Who teaches the courses?

A multidisciplinary team of staff and industry practitioners with backgrounds in product development, data science, and business innovation. Guest speakers add specialized perspectives.

Will this certificate qualify me for a student visa?

Yes. The program’s full-time contact-hour load meets visa requirements. International applicants must complete the standard I-20 documentation process.

International students apply to the International Certificate Program first. Domestic students can enroll directly in available courses and should submit the certificate candidacy form if they intend to complete the full program.

What will I build for my portfolio?

Weekly labs produce artifacts such as dashboards, prompt libraries, and briefs. The capstone culminates in a solution prototype and short pitch deck.

Who is this program for?

Anyone who wants practical, business‑focused AI skills. It is well‑suited for professionals, entrepreneurs, managers, analysts, creative problem‑solvers, upskillers, and undergraduates. No formal programming experience is required.

Can I take just one course instead of the full program?

Yes. You may take individual courses. To take the capstone and earn the Professional Certificate, you must enroll in all four required courses concurrently in the same term.

What is the structure of the certificate?

A single integrated 11‑week quarter. Students complete four courses in sequence with weekly lecture/discussion, lab, asynchronous modules, and a capstone studio that applies the week’s focus to a team project.

What are the technology requirements?

Bring a personal laptop. A modern OS, reliable internet, webcam/mic, and access to browser‑based tools are recommended. Most tools are web‑based or no‑code/low‑code; any installs are guided in class.

What are the certificate eligibility and completion requirements?

Earn the UCSB PaCE Professional Certificate by completing all four required courses concurrently within one quarter with a passing grade in each. Submitting the Declaration of Candidacy form helps us track and confirm completion.

Applied AI and Innovation

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE

This intensive professional certificate helps you design and launch AI-powered solutions for real business challenges. Work in teams, build a portfolio, and master the strategies and tools that drive innovation.

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This Program is Perfect For...

...ambitious innovators, including undergraduate students seeking condensed AI-and-business training, professionals ready to level up, entrepreneurs turning ideas into impact, and business or tech students pursuing roles in digital innovation or leadership.

Identify high-value business problems and design effective, user-centered AI solutions
Apply modern business frameworks like Lean Startup and ROI analysis to guide your AI projects from idea to launch
Master generative AI and advanced prompt engineering to create compelling content and automate complex tasks
Translate data into persuasive stories, evaluate the ethics of AI, and confidently present your strategies to stakeholders

increase in AI-related job postings on LinkedIn during the past year, while overall postings stayed nearly flat.

wage premium earned by professionals who list AI skills such as prompt engineering on their résumés

of CIOs and CTOs plan to expand their teams as generative-AI adoption grows.

of organizations already use AI in at least one business function

Courses

Required Courses (12 units)	Units	Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
MGMNT X440 - AI Essentials for Innovation	4
MGMNT X441 - AI Applications for Business Impact	4
MGMNT X442 - Leading AI-Driven Change	4
Online In Person - UCSB / HyFlex

Important Course Information
How to access course materials in Canvas LMS Certificate Eligibility and Requirements Technology Requirements International Students need to apply to the International Certificate Programs before enrolling in classes from this course schedule. All times are Pacific Time. Location: UCSB Campus, Santa Barbara.