This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The purpose of the Certificate in Applied AI is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, evaluate and apply artificial intelligence, responsibly and strategically, within their professional fields. Students will develop skills in ethical reasoning, applied problem solving and critical thinking. The certificate program is designed to emphasize a non-programming approach to designing value-driven AI solutions for real-life business problems. Students will understand how modern artificial intelligence and machine learning systems operate and how to evaluate their appropriate uses. Graduates of the certificate program will be prepared to incorporate artificial intelligence into professional practice while navigating the ethical and practical challenges associated with emerging technologies.
Student learning outcomes
- Evaluate and employ foundational technical concepts of AI, such as machine learning, neural networks, and large language models
- Analyze the ethical, legal, and societal implications of current and emerging AI models and policy
- Integrate knowledge of AI from a range of perspectives to evaluate the benefits and limitations of AI solutions
- Apply knowledge of AI to develop effective and responsible solutions for complex problems
VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs
The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.
It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.
Graduation requirements
As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.
Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.
Admission requirements
| Degree: | Semester(s) of entry: | Deadline dates: | Test requirements: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | All | Rolling admissions made on a space-available basis |
All applicants to the graduate certificate program are required to meet the admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School.
This certificate does not require letters of recommendation or a personal statement to apply. GPA below a 3.0 threshold will be considered given the applied nature of the program.
Curriculum requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| IDAI 600 | AI Foundations and Applied Strategy | 3 |
| PHIL 600 | Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Problem Solving | 3 |
| Restricted electives | ||
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Educational Policy and Leadership for AI and Other Emerging Technologies | ||
| Applied Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Applied Machine Learning in Education Research | ||
| AI Studies | ||
| Data Science I | ||
| Data Science II | ||
| AI Governance and Enterprise Adoption | ||
| AI and Communication | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
| AI Governance and Ethics | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Students who complete the requirements for this program will receive a Certificate in Applied AI.
Contact
Sam Weed
Enrollment coordinator
weedsj@vcu.edu
Additional contact
Mariah Crilley
Assistant vice provost, University Interdisciplinary Programs
mtcrilley@vcu.edu