Ohio University’s College of Business Launches Online Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate
Ohio University’s College of Business is taking a significant step forward in the realm of 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 aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and the practical skills necessary to apply and manage AI technologies throughout their lifecycle in various business contexts.
Responding to the Growing Demand for AI Skills
As AI continues to reshape industries at an unprecedented pace, the demand for professionals who can understand, apply, and lead in this transformative field is skyrocketing. According to recent reports, job postings requiring AI skills have surged, highlighting a critical need for qualified individuals in the workforce.
Gabriel Giordano, Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Programs in the College of Business, emphasizes the widespread interest in AI. “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,” he states. “Everyone wants to know how they can be prepared for this world-changing transformation.”
This urgency is not merely driven by fear of being left behind; rather, it reflects a genuine excitement about the potential of AI in business. Giordano notes, “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 AI 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, laying a solid foundation for the introduction of AI.
“Analytics has been one of our most built-out areas and a clear strength,” Giordano explains. “AI and analytics are deeply connected, so we saw an opportunity to build on what we were already doing well.” The program aims to maintain a rigorous yet accessible approach for motivated business professionals, ensuring that the curriculum is immediately applicable to real-world challenges.
Practical Online Education in AI Tools and Applications
The Online Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate emphasizes practical application from the outset. Students will be introduced to essential tools, techniques, and integration methods in real-world contexts. The curriculum covers various learning methodologies, including supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, as well as advanced techniques like graph neural networks, natural language processing, and recommender systems.
Students will gain hands-on experience with programming languages such as Python and explore Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), alongside studying the database foundations necessary to support AI models. Giordano highlights the program’s focus: “We wanted to move quickly past the stage of ‘What is AI?’ to ‘How do I actually do this?’”
Teaching Hands-On AI Projects for Business Impact
A standout feature of the program is its emphasis on hands-on projects. Students will engage with case studies of AI applications in business and will have the opportunity to build a custom AI workflow agent—an AI-powered tool designed to automate and connect steps in a business process. This practical project allows students to witness the transition of AI from concept to tangible results.
“That hands-on element has been one of the most positively received parts of the program,” Giordano notes, underscoring the importance of experiential learning in preparing students for real-world applications.
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, viewing continual renewal as essential to maintaining the relevance of its programs.
“In any technology field, you reinvent your class every year,” Giordano explains. “That’s especially true in business technology, where the question is always: how does this make a difference right now?” This commitment to ongoing curriculum updates ensures that students receive the most current and applicable knowledge.
Strengthening Ohio University’s Reputation in Online AI Education
The Online Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate not only meets the growing market demand but also reinforces Ohio University’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution in online education. Giordano asserts, “From the business side, few programs give students a hands-on understanding of the entire AI system lifecycle.”
Moreover, the certificate is stackable with Ohio University’s MBA and Master of Science in Management, allowing students to enhance their graduate degrees with a powerful differentiator. This integration adds significant value to both the certificate and the degree.
Conclusion
By offering a rigorous, applied program at a pivotal moment for AI, Ohio University equips professionals with the skills necessary to meet today’s business demands and anticipate future challenges. “We’re not showing businesses how to dabble in AI,” Giordano concludes. “We’re showing them how to build it into real operational systems that can make a difference right away.”
As the landscape of business continues to evolve, Ohio University’s College of Business stands ready to lead the charge in preparing the next generation of AI-savvy professionals.
