GVSU College of Computing

Fully online, self-paced

Artificial intelligence is no longer limited to technical roles; it is becoming a foundational skill across every profession and sector.

This certificate focuses on AI literacy, not just AI tools, helping learners:

• Build confidence using AI responsibly
• Think critically about AI-generated information
• Apply AI thoughtfully in real-life and work contexts
• Understand ethical, societal, and environmental implications

This program reflects GVSU’s commitment to accessible education, responsible innovation, and computing for everyone.

This program is designed for anyone who wants to understand AI’s real-world impact, including:

• Community members & lifelong learners
• Professionals across all fields
• GVSU staff, alumni, and students
• Anyone curious about how AI affects work, education, and society

•  All learning content (videos, readings, activities) is free to access
• Learners pay only if they choose to earn a verifiable GVSU-issued certificate and digital badge
• Modules are designed to be completed independently, at your own pace
• Each module takes approximately 60–90 minutes
• The course is fully online

Artificial intelligence is becoming a foundational capability across every profession and sector. This certificate is designed to help learners understand, use, question, and responsibly apply AI in everyday contexts without requiring coding or prior technical experience.

Rather than focusing on tools alone, the program emphasizes:

•  AI literacy and critical thinking
• Practical interaction with generative AI systems
• Human judgment, ethics, and responsibility
• Transferable skills applicable across careers (AI + X)

By the end of this certificate, learners will be able to:

• Describe how modern AI and generative AI systems work, including their capabilities and limitations
• Interact effectively with AI systems using clear, structured prompts
• Evaluate AI-generated outputs for accuracy, bias, security and reliability
• Apply AI tools to realistic work, learning, and life scenarios
• Recognize ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI use
• Understand and evaluate AI Opportunities and Challenges Related to Climate, Sustainability and Environment
• Demonstrate responsible AI judgment through an applied activity

Testimonial : Marouane Kessentini (Dean, College of Computing)

At Grand Valley, we believe AI literacy is no longer optional; it is essential for every learner, every professional, and every community. This AI Community Course reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-impact, future-ready skills in a way that is inclusive, practical, and human-centered.

Through this initiative, we are not just teaching people how to use AI; we are empowering them to understand it, question it, and apply it responsibly in their work and daily lives. This is exactly what the Blue Dot vision stands for: connecting knowledge, people, and technology to drive meaningful impact across our region and beyond.

Testimonial: Miloš Topić (Vice President for IT & Chief Digital Officer)

At GVSU, Blue Dot represents more than a vision; it is how we bring together technology, people, and purpose to drive meaningful impact across our university and community. This AI Community Course reflects a collective effort to expand digital capability at scale.

By equipping learners, professionals, and our own campus community with practical AI skills, we are building a foundation for innovation that is inclusive, resilient, and aligned with the real needs of today’s workforce

Why should a GVSU student, faculty, staff, or community member take the AI literacy course?

 The AI Literacy course provides a broad overview of the current AI landscape including content on AI tools, cybersecurity awareness, ethics and bias in AI, and societal impact of AI.  An understanding of the complete picture of AI today is critical both for professional and personal lives so that someone can decide how they may want to engage with AI tools and outputs.  In addition, building awareness allows individuals to recognize where AI tools have been used to better inform their decisions.  

What skills or mindsets do you hope participants take away from the AI Literacy course?

 I hope that participants gain an overall understanding of the current state of AI and where it may impact their lives.  As we move forward in an increasingly digital society it is important that people are able to recognize how new tools may help them in their lives but also be aware of potential security and ethical concerns so they can make informed decisions.

Why should a GVSU student, faculty, staff, or community member take the AI literacy course?

A GV student, faculty, staff member, or community participant should take the AI literacy course to get a practical understanding of how AI works and how to use it responsibly in real-world contexts. It will help individuals stay competitive in an AI-driven world while developing awareness of ethical issues, limitations, and best practices.

Why should a GVSU student, faculty, staff, or community member take the AI literacy course?

Everyone at GVSU should take the AI literacy course to confidently understand, evaluate, and responsibly use AI in their academic, professional, and everyday lives. It empowers participants to make informed decisions, adapt to a rapidly growing workforce, and engage with AI in ethical and meaningful ways.

Why should a GVSU student, faculty, staff, or community member take the AI literacy course?

The use of AI today at GVSU and beyond is no longer a choice, but a necessity. The AI Literacy for Life & Work course provides a clear and accessible entry point for anyone who wants to understand, use, and engage with AI confidently in their academic, professional, and everyday contexts.

What skills or mindsets do you hope participants take away from the AI Literacy course?

Participants will gain a clear understanding of how AI systems work behind the scenes and develop a critical, human-centered mindset when using them. They will learn to communicate effectively with AI, question outputs, evaluate their accuracy and reliability, and recognize risks such as bias and misuse while applying AI responsibly in real-world situations.