Scottsdale Community College launching its 1st AI certificate

PHOENIX — Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is launching the Foundations of Applied Artificial Intelligence, its first AI certificate, for students this fall.

The credential is nine credits and meant to provide those who take it with the skills needed to implement AI tools in real-world business settings.

Students quickly move from learning about the foundation concepts of AI to doing hands-on projects that teach them how to integrate AI into different areas, including marketing, finance, operations and customer experience.

“We are at an inflection point when it comes to artificial intelligence in the workforce,” SCC President Eric Leshinskie said in a news release. “This certificate is our commitment to making sure that students and professionals in our community don’t just watch that change happen, but help lead it. SCC has always been about removing barriers between people and opportunity, and this program does exactly that.”

More details on Scottsdale Community College’s AI certificate

The program is a semester long and built around three courses: AI Literacy and Everyday Applications; Applied AI, Agents and Data Basics; and AI Integration Project.

According to SCC, using AI ethically, thoughtfully examining AI-generated content and problem-solving across real-world business functions are highlighted throughout the curriculum.

There are no prerequisites to enroll in the program, which is open for registration now and well suited for anyone in industries being shaped by AI who is looking to gain AI fluency.

“This program was designed from the ground up to be practical and approachable,” Nancy Dedakia, a computer information systems faculty member at SCC, said. “We’re not teaching students to build AI. We’re teaching them to use it wisely, ethically and effectively. Whether you’re running a business, managing a team or just trying to keep pace with your industry, these skills will make an immediate difference.”

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