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Course Description

This accelerated course offers a hands-on entry point into applied artificial intelligence for professionals without a technical background. Students learn to spot high-impact opportunities by combining core AI concepts with innovation frameworks used in agile organizations. Interactive class sessions, weekly labs, and short asynchronous prep modules connect concepts to practice through cases and guided activities. Participants learn to align AI ideas with real business goals while addressing key ethical considerations.

Learner Outcomes

  • Describe the core types of artificial intelligence, including machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI, and explain how they create value in business settings
  • Identify opportunities for AI integration by analyzing business challenges through a human-centered design lens
  • Apply lean startup principles to quickly develop AI-powered solutions that support organizational goals
  • Define a minimum viable product (MVP) for an AI-enhanced tool or service using structured frameworks
  • Recognize and assess ethical risks in AI initiatives, including bias, fairness, transparency, and governance
  • Communicate AI ideas clearly and responsibly, highlighting value propositions and potential risks for business stakeholders
  • Create professional written and visual deliverables that demonstrate strategic thinking, ethical awareness, and innovation readiness

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for this course. It is designed as an accessible entry point for professionals from any background. Courses in the Professional Certificate in Applied AI and Innovation are scheduled sequentially within the term so that students can build on prior learning. While each course can be taken independently, enrolling in them in order provides a more cohesive and comprehensive experience.

Notes

To earn the Professional Certificate in Applied AI and Innovation, students must enroll in all four courses within the same quarter. The capstone is integrated week by week with lectures, labs, and modules, making it essential to take the courses together.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Schedule
Nov 07, 2025 to Dec 02, 2025
Type
Online
Dates
Nov 07, 2025 to Nov 25, 2025
Type
Class
Days
Th, T
Time
5:00PM to 8:00PM
Dates
Nov 13, 2025 to Dec 02, 2025
Campus
UCSB Campus
Building
Kerr Hall
Room
Room 2166A
Schedule and Location
View Details
Contact Hours
27.0
Location
Delivery Options
Hybrid  
Course Fee(s)
Course Fee credit (3 units) $650.00
Available for Credit
3 units
Instructors
Section Notes

Steps to Enroll

How to Access Your Online Course:
IMPORTANT: Click here for instructions on to access your online course

Course Format:

This is a hybrid course with 18 hours of in-person class sessions and 9 hours of asynchronous online instruction in Canvas LMS.  Weekly asynchronous modules prepare students for lecture/discussion on Tuesdays and lab sessions on Thursdays.

Technology Requirements:

Students must bring a personal laptop computer to participate in hands-on activities, complete assignments, and access course materials.

Recommended: A modern operating system (Windows 10+, macOS 11+), reliable internet access, webcam/mic for presentations, and the ability to access browser-based tools or install software if needed.

Note: Most tools used in the program will be web-based or no-code/low-code. Any required software installations (e.g., Python, IDEs, or cloud SDKs) will be guided by instructors during class or lab sessions - no prior installation or technical setup is expected before the course begins.

Late Registrations Notice: 

Self-enrollment will be available until 11:59 PM PT of the second business day after the 1st class session (i.e. If the first class starts on Thursday, self-enrollment is open until the following Monday at 11:59 pm).  If you wish to enroll after that time, please contact PaCE Support at help@professional.ucsb.edu

No refunds after 11/07/25
All drops are charged a minimum $40 non-refundable administrative fee per course. The full Drop Policy is here.