Online Graduate Certificate in AI Applications
Bouvé College of Health Sciences, D'Amore-McKim School of Business
Future-proof your career with the power of AI.
New pricing starting Fall 2025. Learn more.
100%
online
4+
Months
4
courses
$6,496
$5,250 starting Fall 2025
Program overview: Build AI expertise for your industry
AI is transforming industries, and business professionals can no longer afford to ignore its impact. Our Online Graduate Certificate in AI Applications is designed for business leaders, executives, and non-technical professionals who want to learn how to use AI in business. Whether you’re looking to integrate AI tools for business decision-making, develop an AI business strategy, or gain ethical AI training, this program equips you with the skills to lead in an AI-driven world.
What you'll learn: Practical AI skills for real-world impact:
- Identify AI tools that can improve business or operational practices by applying a human-centered approach
- Identify potential risks and benefits of using AI
- Plan on AI-related issues and identify potential solutions
- Exhibit awareness of known biases in AI systems and propose steps for mitigation and correction
- Communicate technical and non-technical information effectively to diverse stakeholders
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to apply AI in specific contexts and domains
"It’s not enough for colleges merely to transfer knowledge and skills to AI’s future programmers and stewards. Colleges have a pivotal role to play in preparing all students for life with AI, and advancing human well-being in a digital world."
- President Joseph E. Aoun, Northeastern University
AI Applications program benefits and features
Alignment with job functions and career opportunities: Northeastern's program bridges the gap between theory and practice, emphasizing the practical applications of AI within various professions and industries. Through real-world case studies and industry collaborations, learners develop the knowledge and skills to effectively apply AI technologies in their respective fields, driving tangible results and advancements in industry.
No programming experience required: Northeastern provides a diverse range of AI education opportunities tailored to learners with varying backgrounds and levels of experience. The Graduate Certificate in AI Applications is designed for learners with little to no programming experience seeking to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) within their discipline.
Real-world application through experiential and practice-based learning: Northeastern prioritizes experiential and practice-based learning to prepare students for successful careers in AI.
Earn credits toward a master's degree or MBA
Lay the foundation for a future MBA or master’s degree: The Online Graduate Certificate in AI Applications can pave the way to a master's degree at Northeastern University—if you earn a B or better, you may be able to apply your credits toward an eligible master's degree or an Online MBA.
Incrementally advance your education with valuable credentials that immediately help you move forward in your career.
New pricing starting Fall 2025
| Start Term | Total Cost | Per Credit Cost |
| Summer 2 | $6,496 | $406 |
| Fall 1 | $5,250 | $328 |
| Fall 2 | $5,250 | $328 |
"[My course] will be grounded in one big question: What does it mean to develop AI and design AI tools that augment and enhance human capabilities, rather than replace them?"
- Steven Geofrey, Associate Teaching Professor
Performance-based admissions
With the Online Graduate Certificate in AI Application’s Fast App pathway, you can skip the traditional application process and use your performance on two initial courses to secure your place in the program.
Complete two “pathway” courses (pulled directly from the required certificate curriculum), get a ‘B’ grade or better, show proof of your bachelor’s degree by the time you complete the two courses, and you’ll join the next cohort in the full certificate program.
Colleges
Current Fast App dates
Term |
Submit Fast App between |
Enroll by |
Start date |
| Summer 2 | April 15 - June 9 | June 23, 2025 | June 30, 2025 |
| Fall 1 | June 10 - August 11 | Aug 25, 2025 | Sep 3, 2025 |
Submit your Application by June 9 to start courses June 30.
Submit your Application by June 9 to start courses June 30.
Not ready to start?
Request more information.
Fast App pathway courses
Review the course descriptions for the AI Certificate PBA pathway to get an overview of what to expect in your PBA courses.
CS 5047 Exploring AI Trends and Tools
Explore key ideas in Artificial Intelligence (AI) while delving into trending developments in the field. Examines AI tools and frameworks to enable collaboration effectively and efficiently across technical and non-technical stakeholders. Analyze topics such as AI-enabled perception, representation, reasoning, and learning as contextualized by societal impact. Equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently navigate the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
Course Syllabus: CS5047_Syllabus
PHIL 5110 Responsible AI
The design, development, and deployment of AI interacts with a wide range of values, including fairness, privacy, transparency, autonomy, and well-being. While AI as a technical field is advancing rapidly, enabling applications across domains and sectors, the frameworks, regulations, and ethical tools necessary to realize the promise of AI while promoting and protecting values are not robust. This course develops an understanding of the current legal, regulatory, and ethical landscape, and develops the tools necessary to responsibly engage with AI.
