Generative AI Certificate

Generative AI Certificate

Program Overview

Information is more reachable than ever before. Not only do we have impressive computing power in every smartphone, but we have AI models that can answer every question with the tap of a finger. Learning how to best use AI models will give you an advantage in research, efficiency, and ethical understanding of the technological world we live in.

PLNU’s Generative AI Literacy Certificate is designed to advance learners’ skills and knowledge in ethical AI integration, prompt engineering, and applied automation to help you succeed in a variety of evolving career fields — building capability to effectively support and implement AI solutions in the workplace.

Designed to Make a Long-Term Impact

With an AI Literacy Certificate, you’ll be equipped with lasting skills to apply to a variety of careers. From understanding how to test and build AI platforms, to prompt engineering and finding automated solutions, this certificate will equip you to stand out to employers.

  • Cross-Industry Career Readiness: Prepares both entry-level job seekers and working professionals across marketing, finance, healthcare, education, ministry, social and natural sciences, operations, and creative fields. 
  • Practical Application: Goes beyond theory to give you hands-on experience building functional AI artifacts, prototype models, and automation bots that solve real-world workplace problems.
  • Responsible AI Expertise: Teaches you how to navigate privacy, data security, bias, and environmental considerations, making you a reliable resource for ethical AI adoption.

Three Courses 

Students will earn stackable micro-credentials from the portable digital Credly badges for the first two individual courses. Once you complete each 8-week course in order, you’ll be eligible to take the third course, culminating to earn the official certificate designation on your PLNU transcript.

  • GAI 2001: The first course focuses on hands-on skills and understanding the rapid evolution of AI through research. You will gain experience using a variety of AI tools to collaborate, build, test, and audit GPTs across platforms.
  • GAI 2002: The second course works to build in-depth prompt engineering skills for practical application from daily tasks to future careers, while equipping you with the technical understanding of how large language models (LLM) work through mechanics and capabilities.
  • GAI 2003: Upon completion of 2001 and 2002, the third and final course will provide students the opportunity to design AI solutions. With a lens of ethics, safety, and integrity, you will demonstrate the use of AI using selected platforms for improving a project process or build a bot to meet the proposed project needs.

Faith-Informed Human-AI Collaboration

All three courses will focus on selecting the right level of AI autonomy, while maintaining essential human oversight across organizational structures. PLNU will approach AI through the distinct lens of our Wesleyan heritage, which prioritizes human dignity, social responsibility, and a deeply relational community.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Generative AI Certificate, view the PLNU Catalog.

Course Information

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Registration Information

This certification is only available to currently enrolled students. For help with registration, fitting the certification into your academic plan, or getting more information, contact your Faculty Advisor. 

Note: All students are expected to have some proficiency with computer technology (email, Internet, word processing, etc.).

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

An AI Certificate is ideal for a variety of opportunities, whether you want to pursue any career from medicine to computer technology. 

Qualify for crucial positions such as:

  • Product Development
  • Project management
  • Marketing
  • Engineering
  • And more!