Free AI Skills Certificate: University Of Maryland’s Online Program

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As AI gets better and better, the skills gap gets wider and wider. You can fill the gap now by enrolling in this free online AI skills certificate that starts May 1.

Of paramount importance in today’s workforce is the development of bridges—pathways if you will—to narrow gaps between IT systems, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) and real-world application and engagement.

There is an urgency to help employees (mostly career professionals) upskill quickly. The University of Maryland is stepping up to help bridge the AI skills gap.

A description of the AI skills certificate program.

There is a huge AI skills gap, and the “Artificial Intelligence and Career Empowerment” certificate program is designed to narrow this gap.

The University of Maryland Robert E. Smith School of Business is offering a completely free online course in artificial intelligence (AI) and career empowerment for mid-career professionals. The certificate program is for building AI skills. It is self-paced learning and specifically tailored to professionals seeking to transition into the private sector or those seeking a career shift.

According to the university’s website, the AI skills certificate program is a “transformative course” focused on the needs of mid-career professionals. The course is estimated to require approximately 25 hours of self-paced study across 10 different learning modules. AI skills learning activities include an array of video lessons, readings, and self-reflection activities. Enrollment is open now, and the May 1 class starts tomorrow.

The AI skills certificate program is completely free to enroll in and (according to the website) designed to provide:

an overview of artificial intelligence (AI)
a review for how AI is transforming functional areas in the private sector
an understanding for how AI is transforming industries
an exploration of emerging career opportunities with AI skills and in the area of AI
an examination of real-world applications for AI
a study of the “broader implications of AI adoption in fields such as marketing, finance, healthcare, and technology”
considerations for how AI drives innovation and shapes job markets
and considerations for the opportunities AI creates across different sectors

Who should enroll in this AI skills certificate program.

The university identifies the following categories or types of people as being a good fit for this AI skills certificate program.

Professionals seeking new opportunities or challenges
Professionals seeking to pivot or transition into AI-enabled roles.
Individuals considering starting or expanding an independent consulting services or entrepreneurship.
Experts who desire to brand and present their knowledge as a service.
Anyone interested in gaining a general or deeper understanding AI’s role in business and career transformation.

Learning outcomes for the AI skills certificate program.

The university identifies four (4) specific AI skills learning outcomes and states that, “by the end of this course, participants will:”

establish foundational AI literacy and understand why and how AI solutions are being built in business.
explore how AI is shaping career opportunities across functional areas in business.
gain actionable strategies for career transition, job searching, and consulting.
network with industry experts, HR professionals, and AI practitioners.

10 learning modules for this AI skills certificate program.

Learners will develop AI skills while working at their own pace. The program is divided into two distinct parts spanning across 10 different learning modules. Learners will earn their AI skills certificate after successfully all 10 of these listed modules:

Part One: Artificial Intelligence in Business (6 Modules)

AI Literacy, Capabilities, Building AI Systems
The Marketing Revolution
AI and Organizations
AI and Supply Chain
Responsible AI
AI in Financial Services

Part Two: Career Empowerment (4 Modules)

Being Your Own Startup
Negotiating from a Position of Weakness
Job Search in the Age of AI
Course Wrap-up and the Road Ahead

We need more AI skills learning programs and certificates.

The data tells the story about the importance of AI skills. Haley Glover, a senior director with Upskill America and the Aspen Institute, says that,

In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, one thing is clear: businesses and employees alike are scrambling to keep up. AI-driven upskilling and reskilling — helping incumbent employees build the skills necessary to retain and advance in their roles — is now an urgent necessity. Yet, despite the clear demand, our collective response remains fragmented, reactive, and in many cases, ineffective.

Glover goes on to highlight several key statistics regarding AI skills and the lack of readiness and workforce preparedness. Five of her findings are listed here.

75% of businesses are struggling to meet IT needs, particularly in machine learning, AI and generative AI (Revature).
There is an 866% demand increase for GenAI content over a year ago (Coursera’s skills report).
76% of desk workers feel a sense of urgency to build their AI skills and expertise, and 97% of executives feel pressure to integrate AI into business operations (Slack survey).
Nearly 33% of senior leaders say that their companies will invest at least $10 million in AI this year (EY survey).
67% of vice presidents and directors across the U.S. and U.K. have never attended an AI training or course (General Assembly).

The AI skills certificate program that the University of Maryland is offering fills an in-demand gap. And, given that it’s being offered at no cost to learners, it’s definitely affordable. The next AI skills certificate program starts May 1. If you want to sign up, follow the enrollment process or contact the university directly.