Oregon State University is turning artificial intelligence breakthroughs into accessible, short-form learning opportunities through the launch of its AI fundamentals microcredentials, a new collection of interdisciplinary credentials available to all OSU students and learners everywhere.
These offerings bridge Oregon State’s strengths in research, applied learning and ethics, empowering learners to understand, question and apply AI in a subject of interest in ways that are technically sound and socially responsible.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping every industry, and Oregon State is leading the way to ensure learners have access to high-quality, ethically grounded AI education,” said Lisa L. Templeton, the vice provost of OSU’s Division of Educational Ventures. “These three-course microcredentials reflect our commitment to preparing people to lead, work and innovate in a rapidly changing world.”
Each AI fundamentals microcredential — available online through Oregon State Ecampus and in person on the Corvallis campus —consists of three academic credit courses that provide a broad, real-world foundation in artificial intelligence:
- AI for Everyone — In this class, students will explore the core ideas and capabilities of artificial intelligence while imagining how it can be applied across disciplines in everyday life. With a non-coding, hands-on approach, learners study the history and evolution of AI, from early symbolic systems to today’s machine learning and deep learning models that power technologies.
- AI Ethics: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly — Learners will examine the moral stakes and societal implications of AI. This course focuses on issues of privacy, surveillance, bias, accountability and the broader impact of AI on work, relationships and culture. Learners consider the responsibilities of those who design, govern and use AI — and the values that should guide its development.
- The third course in each microcredential applies these foundations within a specific discipline, such as public policy, natural resources, psychology or business, helping learners connect AI concepts to professional practice.
“Oregon State faculty designed these courses to make AI understandable and relevant to everyone,” Templeton said. “Whether their background is in business, biology or the arts, learners will gain a foundation to engage with AI thoughtfully and think critically about who benefits from AI, who might be disadvantaged and how we can design systems that reflect our shared values.”
These offerings are the first in a growing suite of AI fundamentals microcredentials from Oregon State. They were developed collaboratively by the Division of Educational Ventures (home of Ecampus), the Division of Academic Affairs and OSU’s academic colleges.
By combining OSU’s faculty expertise in engineering, the humanities and a variety of other disciplines with the university’s leadership in workforce development, these microcredentials will help learners develop future-ready skills and positively contribute to economic growth throughout Oregon and beyond.
Learn more about Oregon State’s short-form, ethically grounded AI educational pathways.
