The AI Applications in Human Contexts Undergraduate Certificate at Portland State University (PSU) helps non-technical students build job-ready artificial intelligence (AI) skills. Designed for students in the social sciences, humanities, and related majors, this program teaches you how to use modern AI tools thoughtfully—without leaving your primary field of study. The certificate combines practical AI software applications with ethical, social, and human considerations.
Artificial intelligence is changing how we communicate, plan, teach, solve problems, and create. This undergraduate AI certificate in Oregon helps you understand how AI works, how to use AI tools responsibly, and how to critically examine its impact on society. You will explore key topics such as equity, representation, bias, access, and social impact.
Offered by the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science through Engineering and Technology Management, the program features courses from Computer Science along with humanities and social science disciplines. You gain hands-on AI skills that directly apply to your major, future career, and community.
We offer:
- Job-relevant AI literacy tailored specifically for students in non-technical majors.
- Ethical and human-centered training focused on bias, equity, representation, and social impact.
- Hands-on experience with generative AI, low-code tools, practical workflows, and real-world projects.
- Interdisciplinary learning that connects AI with fields like anthropology, writing, philosophy, linguistics, and business.
- Flexible degree planning that fits alongside your bachelor's degree requirements.
Portland State University is Oregon's urban public research university. Located in downtown Portland, PSU connects students directly with public agencies, non-profits, businesses, tech startups, and community partners. PSU is an ideal place to study AI because we connect technology directly to people, communities, and modern work.
- Applied AI Expertise in Portland: The certificate is housed in the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science, where faculty actively engage in AI research, technology management, and interdisciplinary work.
- Designed for Non-Technical Students: You do not need a computer science background. You can build advanced AI skills without taking a full computer science major or technical minor.
- Human-Centered and Ethically Grounded: Courses focus heavily on responsible AI use, workforce changes, algorithmic bias, equity, and social impact.
- Interdisciplinary by Design: You can easily connect AI tools to your primary major, including anthropology, philosophy, linguistics, digital writing, or technology entrepreneurship.
- Relevant to Oregon’s Workforce: PSU focuses on clear academic pathways, strong return on investment, and social mobility. This certificate supports regional employers by preparing you for high-demand AI roles across Oregon.
- Flexible Alongside Your Major: You can complete this certificate while earning your primary undergraduate degree. Depending on your major, an in-major course may also count as a certificate elective. An advisor can help you plan your credits.
What You'll Study
In this program, you will learn how AI systems work, how to apply AI tools in non-technical fields, and how to evaluate the ethical and human impacts of technology. Through hands-on projects, digital portfolios, AI workflows, prototypes, presentations, class discussions, quizzes, and exams, you will learn how to connect AI tools directly with your academic and professional goals.
Key Skills You Will Build
- Foundational AI Literacy: Understand core AI concepts and technologies.
- Generative AI Applications: Use AI for content creation, communication, planning, and decision support.
- No-Code & Low-Code AI: Apply non-technical methods for practical AI integration.
- Workflows & Prototypes: Build AI workflows, rapid prototypes, and run practical experiments.
- Ethical Evaluation: Analyze fairness, equity, representation, and bias in AI systems.
- Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving: Solve real-world challenges using field-specific AI tools.
- Project Collaboration: Gain experience through team projects, presentations, and portfolio development.
A certificate in AI Applications in Human Contexts prepares you for modern careers by pairing your major with practical AI literacy, critical thinking, and responsible tech skills. Employers across many fields are actively seeking professionals who know how to use AI tools strategically and ethically.
Potential Job Titles
Depending on your major, experience, and career goals, potential job titles include:
- AI Content Strategist
- Digital Communications Specialist
- Research Analyst
- User Experience (UX) Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Technology Project Coordinator
- Customer Experience Analyst
- Knowledge Management Specialist
Career Fields & Industries
You can apply these skills in settings such as:
- Arts, culture, media, and creative organizations
- Education, school districts, and workforce training
- Nonprofits and community organizations
- Public agencies and civic organizations
- Legal and business services
- Customer service and sales operations
- Technology adoption and product teams
- Research, writing, and communications roles
Graduate School Preparation
This certificate also prepares you for graduate programs that increasingly rely on digital tools and data analysis. Popular fields include digital humanities, public policy, anthropology, philosophy, linguistics, writing, technology management, and human-centered computing.
Certificate vs. Full AI Degree
If you are comparing an artificial intelligence degree in Portland with a flexible undergraduate credential, this certificate offers a focused alternative. It allows you to build high-demand AI expertise alongside a non-technical major without completing a full computer science degree or AI minor.
Through projects, portfolios, AI workflows, prototypes, presentations, discussions, quizzes, and exams, students learn to connect AI tools with their own academic and professional interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PSU AI Applications in Human Contexts certificate available online?
The certificate is not listed as fully online. Courses are delivered on the PSU campus through in-person and hybrid formats.
How long does it take to complete the AI Applications in Human Contexts Undergraduate Certificate?
Most students are expected to complete the certificate in 1 to 1.5 years while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. With intensive scheduling and course availability, completion may be possible in as little as 2 quarters.
Can I complete this certificate while earning my bachelor’s degree?
Yes. The certificate is intended to be completed alongside a four-year degree, especially for students in humanities, social sciences, and related fields.
What prerequisites do I need for this undergraduate AI certificate?
The certificate does not list a program-wide prerequisite. Some electives have prerequisites, so students should review course options with an advisor.
What makes PSU’s AI Applications in Human Contexts certificate different?
PSU’s certificate is designed for students outside technical computing fields. It combines applied AI practice with ethical, social, and human-centered analysis across multiple disciplines.
Is this the same as an artificial intelligence degree in Portland?
No. This is an undergraduate certificate, not a degree. It helps students build focused applied AI literacy alongside their primary field without completing a full AI degree, computer science major, or AI minor.
How do I apply for this program?
You do not have to apply for admission. Once you have completed all requirements, you simply apply for graduation.