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Graduate Certificate inAI Strategy, Leadership, and Business Impact

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Apply artificial intelligence in strategic and organizational contexts for competitive advantage in this 9-credit, online AI Strategy, Leadership, and Business Impact graduate certificate. Designed for business leaders, this non-technical program focuses on the enterprise application of AI to drive smarter decisions and stronger business outcomes.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by November 15 to start January 11

9 Credits$1,048 per credit

Gain AI Skills That Build Organizational Trust

  • Harness generative AI to tackle real business challenges, optimize workflows, and empower confident, data-informed decisions.

  • Evaluate AI technologies and emerging trends to determine their strategic value and inform organizational decision-making.

  • Leverage industry-leading AI platforms to enhance productivity and implement practical solutions in day-to-day operations.

  • Build organizational trust in AI through AI literacy, clear communication, and a balance of automation and human judgement.

  • Lead the integration of AI within organizations, understanding its impact on structure, culture, roles, and workforce dynamics.

Courses in this certificate program emphasize applying AI using leading platforms and tools to inform decision-making and enhance business performance.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a comprehensive overview of generative AI technologies, experience in prompt engineering, and their application in business contexts. Students will gain hands-on experience using various generative AI platforms and learn practical methods for leveraging these tools to solve business problems.

  • 3
    credits

    This course explores the transformative role of AI in modern organizations, focusing on its impact on organizational structure, culture, roles, collaboration, and workforce dynamics. Students will gain a deep understanding of change management strategies for AI adoption, human perceptions and attitudes toward AI in the workplace, and the reshaping of organizational structures and roles in the age of AI.

  • 3
    credits

    This course offers an in-depth exploration of AI from a "state of play" perspective, focusing on the maturity life cycle and its application across major functional areas of business. Students will gain practical, hands-on experience in assessing the current state of AI technologies and their strategic impact as well as understanding how to identify and assess evolving trends.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by August 3 to start August 24. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2026–27 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,048 per credit
12 or more$12,572 per semester

2027–28 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2027, Spring 2028, and Summer 2028 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,069 per credit
12 or more$12,823 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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Smeal College of Business is committed to being your partner in lifelong learning. Smeal offers programs, support, and resources for every career stage and life circumstance that will prepare you not only for your next great opportunity but also for the one after that.

More options, greater flexibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning

The desire for knowledge and professional growth spans a lifetime. That is why the Penn State Smeal College of Business offers a portfolio of professional graduate programs for all stages of your career. In partnership with Penn State World Campus, Smeal makes it easy to customize a learning plan to your unique career aspirations and busy schedule. Penn State Smeal offers you a lifetime of learning with more concentrations and one of the most integrated, flexible offerings of online and residential programs in the United States.

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An entire team dedicated to your success

Personal advising — Our experts will explain the many options that Penn State Smeal offers and will help you refine your career strategy and craft the educational experience best suited to your interests. It all starts with a simple, but critical question: “What are your goals?” 

Career coaching* — Our Alumni Career Services team will support you across all career stages with professional advancement opportunities and coaching to help you stay focused on achieving your goals.

Delivering the best of online and in-person learning for a rich educational experience

We understand that today’s professional learners want meaningful discussion and interaction with faculty and classmates along with the technologies and flexible approaches of contemporary online learning. By aligning the best of both worlds, we bring richness, depth, and diversity to the overall educational experience.

Courses designed to engage and motivate the professional student

Creative Teams consisting of a lead faculty member, a Teaching Support Specialist (TSS), and an Instructional Designer use advanced analytics to develop and deliver contemporary graduate courses that promote application and engagement. We strive to innovate in ways that others don’t. 

AI at Smeal

At the Smeal College of Business, artificial intelligence is integrated across business education and operations rather than being treated as a stand-alone tool. AI influences curriculum design, research, scholarship, and faculty and staff development to enhance teaching, strengthen impact, and improve real-world relevance. Smeal’s integrated AI framework connects education, research, and practice while promoting continuous innovation and responsible adoption. As a result, students should graduate prepared to use AI effectively, evaluate it critically, and apply it responsibly in business environments.

A real-world perspective

  • Industry professionals inside the virtual classroom — Many of Penn State Smeal’s courses feature industry professionals who have been in the trenches and work hard to make an impact every day. These individuals, most of whom hold a Smeal graduate degree, partner with our renowned faculty to provide a rich academic context with real-world application.
  • Global immersion* — This unique, optional experience will enhance your ability to communicate cross-culturally, adapt to evolving business environments, and manage the risks and benefits of operating on a global scale. Any student pursing a full degree from Smeal may participate in this optional, faculty-led experience for elective credit. Previous destinations have included Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Prague, Czech Republic; Santiago, Chile; and Zagreb, Croatia.

