Artificial Intelligence in Digital Media

The UBC Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Digital Media offers a blend of foundational knowledge, implementation strategy and practical tech tools. It prioritizes transferable knowledge and a critical thinking approach to help you adapt and succeed in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

By the end of this program, you’ll be able to:

• Develop a fundamental understanding of AI and cloud computing and how it can improve operational efficiency, decision-making and business outcomes
• Evaluate and choose the right AI platforms and cloud-based solutions for your organization’s specific needs, and create a strategy to ensure seamless integration into existing workflows
• Use AI tools to generate, curate and personalize written, visual and video content
• Implement AI-driven processes to streamline workflows, automate tasks like content scheduling and publishing and enhance operational efficiency
• Boost audience engagement and customer retention with AI-powered personalization and interactive experiences
• Prioritize risk management while exploring the ethical, legal and regulatory implications of AI and cloud computing, including the roles of governance, standards and compliance
• Discuss and address issues of AI bias, privacy, accountability, transparency and human rights
• Explore how AI is transforming society, including its impact on work and creativity, and consider whether AI can contribute to the common good
• Assess AI implementation from a business perspective, including cost-benefit analysis and ROI measurement
• Use AI to predict user behavior, analyze data and improve decision-making

Technical and coding skills are not required to take this program. Most of the courses include practical “no code” platforms and tools that are regularly updated to align with industry trends.

This program is designed to accommodate professionals in non-technical or tech-adjacent roles who are interested in quickly upskilling to succeed in businesses and organizations where automation and AI solutions are either under consideration or already implemented. It is particularly relevant for:

• Leaders and professionals, from business and operational managers, owners and CEOs, and digital transformation leads to business intelligence and financial teams, seeking to incorporate AI into their business processes and strategies
• Digital media specialists and managers across various industries who are responsible for developing media for business or creative needs
• Professionals working in media-related fields including web broadcast, film, video production, education, entertainment media, social media and marketing

Courses cost $950-$1,950. The total cost of the program is $5,700-$5,750, depending on which learning pathway you choose for the electives.

All fees are in Canadian dollars, subject to change and to GST (where applicable). For details on forms of payment accepted, please see How to pay.

Find more details on:

• financial support options
• refunds, cancellations and transfers

This certificate program offers two learning pathways and consists of five to six courses. Four courses are required, and the final courses are determined by which of the learning pathway options you select. Each course takes approximately 25 hours to complete, except for AI and Society: Ethics and Impact which takes 55 hours. The program includes approximately 150 hours of learning.

Learners who have already completed the existing UBC Micro-certificate in AI Cloud Solutions Strategy can apply the credential to ladder into the UBC Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Digital Media.

Required: Artificial Intelligence Cloud Solutions Strategy

Required: AI Powered Automation and Personalization

Learning Pathway Option 1: AI and Society: Ethics and Impact

Learning Pathway Option 2: AI Development of Interactive Experiences

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

Weekly virtual classes include subject matter experts and a high degree of personal engagement and interactivity. Virtual classes are recorded for later viewing.

Outside of class, you can access online materials on your own time. Each week, review readings and videos, apply your knowledge in exercises, case studies, and labs, and contribute to an online discussion forum where you can connect with other students.

Expected effort

Expect to spend approximately five to seven hours per week per course completing all learning activities, including attending the real-time online sessions. Textbooks and materials There are no textbooks required for this program. All course content is provided in the online learning management system.

Technology requirements

• To take this program, you need access to:
• an email account
• a computer, laptop or tablet, using Windows or macOS
• the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
• a reliable internet connection
• a video camera and microphone

Assessment

You are assessed on successfully completing weekly activities, including your contributions to discussion posts and applied case study projects (based on real-life scenarios). These activities are marked using a proficiency scale, and your instructor provides you informal feedback in the live sessions. While you’re not assessed on your attendance of the real-time online classes, we encourage you to attend so you don’t miss the opportunity to learn and interact with your instructor and other participants. All sessions are recorded in case you miss one.

Obtaining your certificate

When you’ve successfully completed the two required micro-certificates and one learning pathway, complete the certificate request form and pay the certificate application fee of $175 to obtain your certificate by mail.

Our program instructors are experts with extensive industry and adult education experience.

Ricardo Trujeque, Course Author and Instructor, 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.

Kelly Shiohira, Course Co-Author and Instructor, 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.

Dr. Simon Bates, Course Co-Author, is the UBC Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning, and Chair Associate of Pacific Rim Universities: University of the Future working group “How GenAI will enable, challenge and disrupt Higher Education.”

Lawrence McDaniel, BSc, Course Instructor, 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.