2026-2027

Artificial Intelligence Foundations and Applications, Undergraduate Certificate

Undergraduate Studies

Office of the Provost

Pending Higher Learning Commission Approval.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Foundations and Applications certificate introduces students to core AI concepts, fundamental machine learning approaches, and the rapidly expanding role of AI across industries and academic fields. Designed for undergraduates from any discipline or technical background, the certificate builds essential skills for today's evolving workplace. Students explore the social, professional, environmental, and civic impacts of AI while developing the ability to use these technologies responsibly. Participants gain foundational knowledge that prepares them to evaluate, communicate about, and apply AI techniques within their own areas of study or future career paths.

  • A certificate focuses on practical training and workforce skill development in a particular field.

    To receive an undergraduate certificate of 12 or more units at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. Approximately 75 percent of the credits must be earned through coursework at NAU (specific unit requirements may be found in the Details Tab).

    Federal financial aid may not be available for certain certificates when they are completed as standalone programs (i.e., not pursued at the same time as a degree). Refer to the 'Details' tab for more information.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 9

Purpose Statement

Artificial intelligence (AI) encompasses a broad and rapidly evolving set of technologies and computational methods that are designed to perform tasks that traditionally require human cognition. Across industries and academic disciplines, AI is changing how information is produced and disseminated, reshaping professional practice and workforce expectations, augmenting scientific methodologies, accelerating innovation, and highlighting the importance of applying such technologies thoughtfully and responsibly.

The Artificial Intelligence Foundations and Applications certificate is intended for undergraduate students from any academic discipline and technical background, equipping them with the foundational skills to be successful in the contemporary workplace. The certificate covers foundational AI concepts, an overview of machine learning techniques, and explores how AI technologies impact social, professional, civic contexts, and the environment.

Students will be prepared to apply responsible practices in the use and deployment of AI technologies and to communicate informed analyses grounded in a broad consideration of viewpoints. Graduates who earn this certificate will gain skills that prepare them to evaluate and assess AI techniques in their everyday lives responsibly. They will also develop the foundational knowledge needed to pursue further study and to apply these technologies to their own disciplinary or personal areas of interest.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Explain foundational artificial intelligence concepts and the types of machine learning approaches that contribute to artificial intelligence technologies.
  • Describe how artificial intelligence technologies operate within, and differentially impact, social, professional, environmental, and civic contexts and systems.
  • Evaluate AI technologies and assess the appropriateness of various tools and machine learning approaches for specific applications.
  • Communicate informed analyses of artificial intelligence technologies developed through a broad consideration of viewpoints.

Certificate Requirements

  • Take the following 9 units with a grade of "C" or better in each course:

    • <Course Error>, <Course Error>, <Course Error> (9 units)

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.