One of the largest and most influential networks in the country

At Penn State, you are part of a worldwide community of instructors, learners, and more than 800,000 alumni who support one another and make a meaningful impact. Whether studying on campus or online through Penn State World Campus, all Penn State students can experience a sense of community and belonging. You’ll have opportunities to engage with your peers, faculty, and alumni through virtual and in-person, on-campus events such as Impact Smeal Day, WE ARE Weekend, THON™, and the Blue-White game.

More than 96,000 Smeal alumni benefit from connections around the globe as well as networking events, podcasts, webinars, a powerful LinkedIn community, and opportunities for volunteerism.

* Services are available only to students and alumni of Penn State Smeal’s degree programs and online degrees led by Smeal and delivered through the World Campus. Students and alumni of online graduate certificates are not eligible to receive these benefits unless they are also enrolled in a degree program.

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Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Programs Related to This Certificate

Continue Your AI strategy, leadership, and business impact education online through Penn State World Campus.

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Learn to leverage data to generate meaningful insights in the areas of digital marketing communications, customer experience and lifecycle, and brand management. This online master's degree program can help you articulate marketing's return-on-investment to stakeholders across your organization.

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Prepare to lead organizations at the highest level. This program focuses on strategic thinking and leadership and is designed to help you master organizational strategies that drive effectiveness and performance.

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). Depending on the course offering schedule for the program, certificates may be completed in 8–16 months.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

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Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

Note: This program is under review for GI Bill® eligibility, and you may experience delays attempting to use GI Bill benefits toward this program until it has been officially approved.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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Apply by November 15 to start January 11

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 15 to start January 11

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by April 15, 2027, to start May 17, 2027

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by July 20, 2027, to start August 23, 2027

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    GMAT/GRE test scores are not required.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Vita or Résumé — Provide a one- to two-page listing of professional experience.

    Statement of Purpose — Submit a statement describing how your professional experience and goals align with the certificate.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in AI Strategy, Leadership, and Business Impact, and when courses are offered, please contact:

Penn State Smeal College of Business
Professional Graduate Programs Office
Phone: 814-863-0061
[email protected]
Schedule an Appointment

For general questions about the application process, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

This program is offered in partnership with the Penn State Smeal College of Business. You will connect with expert faculty who are passionate about serving nontraditional students and specially trained to teach in an online environment.

Faculty

  • Brian H. Cameron

    • Ph.D., Learning and Performance Management Systems, Penn State
    • MBA, Penn State
    • B.S., Computer Science, Shippensburg University

    Dr. Brian H. Cameron is the associate dean for Professional Graduate Programs and a clinical professor of information systems in the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Dr. Cameron is also the founding director of the Center for Enterprise Architecture in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology and the founding president of the Federation of Enterprise Architecture Professional Organizations (FEAPO). He has worked with a wide portfolio of companies on a variety of consulting engagements, ranging from systems integration projects to enterprise and business architecture planning and design. Dr. Cameron has consulted with Accenture, AT&T Wireless, Avaya, Boeing, EMC Corp., Lockheed Martin, NSA, Oracle, Raytheon, U.S. Marine Corps, and many others. He has served on the boards and working committees of several international professional organizations and journals and is a special academic adviser to the Business Architecture Guild. Dr. Cameron’s current research focus is effective value measurement for enterprise and business architecture.

  • Janet Duck

    headshot

    Faculty Chair, Online MBA

    • Ph.D., Workforce Development, Penn State
    • MBA, Lebanon Valley College
    • B.S., Business Administration, Slippery Rock University

    Dr. Janet Duck has more than 15 years of teaching, authoring, and designing experience in online graduate environments. She teaches courses in organizational change management, leadership communication, organizational development and intervention, and team performance. Additionally, Dr. Duck serves as the faculty lead for the Professional Graduate Portfolio (PGP) at the Smeal College of Business, where she facilitates data-driven course design for the graduate business population. She has received the Outstanding Faculty award for the iMBA. She has more than 15 years of industry experience in organizational change and development in both domestic and international markets. Dr. Duck's work in online teaching has been highlighted in The New York Times and Delta Sky Magazine.

  • Cheryl Horten

    • DBA, Business Intelligence, Marymount University
    • MBA, Penn State
    • B.S.; B.A., Marketing and International Business, Bowling Green State University
    • B.A., Spanish, Bowling Green State University

    Cheryl Horten teaches courses in business analytics and business statistics at Penn State. Cheryl joined the Smeal faculty with a rich background spanning more than 17 years in industry. She also serves as an academic coordinator, focusing on innovating online teaching and learning for professional graduate students. Her dedication to both academia and industry allows her to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing her students with a comprehensive and relevant education.

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We Are Penn State Online

This is the real Penn State. You will take courses with curriculum developed by the same professors who teach on campus. You can expect the same caliber of academic quality that you associate with Penn State.

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by November 15 to start January 11. How to Apply 

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