PSU’s Management of AI Transformation Graduate Certificate prepares technology and managerial professionals to future-proof their careers and lead their organizations through AI-driven change — across workflows, teams, business models, and entire industries.
Through applied projects, real-world case studies, and sessions with industry speakers, students build practical AI literacy, strategic insight, and the managerial skills to turn disruption into opportunity. 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 with deep ties to regional employers who are already navigating this same transformation.
Jobs in AI management require a blend of technical understanding of AI, business judgment, project leadership, and ethical decision-making. Students with preparation and experience in some of these aspects use the certificate to fill in gaps. This prepares them to lead AI adoption, manage technology change, improve workflows, and help organizations evaluate responsible uses of artificial intelligence. Depending on your background, experience, and professional goals, this certificate can support roles such as:
- AI transformation manager
- AI implementation lead
- Project manager in IT, AI, or Cybersecurity
- Business process automation specialist
- Innovation manager
- Engineering manager
- Technology product manager
- Forward-deployed engineer
The certificate can also serve as an entry point into graduate education - credits usually transfer into the MS in Engineering and Technology Management.
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, pending course availability.
FAQ
Is the PSU Management of AI Transformation Graduate Certificate a Computer Science degree?
The certificate is a technology management degree. It provides foundational and hands-on knowledge of current AI technology but it is primarily focused on managing AI in technology organizations, teams, and projects.
Is the PSU Management of AI Transformation Graduate Certificate available online?
The certificate uses a mix of online courses (scheduled meetings online) and hybrid courses (mix of scheduled online and in-person meetings). All courses are scheduled in the evening. Quarterly Learning Labs are scheduled on Saturdays.
How long does it take to complete the graduate certificate in Management of AI Transformation?
Full-time students can complete the certificate in 2 terms. Part-time students may complete it in 2 to 4 terms, depending on schedule and course availability.
Can I work while completing this graduate AI management certificate?
Yes. The program is designed for working professionals. Courses are scheduled after 5:30 p.m., once a week. Quarterly Learning Labs include a Saturday workshop and online components.
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.
I have a background in computer science and am familiar with AI - is this program useful to me?
Students with a computer science background can use the Graduate Certificate in AI Transformation Management to develop strategic, managerial, and leadership perspectives on AI in business settings.
Can this certificate apply toward the MS in Engineering and Technology Management?
The certificate uses admission requirements that are aligned with the MS in Engineering and Technology Management. Credits usually transfer. Students who plan to continue into the master’s program should work with an advisor.
My undergraduate is in business, not engineering or science. Can I be admitted to the Certificate in AI Transformation Management?
Yes. Applicants with high potential can be admitted. Make sure your application demonstrates your prior experience in technology-related fields.
I have a bachelor’s in engineering, science, or a related technical field but I do not have professional work experience yet. Can I be admitted to the Certificate in AI Transformation Management?
Yes. Applicants with high potential can be admitted. Make sure your application demonstrates relevant prior experience in non-professional or educational settings and explains your motivation to pursue this degree.