PSU’s Management of AI Transformation Graduate Certificate helps technology and managerial professionals future-proof their careers and navigate the AI-driven transformation of workflows, teams, business models, and industries. Working professionals and graduate students gain practical AI literacy, strategic insight, and managerial skills through applied projects, case studies, and industry speakers. Students use low-code and no-code tools that do not require prior programming or specific AI experience. They learn how to evaluate AI capabilities, limitations, risks, and opportunities so that they can lead responsible AI adoption in technical and organizational settings.
The program is designed for professionals with technology or managerial backgrounds, including people currently working in technology , and for graduate students in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, and related fields who want to add management expertise to their main degree. PSU’s location in Portland connects the certificate to an urban research university focused on workforce relevance, applied learning, and regional employers.
Careers with a Management of AI Transformation certificate focus on leading AI adoption, managing technology change, improving workflows, and helping organizations evaluate responsible uses of artificial intelligence. Jobs in AI management often require a blend of technical understanding, business judgment, project leadership, and ethical decision-making.
Depending on your background, experience, and professional goals, this certificate can support roles such as:
- AI transformation manager
- AI implementation lead
- Technology project manager
- AI project manager
- Business process automation specialist
- Innovation manager
- Engineering manager
- Technology product manager
Graduates can apply these skills in fields such as:
- Technology and software organizations
- Engineering and advanced technical teams
- IT project management
- AI automation and workflow transformation
- Cybersecurity management
- Product development and innovation
- Technology entrepreneurship
- Research and applied technical environments
The certificate can also serve as an entry point into graduate education. Students who want to continue into the MS in Engineering and Technology Management should work with an advisor to plan coursework and confirm how credits may apply.
Students comparing an artificial intelligence degree in Portland with a shorter graduate credential can use PSU’s certificate to build focused AI management expertise without completing a full AI degree or computer science master’s program.
What You’ll Study
You’ll study how to understand, evaluate, implement, and manage AI transformation in business and technical environments.
The certificate develops skills in:
- AI literacy for business and engineering contexts
- Data mining for business decision-making
- AI-supported project management and workflow automation
- Strategic AI implementation
- Managerial leadership for AI-enabled teams
- Technology entrepreneurship and innovation
- Cybersecurity management considerations
- AI ethics, safety, technical feasibility, and employee preparedness
- No-code and low-code AI workflow creation
- Applied AI prototypes for personal and professional use
Students complete 16 credits:
Required courses, 8 credits
- ETM 572 AI Fundamentals for Non-Programmers
- ETM 527 Data Mining for Business
Electives, 8 credits
- ETM 530 Decision Making
- ETM 545 Project Management
- ETM 561 Technology Entrepreneurship
- ETM 580 Cybersecurity Management
- ETM 508 Workshop: AI Learning Lab, up to 4 credits may apply
- CS 517 AI Ethics
- CEE 515 Machine Learning for Civil Engineers
Coursework uses projects, AI workflows, prototypes, presentations, portfolios, class discussions, case studies, industry speakers, and applied assessments. Students leave with practical experience using AI tools and a management framework for evaluating when, how, and why organizations should adopt AI.
Admissions
Applicants to the Management of AI Transformation Graduate Certificate must be admitted to graduate status.
Admission requirements follow the MS in Engineering and Technology Management so students can begin with the graduate certificate and consider continuing into the master’s program. Requirements include:
- Meeting PSU graduate admission requirements
- Holding a baccalaureate degree in engineering or a related discipline
- Having four years of professional experience
Applicants who are judged to have high potential may be admitted even if their past academic performance or length of professional experience does not fully meet the standard requirements. The Engineering and Technology Management department must approve any variation from these requirements.
Programming or prior AI experience is not required. Students should have working familiarity with computing technologies.
The program admits year round, allowing students to start every term when courses are available. Prospective students should talk with an advisor before applying to confirm fit, course sequencing, completion timeline, and possible continuation into the MS in Engineering and Technology Management.
FAQ
1. Is the PSU Management of AI Transformation Graduate Certificate available online?
The certificate uses a mix of online courses with scheduled meetings and hybrid courses with weekly scheduled meetings that may take place online or on campus. It is not described as a fully asynchronous program.
2. How long does it take to complete the graduate certificate in Management of AI Transformation?
Full-time students may complete the certificate in 2 terms. Part-time students may complete it in 2 to 4 terms, depending on schedule and course availability.
3. Can I work while completing this graduate AI management certificate?
Yes. The program is designed for working professionals, with ETM courses scheduled after 5:30 p.m., once a week. Learning Labs include a Saturday workshop and online components.
4. Do I need programming or AI experience to apply?
No specific programming or AI background is required. Students are expected to have working familiarity with computing technologies.
5. Can this certificate apply toward the MS in Engineering and Technology Management?
The certificate uses admission requirements aligned with the MS in Engineering and Technology Management. Students who plan to continue into the master’s program should work with an advisor to determine how certificate credits may apply.
6. Is this the same as an artificial intelligence degree in Portland?
No. This is a graduate certificate, not a degree. It focuses on managing AI transformation in workflows, teams, business models, and industries rather than completing a full AI degree or computer science master’s program.