Online Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation

• Online application and $50 application fee
• College transcripts
• A GMAT or GRE score is not required
• Personal statement
• Resume – Work experience preferred but not required.
• Video interview as part of the online application
• Additional requirements apply for international applicants

Learn more about the application process and what you will need to apply.

The program can be completed in as little as 9 months (2 semesters).

Two-Semester Program of Study

Required Courses

• IFI 8410 – Introduction to Programming & Predictive Analytics for Business
  This course prepares students to utilize both structured and unstructured data in decision making, and to use models to address business challenges such as reducing customer churn, predicting market demand and forecasting stock prices. After taking this class, students will be able to: (1) frame a business problem using predictive analytics, (2) ascertain how and when to use specific models to address business problems and (3) develop the necessary proficiency in Python and R to tackle those issues.
  View Sample Syllabus
• IFI 8420 – Machine Learning and Deep Learning for Business
  This course provides an introduction to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Since unstructured data comprises a large and important source of information, students cover deep learning techniques to tackle complex problems involving images, text and recommendation systems. After taking this course, students will: (1) understand the basics of machine learning and its application to business problems, (2) be able to apply insights to complex AI projects and (3) understand the pros and cons of different techniques and their preferred business application scenarios.
  View Sample Syllabus
• MSA 8600 - Deep Learning and Generative AI
  This course includes both deep learning models and the more recent generative artificial intelligence models. Topics of deep learning include neural network basics, deep learning strategies such as GPU training and regulation, convolutional networks, recurrent neural networks, the long short-term memory and other gated RNNs, and unsupervised deep learning. Further, this course provides students with the theoretical foundations and methodologies underpinning generative AI and an understanding of its wide range of applications across industries. Applications in marketing, healthcare, fintech, IT, manufacturing, logistics, and management will be considered.
• MSA 8700 - Building Generative AI Business Solutions
  This hands-on course focuses on developing generative AI applications. It covers large language models, prompt engineering, and fine-tuning frameworks. Students will explore retrieval-augmented generation, document processing, and vector databases. The course also delves into the architecture and deployment of agentic AI applications, image generation, and safeguarding AI systems. Through projects and a final presentation, students will apply these concepts to real-world scenarios, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of generative AI's business applications.

Upon approval, students with a sufficient coding background can replace one or two courses with one or two of the following electives:

• ENI 8010 – Innovation Studio 1: Innovation and Design Thinking
  Design thinking is taught as a systematic approach to innovation and creative problem-solving that can be used in many industries. In this course, students are introduced to resourceful problem discovery through methods of noticing, observing and analyzing data. Using a combination of the lean startup methodology and design thinking, students conduct experiments as well as interviews and test prototypes to verify the viability of proposed solutions. Further, ideation models are applied to conceptualize new-to-the-world technologies, business models, products, and services as potential business ventures. Students will become comfortable with ambiguity, experimentation and online collaboration. Particular is placed on AI and how it can be leveraged every step of the way. View Sample Syllabus
• ENI 8011 – Innovation Studio 2: Launch and Scale
  This experiential, AI-heavy course is treated as a mini-accelerator. The class teaches “the entrepreneurial mindset” as well as how to apply that to launch and scale a business, develop solutions to business challenges or create new products and services that result in growth opportunities for an organization. Students explore a rigorous and disciplined approach to validating product market fit, building teams, developing viable business models and crafting messaging and pitches that resonate with the audience. Students apply these learnings on a remote team project. The challenge? Launching and scaling a business or solution, ideally generating revenue before the end of the semester. Every few weeks, students convene in the classroom to receive feedback and coaching on their approaches, results and future experiments. View Sample Syllabus
• FI 8092 - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications in Finance
  Students will develop skills for applying modern machine learning methods and other analytics techniques (such as Python programming) to address practical problems encountered in asset management, corporation finance and financial institution settings. The techniques include tree regression, neutral network, textual analysis, web scraping, data visualization and model assessment and selection using cross-validation.
• MGT 8020 - Business Intelligence
  This course focuses on business intelligence and analytics and their support of managerial decision-making. Topics covered in the course include artificial intelligence (AI), data visualization, and big data. This course intends to improve understanding of AI, discuss the many ways in which AI is being used in the industry, and provide a strategic framework for how to bring AI to the center of digital transformation efforts. This course also discusses the design, implementation, and best practices regarding information visualization, storytelling, and information dashboards. Finally, this course provides comprehensive coverage of big data, its enabling technologies, and related analytics concepts to help understand the capabilities and limitations of this emerging technology.
• MGT 8040 - Data Mining
  This course covers a number of well-defined data mining tasks such as description, classification, estimation, prediction, and clustering. Students will learn to use techniques such as ensemble tree, k-nearest neighbors, and hierarchical cluster analysis. Data visualization techniques will be used frequently to reveal patterns and relationships.
• MGT 8730 - Project Management
  This course covers management techniques that are applicable to a wide variety of project types including information systems development, business startups, marketing campaigns, facility relocations, construction, research, and special events. Emphasis is on processes for scheduling, budgeting, and controlling projects. The selection and application of project management software are addressed. Other topics include project organizational structures, qualifications and roles of the project manager, project leadership, team building, and the management of conflict and stress in projects.

Online format
All students, regardless of location: $560 per credit hour

In-person format
Georgia residents: $511 per credit hour
Non-Georgia residents: $1,400 per credit hour

Tuition is subject to change.

Financial Aid

These non-degree seeking programs do not qualify for federal loan funds (such as unsubsidized loans through the FAFSA). For information on additional payment options and scholarships to help with the cost of the program, please contact [email protected].

Contact Graduate Student Financial Services
We are here to help you understand the cost of your program (including the financial aid cost of attendance (https://sfs.gsu.edu/resources/coa/)), the payment schedule and financing opportunities.

[email protected]
404-413-7086

Corporate Assistance
Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance
Active duty military, veterans and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits. Download our guide to How to Start Your VA Benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see TAP Tuition Assistance.

The mission of the Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Business Innovation is to produce “citizen data scientists”—professionals who may not have deep programming skills but, with the right tools, are capable of leveraging advanced technologies as well as working with and leading teams of data scientists to create value and realize the potential of artificial intelligence.