working professionals and students with busy schedules.
  • No Technical Background Required: The program is designed for students from any major or profession who want to use AI effectively, not build or code AI systems.
  • Ethical & Responsible AI Use: A strong emphasis on understanding the risks, limitations, and responsible use of AI in professional environments.
  • Hands‑On Practice: Students work directly with widely used AI tools and emerging systems to build confidence and practical experience.
  • Stackable Credential: The certificate can complement a degree or enhance a professional résumé as a standalone credential.

Courses and Curriculum

AI for Professional Practice Certificate Requirements

  • 12 credits required for certificate completion
  • Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester and use Degree Works to monitor their individual progress toward completion of the certificate.

Certificate Requirements

  Certificate Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward certificate completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

  1. Define key artificial intelligence concepts and terminology.
  2. Identify common professional use cases for AI technologies.
  3. Apply prompting strategies to generate useful AI outputs.
  4. Evaluate AI tools, chatbots, and agents for professional tasks.
  5. Recognize ethical considerations related to AI use.

Careers

The AI Professional Practice Certificate gives students practical, real‑world skills to use AI confidently in any career. It focuses on everyday AI tools, effective prompting, and ethical use — preparing graduates for a wide range of AI‑supported roles across industries. Example roles may include:

Potential Job Opportunities

  • AI‑Enhanced Business Analyst
  • AI‑Supported Marketing Specialist
  • Instructional Designer
  • AI Tools Coordinator
  • Operations or Workflow Automation Assistant
  • Content Creator or Communications Assistant
AI image created from a profile photo of Dr. Karl Kapp.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Instructional Design: A Look at Commonwealth University's Approach

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally transforming the field of instructional design and technology. From accelerating content creation and generating custom graphics to deploying AI avatars as virtual instructors, the possibilities are expanding rapidly. Commonwealth University (CU), which was formed through the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities, is at the forefront of adapting to this technological revolution, designing curricula that prepare the next generation of learning professionals to navigate and leverage AI effectively.

Read Article

Program Faculty

M.S. Instructional Design and Technology Professor

Jessica Briskin

  • MSIDT Program Coordinator, Associate Professor
  • Bloomsburg

Applying to This Program

Apply

  • Application Process

    Review the step-by-step process whether you're a first-year student, transferring to CU, or more.

  • Apply Now

    By starting your application, you gain access to your personalized application portal to view your progress.

  • Scholarships

    As the largest comprehensive university in north central and northeastern Pennsylvania, CommonwealthU works hard to provide a world-class education that consistently rates among the best values in the nation.

Explore More