AI for IT Professionals

This program is designed to equip IT professionals and organizational leaders with essential knowledge and practical skills in AI-related topics such as AI Foundations, AI for strategic decision making and management, AI automation and process improvement, AI policy, governance, risk management, ethical AI, data literacy, integrating AI in the enterprise and cybersecurity.  

The framework is structured into three tiers: introduction, proficient, and mastery, covering a wide range of AI topics essential for modern IT professionals to progress based on your expertise and career goals. Designed for efficiency, each 2 week micro-course enables you to upskill quickly while balancing your work commitments. 

This program is designed for two distinct professional profiles:  

• Technical professionals: Developers, system architects and IT infrastructure specialists who require hands-on experience in AI implementation and system integration. 

• Non-technical professionals: Managers, executives and support staff who need to understand AI’s strategic, ethical and governance implications to make informed business and IT decisions. 

The program comprises of a series of micro-courses which align with specific competencies ensuring learners develop AI-related expertise that is both practical and industry-relevant. 

There are seven core tracks, with each track consisting of 2-3 micro-courses leading to different levels of proficiency.  Micro-courses in each track are designed to build upon each other so should be taken in order.

The first core track will begin with AI Foundations: Introduction to AI Concepts and Tools (AFN 10) in June 2025.  

Micro-courses by core tracks 

Equivalencies for UBC IT Staff

UBC IT staff who have completed existing ExL AI micro-certificates may fulfill requirements for certain tracks. For equivalencies, see below:

• Micro-certificate in Artificial Intelligence Cloud Solutions Strategy is equivalent to completion of the AI Foundations track.
• Micro-certificate in AI-powered Automation and Personalization is equivalent to completion of the AI Automation and Process Improvement track.

UBC IT staff can choose the micro-courses to take based on their role, stream (managerial or technical), interest and/or existing proficiency. Below are some examples of pathways for different roles. 

• Managerial pathway: Focus on strategy, governance, data and foundational technical awareness for IT managers, project coordinators, product managers, etc. 

• Technical pathway: Emphasizes hands-on AI, automation, integration and security for Software developers, data engineers, cybersecurity analytics, IT support, etc.  

• Senior leadership pathway: Focus on strategies, governance, advanced decision-making and broad AI literacy for CIOs, senior IT leaders, etc.  

The curriculum has been developed, and will be taught, by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in AI, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and digital transformation.  

• Ricardo Trujeque, is an entrepreneur and educator whose 20-year career intersects technology, communications and education. He has co-founded several software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies that span digital media content distribution, marketing automation, language assessment, disaster resilience assessment and, currently, immersive environments for training and education.Learn more about Ricardo.

• Lawrence McDaniel, BSc, is a freelance full-stack web developer and business analyst, as well as an angel investor, entrepreneur and mentor. He has worked as a freelance technology consultant since 1999, and has advised dozens of startups as well as international banks, hedge funds and real estate investment funds.Learn more about Lawrence.

• Travis Czech, is an instructor in cybersecurity, software development, ethical hacking and data engineering. In addition to teaching, he is a solutions and security architect and business and technology consultant. Travis is an EC-Council certified ethical hacker and network defender.Learn more about Travis.

• Kelly Shiohira, BA, MA, MSc, is a Director of the Global Science of Learning Education Network and a prominent strategist recognized for her work in areas of literacy, connecting education to the world of work, and the use of AI and Technology in Education.Learn more about Kelly. 

This 100% online part-time program consists of instructor-supported real-time classes combined with independent study. 

Each micro-course will consist of at least one virtual class taught by subject matter experts and a high degree of personal engagement and interactivity. All sessions are recorded in case you miss one. 

Outside of class, you can access online materials on your own time.   

What you receive 

Upon completion, learners will receive a course completion document for each completed micro-course.  

A UBC Certificate in AI for IT Professionals (name subject to change) will be submitted to UBC Vancouver Faculty Senate for approval. Students who successfully complete at least 10 micro-courses and the Capstone course, will be eligible for a UBC Certificate, subject to the UBC Vancouver Faculty Senate approval process expected to begin later in 2025. 

Expected effort 

Expect to spend approximately 12-14 hours per micro-course completing all learning activities, including attending live sessions online. 

Textbooks and materials 

There are no textbooks required for this program. All course content is provided in the online learning management system. 

Information on how UBC IT staff can register to come.  

Registration for the AI Foundations: Introduction to AI Concepts and Tools (AFN 10) will open soon.