Graduate Certificate in AI : Isenberg School of Management : UMass Amherst

Build expertise in AI & Machine Learning in 9 months.

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, AI has become an integral tool across industries, transforming how businesses operate and make decisions. In this graduate certificate program, you will learn how to integrate AI principles, tools, and technologies into your career, including machine learning, generative AI, and the application of AI models in business. You will develop an understanding of how AI informs business strategy and the ethical and legal challenges that accompany the use of AI in business. 

All classes in this 4-course certificate are taught online so you can fit studies into your busy schedule. You will virtually meet and engage with fellow students online over the course material, while being taught by and having access to Isenberg’s world-class faculty.

Credits earned in the certificate are transferable to the business analytics focus of the MBA (online and on-campus) and the MS in Business Analytics program, giving you a 12-credit head-start on your master’s degree.

Curriculum

Earn your certificate in 12 credits at the graduate-level by completing one core required course (3 credits) and three elective courses (9 credits).

Students will start by taking the required course, SCH-MGMT 609 Business Applications with Python, since it is a prerequisite to other courses. View sample course schedules. You will also have access to an Academic Advisor who can assist you with course registration.

Required courses:

SCH-MGMT 609 Business Applications with Python

Electives:

SCH-MGMT 655 Machine Learning or * SCH-MGMT 657 Data Science for Business Leaders

SCH-MGMT 661 Applications of AI Models in Business

SCH-MGMT 664 Generative AI: Business Applications and Strategy

SCH-MGMT 644 Navigating AI: Business Strategies, Legal Boundaries and Ethical Dilemmas

*Due to the overlap in curriculum, students cannot take both 655 and 657 to fulfill their certificate credits.

Expand Section Required Courses

Expand Section Elective Courses (choose 3 totaling 9 credits)

SCH-MGMT 6xx Navigating AI: Business Strategies, Legal Boundaries and Ethical Dilemmas

This course is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in generative AI and prompt engineering. Students will explore AI’s transformative impact on business, learning to apply pre-trained models, refine prompts, and utilize generative AI tools for strategic decision-making, customer engagement, and content generation. The course emphasizes AI applications over technical implementation, focusing on tools, strategic impact, and ethical considerations. (3 credits)

SCH-MGMT 655 Machine Learning for Analytics

This course provides an introduction to topics in managerial data mining, and related data retrieval and manipulation content. Models in regression, clustering, neural nets, classification, and association rule mining are applied to business data sets. In this managerially-focused course, students will learn how to use such models and interpret output. Students will also be introduced to a programming language for extraction and manipulation of data. Students will learn the following software and skills: XLMiner, SAP Predictive Analysis, and Intro to R programming. Experiential exercises will be assigned using leading industry applications. (3 Credits) Prerequisite: 650 (Students should speak with their advisor if they are interested in either of these two courses but have yet to take 650.)

SCH-MGMT 657 Data Science for Business

This course covers essential concepts and methods to foster data-driven decision-making to motivate business insight and innovation. Lessons cover topics in big data, algorithmic thinking, machine learning, data visualization, and communication. Projects spanning several weeks focus on business problems that can be solved through the application of cutting-edge Data Science techniques. Students develop proficiencies in the use of Python, R, and Tableau by completing regular exercises and projects using real data. No prior programming experience is expected. (3 credits). Prerequisite: 609 and 650 (Students should speak with their advisor if they are interested in either of these two courses but have yet to take 650.)

SCH-MGMT 661 Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Business

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big data and how to advance business strategy through the use of these technological advancements. Artificial intelligence applications covered will include blockchain, 3D printing, virtual and augmented reality, quantum computing, robotics, and IoT. The course will explore these topics both in breadth and depth. From a breadth perspective, students will explore the current status of tools, solutions and business uses of artificial intelligence. From a depth perspective, students will learn basic skills with machine learning. (3 credits). Prerequisite 609

SCH-MGMT 664 Generative AI: Business Applications and Strategy

This course provides a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications across various domains. Students will explore fundamental concepts of AI, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Through a combination of theoretical foundations and practical exercises, participants will gain insights into how AI systems are designed, implemented, and evaluated. (3 Credits)

Callout Blocks

How to Apply

You may begin the program in fall, spring, or summer. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Successful applicants will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or be currently enrolled in their final semester. All applicants must submit the following:

Application
Unofficial transcript
Resume/CV
Personal statement (a brief 1-page statement describing your goals and why you want to pursue the certificate)
For non-native English speakers only: English language proficiency scores

Tuition

Certificate classes are $925 per credit. The total tuition for 12 credits is $11,100. Books, supplies, and registration fee are additional.

We encourage you to speak to your employer about tuition reimbursement if there is a tuition assistance program available. Enrolling in higher education courses increases your value to your employer, and as a result, can help increase your job stability and career trajectory at your company.