Ohio University Launches Online Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate

Ohio University’s College of Business is making significant strides in online and professional education with the introduction of its Online Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate. Set to launch in Summer 2025, this fully online, nine-credit program is designed to equip students with both a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence and the practical skills necessary to apply and manage AI throughout its lifecycle in various business contexts.

Responding to the Growing Demand for AI Skills

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries at an unprecedented pace, the demand for professionals who can navigate this evolving landscape is skyrocketing. According to recent reports, job postings requiring AI skills have surged, highlighting the urgent need for individuals who can understand, apply, and lead in this transformative field.

“AI is among the areas where we’ve seen the highest interest from every corner—employers, our advisory boards, our online program partners, and prospective students,” said Gabriel Giordano, Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Programs in the College of Business. “Everyone wants to know how they can be prepared for this world-changing transformation. Our goal is to help anyone who joins the Bobcat community be a leader of change rather than a follower.”

Giordano emphasizes that the interest in the program stems from both excitement about AI’s potential and a pressing need to keep pace with rapid advancements. “When you see a change this big, it’s a mix of excitement and fear. People don’t want to be left behind. But the response we’ve seen so far makes it clear this is not just fear-driven,” he noted. “Learners are ready to embrace AI in business, and they want to do it with the right preparation.”

Leveraging OHIO’s College of Business Expertise

The new artificial intelligence program builds on Ohio University’s established strengths in analytics and business technology education. The College of Business has a history of offering advanced certificates in business analytics, advanced analytics, and analytics leadership, creating a solid foundation for the introduction of AI.

“Analytics has been one of our most built-out areas and a clear strength,” Giordano explained. “AI and analytics are deeply connected, so we saw an opportunity to build on what we were already doing well. We also wanted to keep our approach consistent, accessible to motivated business professionals, rigorous in its expectations, and immediately applicable to real challenges.”

Practical Online Education in AI Tools and Applications

The curriculum of Ohio University’s certificate program emphasizes practical application from the outset. Students will be introduced to essential tools, techniques, and integration strategies in real-world contexts. The program covers various learning methodologies, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, as well as advanced topics such as graph neural networks, natural language processing, and recommender systems.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with tools like Python, a versatile programming language, and explore Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), alongside the database foundations necessary to support AI models.

“We wanted to move quickly past the stage of ‘What is AI?’ to ‘How do I actually do this?’” Giordano stated. “That’s what differentiates this program. We cover the technologies that enable AI, but we also cover how to manage it across the entire lifecycle. How do you integrate models into business systems? How do you monitor them over time? How do you ensure they’re delivering value? Those are the real business needs, and that’s where we want our graduates to excel.”

Teaching Hands-On AI Projects for Business Impact

A standout feature of the program is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Students will engage with case studies of AI applications in business and develop a custom AI workflow agent—an AI-powered tool designed to automate and connect steps in a business process. This project allows students to witness the journey of AI from concept to practical implementation.

“That hands-on element has been one of the most positively received parts of the program,” Giordano remarked.

Maintaining Relevance in an Evolving Business AI Environment

One of the significant challenges in teaching AI is keeping pace with rapid technological advancements. Ohio University embraces this reality, ensuring that its curriculum remains relevant and up-to-date.

“In any technology field, you reinvent your class every year,” Giordano explained. “That’s especially true in business technology, where the question is always: how does this make a difference right now? Our faculty expect that continual renewal. It’s part of what keeps our programs fresh and our reputation strong.”

Strengthening Ohio University’s Reputation in Online AI Education

The Online Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate not only meets market demand but also reinforces Ohio University’s standing as a forward-thinking institution in online education.

“From the business side, few programs give students a hands-on understanding of the entire AI system lifecycle,” Giordano noted. “That’s what makes this program distinctive and ahead of the curve. It’s also stackable with our MBA or our Master of Science in Management, meaning students can add a powerful differentiator to a fully recognized graduate degree. That makes both the certificate and the degree more valuable.”

By offering a rigorous, applied program at a pivotal moment for AI, Ohio University equips professionals with the skills needed to meet today’s business demands while anticipating tomorrow’s challenges.

“We’re not showing businesses how to dabble in AI,” Giordano concluded. “We’re showing them how to build it into real operational systems that can make a difference right away.”

In summary, Ohio University’s new Online Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate is not just a response to the growing demand for AI skills; it is a proactive step toward preparing the next generation of business leaders to thrive in an AI-driven world.