Full course description
AI for Technical Professionals
Move beyond simply using AI tools and learn how to make informed decisions about AI in your work and organization. Explore how to identify valuable AI opportunities, use AI effectively, evaluate and build organization-specific solutions, and develop responsible strategies for deploying and scaling AI.
Course Overview
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how technical professionals solve problems, conduct research, analyze information, and make decisions. This course provides a practical framework for understanding where AI can create value and how to use, evaluate, build, and scale AI solutions responsibly.
Participants will explore the modern AI landscape and learn how to match technical and business challenges with appropriate AI approaches. Through real-world applications, they will use AI for research, analysis, decision support, verification, and everyday professional workflows. The course also introduces options for developing organization-specific AI capabilities, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), customized and domain models, local/private AI, and AI agents.
The course concludes with an organizational perspective on AI strategy, including build-versus-buy decisions, deployment, governance, security, workforce considerations, and long-term value. Designed for technical professionals at a range of responsibility levels, the course provides the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about how AI can be applied effectively and responsibly in individual, team, and organizational settings.
This course is approved for 1.5 CEUs or 15 PEs. Check with your employer on reimbursement.
What to Expect
This is a 4-week fully online course mixing asynchronous self-directed learning with live sessions with expert faculty. You should expect to spend roughly 15-20 hours total on this course. Each week will include a mix of direct instruction in the form of watching asynchronous instructor videos with explanations and demonstrations; exercises and activities you will do on your own to make sure you are grasping the concepts; and assignments you’ll submit to demonstrate your skills. There will also be live sessions with your instructors that will give time for deeper exploration of the topics and problem-solving demonstrations as well as time for you to ask questions.
To complete the short course and earn the digital badge, you’ll need to demonstrate competency in each of the learning outcomes and successfully complete the course assignments as determined by your course instructor.
This course includes live synchronous sessions with faculty or professional experts each week. While they are highly beneficial to participate in live, accommodations will be made for those that cannot attend.
Time Commitment
Learners should anticipate dedicating around 15-20 hours over a 4-week period for this course. Each week, participants will engage in readings, watch instructional videos, complete assignments, and interact live with our faculty experts, averaging about 3-5 hours per week. Additionally, we offer the flexibility to watch recorded sessions with our experts, ensuring optimal convenience for all learners.
Course opens on Friday for learners to orient themselves but officially kicks off on Monday.
Instructors
Dr. Patrick Dudas
College of Information Sciences and Technology
Dr. Wenpeng Yin
College of Engineering
Recognition
Upon completion of this course, you will receive a College of Engineering Certified Microcredential titled AI for Technical Professionals. This credential can be shared on your LinkedIn profile and other digital media.