Course Syllabus: PHIL5110_Syllabus
ARTG 6460 Human Centered AI
Explores the foundations of Human-Centered AI in this dynamic graduate course. Examines the critical processes underpinning AI development and deployment. Investigates methodologies for integrating human perspectives into AI systems. Applies user-centered design principles to AI-driven products and services. Analyzes the ethical implications of AI applications in various organizational contexts. Discusses strategies for fostering collaboration between AI technologies and human users. Evaluates case studies showcasing the diverse uses of AI across business processes and products. Engages in hands-on projects to design AI solutions tailored to human needs. Critically assesses the societal impacts of Human-Centered AI adoption. Prepares to contribute to the responsible use of AI systems that prioritize human values and well-being.
Course Syllabus: ARTG6460_Syllabus
MISM 6250 Strategic AI for Business
Explores how artificial intelligence (AI) empowers businesses to enhance competitiveness. Examines how AI integrates with business strategy. Offers students an opportunity to recommend business solutions through the integration of AI capabilities. Focuses on leveraging machine learning techniques like unsupervised, supervised, and reinforcement learning for data-driven insights. Examines the intersection of managerial practices and AI capabilities through real-world case studies. Students also have an opportunity to gain practical insights into implementation and ethical considerations and navigate the dynamic landscape of AI-driven business transformations.
Course Syllabus: MISM6250_Syllabus
HLTH 5800: AI Across the Health Sciences
Presents foundational information about artificial intelligence and its applications in healthcare, public health, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical sciences. Develops AI literacies for entry-level clinical practice, public health, and health-related careers. Provides an overview of the history of AI, most common types of AI approaches, and state-of-the-art of AI in health-related applications. Distinguishes realities from hype around AI’s capabilities and limitations and reviews ethical and regulatory considerations. Offers students experiential opportunities to build a conceptual AI solution to a real-world problem in the health space. Technical background in AI/computer science not required.
Course Syllabus: HLTH5800_Syllabus
Resources
Inside the March 2025 Silicon Valley Immersion: Tech Leaders, Innovation, and Experiential Learning
On March 27–28, learners from Northeastern University’s Online MBA, Online MS in Information...
Northeastern’s AI Applications Program Curriculum: What You Need to Know
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, leaving...
AI’s Role in Healthcare for Non-Technical Professionals
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the healthcare landscape, driving innovations that were...
FAQs
How valuable is a graduate certificate?
A graduate certificate can be highly valuable, especially in fast-growing fields like artificial intelligence. It provides specialized knowledge, industry-relevant skills, and a credential that enhances your resume. Graduate certificates also offer a cost-effective and time-efficient way to gain expertise without committing to a full master's degree. Many professionals use them to advance in their careers, transition into new roles, or supplement existing qualifications.
Are AI certificates worth it?
Yes, AI certificates are worth it if they align with your career goals. An AI certificate can help professionals develop foundational AI knowledge, understand ethical considerations, and apply AI tools in business, healthcare, finance, and other industries. Employers increasingly seek AI-literate professionals, even in non-technical roles, making an AI certification a valuable credential. Additionally, it can serve as a stepping stone toward a more advanced degree in AI or data science.
Is AI hard to learn?
AI can be challenging to learn, but it depends on your background and the approach you take. Many AI concepts—such as machine learning, deep learning, and algorithms—require technical knowledge, but there are programs designed for non-technical professionals. This graduate certificate, for example, is structured to help business leaders, executives, and professionals without a programming background understand and apply AI in their industries. With the right resources, hands-on learning, and support, AI can be accessible and manageable to learn.
Do I need a technical background to enroll?
No, this program is designed for professionals without prior coding experience. The curriculum covers AI applications, strategy, and ethical considerations rather than technical programming.
Can I apply these credits toward a master's degree?
Yes, students who earn a 'B' or better may apply these credits toward an eligible master's degree or Online MBA at Northeastern University.
What is Performance-Based Admissions (PBA)?
Performance-Based Admissions allows you to enroll in two 'pathway' courses. If you earn a 'B' or better and meet the eligibility criteria, you are automatically admitted into the full certificate program.
Meet the team
Haley Hostetter
Assistant Director of Learner Acquisition
Morgan Francese
Success Manager
Jessica Ward
Program & Relationship Manager
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