AI Certificate Courses

This course introduces professionals to the foundations of artificial intelligence with an emphasis on responsible business practice. You will experiment with AI tools, examine their impact across industries, and explore leadership and communication in AI-driven environments. The course also covers marketing applications and ethical frameworks, culminating in the development of your own Responsible AI Playbook—a personalized toolkit for applying AI responsibly in your professional work.

• Explore how AI transforms industries, leadership, and workplace practices
• Apply AI tools to business communication, management, and marketing tasks
• Critically examine ethical and societal implications of AI in business
• Build a framework for responsible and sustainable AI adoption in organizations

This course focuses on applying AI tools in real-world business contexts. Through hands-on learning, you will explore how to automate workflows, improve efficiency, and lead responsibly in AI-integrated environments. You will actively build and apply your learning to your professional setting, strengthening your ability to work more effectively while maintaining ethical and responsible practices.

• Integrate leading AI tools (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) into daily business workflows
• Interpret and visualize data with AI for better decision-making
• Build no-code AI bots for HR, customer support, and operations
• Develop a responsible AI adoption roadmap for your workplace

Our AI courses are designed for busy professionals who need flexibility without sacrificing meaningful learning.

• Length: 5 weeks per course
• Format: 100% online
• Structure: Asynchronous learning with optional live touchpoints for discussion, Q&A, and real-world application

This format allows you to learn on your own schedule while still having opportunities to engage with instructors and peers.

These courses are designed to align with your professional goals and learning needs.

You may:

• Take both courses for a more comprehensive learning experience
• Enroll in a single course that best fits your interests or immediate goals

While each course can be taken independently, we recommend starting with Responsible AI for the Workplace, which introduces key concepts, ethical frameworks, and foundational knowledge.

Applied AI for Working Professionals builds on this foundation with a focus on hands-on application, tools, and workflows.

Upon successful completion of each course, you will earn a CSUMB digital badge recognizing your achievement and skills.

This badge can be:

• Shared on LinkedIn and other professional platforms
• Added to your résumé or portfolio
• Used to demonstrate your ability to apply AI responsibly and effectively in professional settings

Learn from faculty who combine academic expertise with real-world experience in AI, business strategy, and responsible innovation.

Dr. Jenny Lin
Faculty Instructor, Responsible AI for the Workplace
Dr. Jenny Lin is a Marketing Professor and MBA Program Director at California State University, Monterey Bay. She holds a Ph.D. from Iowa State University and specializes in consumer behavior, global marketing, and the integration of AI in education and the workplace.

A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Lin leads research and grant-funded initiatives focused on AI-supported learning, mentorship, and career readiness. Her work emphasizes ethical innovation and human–AI collaboration, equipping professionals with the skills to lead responsibly and strategically in an AI-driven world.

Dr. Mohamed Abouzahra
Faculty Instructor, Applied AI for Working Professionals
Dr. Mohamed Abouzahra is an Associate Professor of Business Analytics and Information Systems at California State University, Monterey Bay. His work focuses on how organizations leverage emerging technologies—particularly Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain—to drive agility and operational performance.

A recipient of the 2026 CSUMB Provost Faculty Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity, Dr. Abouzahra bridges theory and practice through both academic research and industry leadership. He is the founder of ventures including Colbuddy Inc. and Pyramidion AI Consulting, and his work explores how organizations create value through technology in complex systems.

Dr. Marylou L. Shockley
Instructional Designer, Responsible AI for the Workplace
Dr. Marylou L. Shockley is Professor of Management and Dean Emerita of the College of Business at California State University, Monterey Bay. She co-founded CSUMB’s MBA program, one of the CSU system’s earliest fully online MBA programs, launched in 2009.

With prior executive leadership experience at AT&T, Pacific Bell, and Pacific Telesis, Dr. Shockley brings a unique blend of industry and academic expertise. Her work centers on leadership, digital transformation, and responsible business practices, with a focus on how AI and emerging technologies can support ethical, stakeholder-driven decision-making.

These courses are designed to provide practical, real-world learning experiences that you can immediately apply in your professional environment.

Through hands-on activities, guided exercises, and real-world scenarios, you will gain experience using AI tools, developing effective prompts, and making informed, responsible decisions in AI-driven contexts.

“This course provided invaluable insights through stakeholder analysis and hands-on AI applications. I learned how to craft effective prompts to get the precise information needed, enhancing my ability to lead responsibly and make informed decisions in today’s AI-driven business landscape.”
— Felicia Zamora, Pilot Participant, Responsible AI for the Workplace

AI Course Schedule
Our AI Certificate Courses are now live, and registration is officially open. Secure your spot by registering using the buttons below:

Responsible AI for the Workplace
Course Dates: May 25 – June 28, 2026

Applied AI for Working Professionals
Course Dates: July 6 – August 9, 2026

CSUMB Students

Non-CSUMB Students

Summer 2026 Registration Deadlines

• Responsible AI for the Workplace: Registration closes May 18, 2026
• Applied AI for Working Professionals: Registration closes June 29, 2026

Additional course dates will be offered throughout the year to provide flexibility for those who are unable to participate in the summer term.

These AI courses are ideal for professionals who want to understand and apply artificial intelligence in a practical, responsible, and strategic way—without needing a technical background.

You should consider enrolling if you are:

• A working professional looking to improve efficiency, decision-making, and productivity using AI tools
• A manager or leader seeking to guide teams and organizations through AI adoption and change
• A business professional interested in applying AI to marketing, operations, communication, or strategy
• An entrepreneur or small business owner looking to leverage AI to grow and streamline your business
• A CSUMB student or alumnus wanting to build career-ready skills and strengthen your résumé

Whether you take one course or complete both, you will gain practical, real-world skills you can immediately apply in your work.

Cost: Each AI course is offered at $399.

You may enroll in a single course based on your interests or complete both courses for a more comprehensive understanding of AI in the workplace.

Payment: Full payment is required prior to the first day of instruction. Payment details will be provided after you submit the course registration form. Please note that your enrollment will not be confirmed until payment is received.

The AI Certificate Courses cannot be added to your degree plan, as they are offered as independent, non-credit courses through the College of Extended Education and International Programs. If you are interested in enrolling, you would need to register for them separately from your academic program.

Because these are non-credit courses, they are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. Payment is required at the time of registration.