This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Artificial Intelligence, exploring its historical roots, core concepts, and modern applications. You will examine the fundamental principles of AI - specifically its ability to comprehend, compute, and communicate.
Through hands-on exercises, you will gain practical experience using industry-standard AI tools while developing the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate their strengths and limitations. The course culminates in a final project where you will apply your knowledge to investigate the future implications of AI within your specific field or career path.
Number of Units: 1.0 graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course is designed for anyone interested in understanding the current and future trajectory of AI in business, healthcare, education, finance and daily life.
Technical Requirements
Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the New Student Orientation and your online course.
Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.
High-quality, career-building courses to choose from
In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics
Career advancing certificates
Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals.
Our online self-paced courses are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy for learners. Unlike traditional classroom methods, which require attendance at scheduled times, self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.
Key differences from traditional classroom methods:
Structure of Online Self-Paced Courses:
The content is divided into learning modules, each covering one or more topics. Within each module, you can expect the following components:
Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that synthesizes all the topics covered throughout the course. The design of the learning modules follows a consistent rhythm to help you manage your time effectively. Grades will be available within two weeks of final submission, transcripts will be automatically mailed out following grades being posted and approved. Please allow 3-4 weeks from when final grades are posted to receive a transcript.
You will learn the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence, including basic types and categories of AI and how AI differs from other technologies. You’ll also develop practical skills in using AI tools for real-world tasks, analyzing outputs for accuracy and bias, and applying the “3 Cs of Intelligence.” By the end of the course, you’ll be able to evaluate AI’s strengths and limitations, reflect on its role in learning and creativity, and produce a professional report on AI’s future impact in your field.
Yes. Hands-on exercises guide you through using AI tools to complete practical tasks and analyze their performance.
No specialized software is required beyond a reliable internet connection and standard computer access. Any additional tools used in the course will be browser-based or provided within the learning platform.
Yes. The course covers structured, iterative prompt engineering techniques that help you generate more accurate, tailored, and high-quality outputs across different AI models and tools.
This course focuses on foundational understanding, critical evaluation, and practical use of AI tools, not programming or building algorithms.
There are no prerequisites. This is an introductory, beginner-friendly course designed for anyone interested in AI.
This course is ideal for professionals in any industry, including business, healthcare, education, and finance, as well as individuals who want to understand how AI is shaping work and everyday life.
No. This introductory course is designed for beginners and does not require programming or technical experience.
Assignments may include written reflections, quizzes, analyses of AI tool outputs, short application exercises, and a final project. The final project combines AI-generated content with your own analysis and reflection on how AI may influence your career.
This is a one-unit graduate-level extension credit course, which documents professional learning but does not automatically count toward a USD master’s degree.
There are no application deadlines. Once enrolled, you have 180 days to complete the course at your own pace.
As a self-paced course, completion time varies based on your schedule. All assignments must be finished within 180 days from enrollment.
You can register by purchasing the course on this page. Early registration is recommended to secure your spot in the course.
Yes. Your instructor provides written feedback on assignments and final projects, and you can reach out to them any time with questions.
Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop, and transfer policies.
Prospective students can request to be placed on a waitlist. Should a space open up in a course, those on the waitlist will be notified. We encourage you to register early for courses.
The Guide to Choosing the Right AI Business Certificate walks through the different types of AI programs, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose based on outcomes, not hype.