Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence Certificate

The Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence Certificate is a university-wide certificate equipping undergraduate learners with foundational AI knowledge, ethical frameworks, and applied skills needed to engage responsibly with technologies shaping society and the workforce.  

students participting in class on laptops with a student in the cetner in a grey jacket

Questions?

Please send an email to Dr. Talitha Washington at ai@howard.edu, co-chair of the AI Advisory Council.

Student Interest Form Application

Program Overview

The Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence Certificate equips undergraduates across all majors with foundational AI knowledge, ethical frameworks, and applied skills needed to engage responsibly with technologies. The certificate consists of two required courses and an application in a discipline course. The interdisciplinary program is designed to ensure that all students, regardless of major, develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and shape an AI-driven world.

The certificate aligns with Howard University’s broader AI Initiative and leverages its AI ecosystem.  

About This Program

College

College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA)

 

Credits

Nine credits. Completed with a minimum of 2.00 GPA for all courses.

 

Prerequisite

Open to all students from all majors, and no prior background required.

Courses

Courses are supported by faculty across the university. The certificate consists of three courses that can be taken in any order.

Together, these courses provide students with AI skills that are increasingly expected across industries. This certificate equips students with the ability to understand, apply, and evaluate AI in real-world contexts.  

EGPP 421 Introduction to AI Tools and Techniques

(3 credits)

Introduces key concepts in artificial intelligence, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and generative AI. Junior or senior standing.

EGPP 422 Ethical and Responsible AI

(3 credits)

Examines the ethical, societal, and human-centered implications of AI through the lens of Howard University’s mission. Junior or senior standing.

AI in the Disciplines

Applies AI concepts within a student’s field of study through discipline-specific coursework offered across the university.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students completing the certificate will be able to:

  • Know and Understand AI: Demonstrate understanding of the basic functions of AI and how AI applications are used.  
  • Use and Apply AI: Apply AI knowledge, concepts, and tools in different academic, research, and professional contexts.  
  • Build and Evaluate AI: Use higher-order thinking skills to design, evaluate, and refine AI applications.  
  • Ethical and Responsible AI: Address human-centered considerations in AI, including accountability, ethics, fairness, privacy, responsibility, safety, and security.

Call for Faculty Participation

Faculty from all schools and colleges can contribute by submitting courses to count toward the “AI in the Disciplines” requirement. Each course must:

  • Include at least 50% AI-related content
  • Align with one AI learning outcome
  • Demonstrate applied or discipline-based engagement with AI
Submit Your Course

Supporting Howard's Mission

The Fundamentals of AI Certificate supports Howard University’s mission to provide an educational experience of exceptional quality that prepares students to serve the nation and the global community. The program equips students across all majors with foundational AI knowledge, ethical frameworks, and applied skills needed to engage responsibly with technologies shaping society and the workforce.