AI Skills Accelerator for IT, Digital and Enterprise Systems Professionals

This program is designed to equip IT professionals and organizational leaders with essential knowledge and practical skills in AI across a range of topics, including:

• AI foundations
• AI for strategic decision making and management
• AI automation and process improvement
• AI policy, governance, and risk management
• Cybersecurity and AI
• Data literacy for AI
• Integrating AI into enterprise

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 their expertise and career goals.

Designed for productivity, each two-week micro-course helps you upskill quickly while managing your work commitments.

The UBC Certificate in AI Skills Accelerator for IT, Digital and Enterprise Systems Professionals is ideal for forward-thinking professionals and organizations committed to leading in the rapidly changing landscape of AI-driven technology and business:

Technical professionals:

• Developers, system architects, IT infrastructure specialists, and cybersecurity analysts who need practical, hands-on experience in AI implementation, integration, and advanced system design.
• Professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in areas such as data literacy, machine learning, real-time threat detection, and advanced cyber defense strategies using AI.
• IT staff seeking to apply AI concepts and tools to real-world business processes and organizational challenges, progressing from foundational knowledge to mastery-level competencies.
• Individuals looking for flexible, stackable learning options that allow rapid upskilling while balancing full-time work commitments, with micro-courses that can be completed in one to two weeks.

Non-technical professionals:

• Managers, executives, and decision-makers who must understand AI’s strategic, ethical, and governance implications to lead digital transformation initiatives and make informed IT decisions.
• Organizational leaders responsible for integrating AI-driven decision-making into strategic planning, risk management, and process optimization.
• Support staff and business professionals involved in the oversight or implementation of AI projects, who require foundational knowledge of AI concepts, governance frameworks, and ethical considerations.
• Those interested in developing competencies in AI policy, risk management, and the societal impact of AI technologies, with pathways designed to progress from introductory to advanced levels.

Additional audiences:

• Teams or entire IT organizations seeking customized group training or tailored delivery to align with organizational goals and industry-specific needs.
• Professionals at any stage of their AI journey—from those just starting to explore AI fundamentals to those aiming to achieve mastery in specialized domains such as AI governance or cybersecurity.
• Individuals who value a flexible, online learning environment with live expert-led sessions, ensuring both accessibility and engagement.

Each micro-course costs $475 or buy three at once for $1,125. The total program cost is $4,500 to $5,937.

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, or refunds, cancellations and transfers.

The program comprises a suite of 20 micro-courses, each aligned with specific competencies to ensure learners develop AI-related expertise that is both practical and industry-relevant. Each micro-course takes approximately 14 hours to complete. The program includes approximately 150 hours of learning.

There are seven core tracks, each made up of two to three micro-courses that progressively build toward different levels of proficiency. The micro-courses in each track are designed to be taken in sequence, as each one builds on the last.

Core track descriptions

• AI Foundations: Explore core AI concepts and tools, moving from fundamental knowledge to practical application in business and organizational settings. Learners begin with introductory modules and progress toward understanding how AI can drive strategic decision-making and management innovation.
  • Note: Students who have previously completed the UBC Extended Learning Micro-certificate in Artificial Intelligence Cloud Solutions Strategy will have fulfilled the requirements for the AI Foundations core track.
• Cybersecurity and AI: Explore how AI enhances cybersecurity through threat detection and defense automation. This track supports both foundational learning and mastery of advanced cyber strategies.
• Data Literacy for AI: Develop the analytical foundation essential for leveraging AI. From understanding data fundamentals to deploying machine learning techniques, this track supports informed AI adoption through robust data literacy.
• AI for Strategic Decision-Making and Management: This track empowers learners to harness AI insights for high-impact planning and operational decision-making. Topics include data-informed leadership, scenario planning, and risk mitigation through advanced AI architecture.
• AI Automation and Process Improvement: Learn to transform workflows and boost efficiency through AI-powered automation. From tool implementation to scaling intelligent process redesign, this track is ideal for professionals driving operational innovation.
• AI Policy, Governance and Risk Management: Understand the frameworks and ethical considerations required for responsible AI adoption. This track prepares learners to develop governance strategies and manage organizational risks in AI-integrated environments.
• Integrating AI into the Enterprise: Examine how to design and scale AI solutions within existing enterprise systems. From workflow redesign to full-scale integration, learners gain practical tools to lead enterprise-wide AI initiatives.
• Work-Integrated Learning (Capstone Project): Apply your learning with a real-world capstone experience, where you will apply program knowledge to address practical AI challenges and present strategic AI solutions to industry stakeholders.

Micro-courses by core tracks

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.

Expected effort

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

Assessment

You are assessed on each course according to UBC assessment guidelines to ensure successful acquisition of required skills and concepts.

To earn your certificate, you must successfully complete at least 12 micro-courses, including the Capstone.

What you receive

Learners receive a digital badge for each completed micro-course.

After successfully completing at least 12 micro-courses, including the Capstone, you will receive a digital badge for the UBC Certificate in AI Skills Accelerator for IT, Digital and Enterprise System Professionals.

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.