AI for Organizations FAQ
General Questions
Q: How does the certificate in AI for Organizations differ from the other programs offered already, specifically the AI Specialization in the MSIM program?
A: Here's a chart comparing MSIM degree (with an AI specialization) and the certificate program:
| MSIM Degree w/ AI Specialization | AI Certificate |
|---|---|---|
Program duration | 12-21 months full-time; 36-65 credits depending on track
| 9 months; 15 credits |
Full-time or Part-time | Full-time or part-time | Part-time only |
Modality | Residential or online | Online only |
Intended audience | Career starters, changers, and advancers from any industry desiring to work with artificial intelligence | Working professionals who will transform their work using artificial intelligence |
F-1 Visa eligibility | Residential modality only | None |
AI Curriculum | 3 specialization courses focused on AI foundations, how to implement AI solutions for your business purpose, how to govern and assess the risks and benefits of AI for your organization plus 2+ elective courses on other emerging topics in AI. Students are able to engage in available AI electives as their interests and schedules allow. | Cohort-based 3-course sequence (15 credits) focused on AI foundations, how to implement AI solutions for your business purpose, and how to govern and assess the risks and benefits of AI for your organization; sequence culminates with a Capstone project. |
Non-AI Curriculum | Highly flexible and customizable curriculum grounded in a required four-course foundation sequence (16 credits) focused on strategic leadership, designing and implementing information management systems and technologies, ethics and systematic problem-solving. Students can also take available elective classes in areas adjacent to AI (e.g. data science, product management, user experience, etc.) as their interests and schedules allow. | None. |
Additional electives | Additional electives available in artificial intelligence, data science, business intelligence, program/product management, information architecture, user experience, and emerging technologies/topics | No additional electives available |
Student support | Students have access to a full range of support from their advising and student coaching team along with the Information School’s career services and UW’s career services offices. | Students have access to a full range of support from their advising and student coaching team along with the Information School’s career services and UW’s career services offices. |
Campus resources | Students have complete access to the UW libraries, the recreation facilities, and all health & wellness offices. | Students have complete access to the UW libraries. They have more limited access to recreation and health & wellness offices. |
Tuition & Fees | Students are charged tuition on a fee/credit basis. Additionally, there are required student fees charged by the UW. | Students are charged tuition on a fee/credit basis. Additionally, there are required student fees charged by the UW. |
Scholarships | All applicants are considered for a limited number of Information School merit-based scholarships. | No scholarships are available for certificate students. We encourage you to contact your employer about possible tuition support. |
Start terms per year | The residential modality starts annually in Autumn quarter. The online modality starts quarterly: Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer quarters. | The certificate starts annually in Autumn quarter. |
Next Academic Opportunities | Most students consider this a terminal degree. Some students continue into Ph.D. programs. Often credits will apply, but it is up to the program. | Certificate students can pursue master’s and Ph.D. degrees. Students can pursue the MSIM degree and apply their 15 certificate credits easily. |
Admissions
Q: How many students will you admit?
A: The Autumn 2026 cohort will be 30 people.
Q: Will students be able to start in any quarter?
A: No, at present, students can only start their certificate in autumn quarter.
Q: Can I apply for both the certificate and a full graduate program?
A: Yes, you can apply for both the certificate and a full graduate program. You will have to meet the admission requirements for each program, submit separate applications and pay all required application fees.
Q: I’m currently a graduate student at the UW. Can I apply for the certificate?
A: Yes, current UW graduate students (enrolled in any program, on any UW campus) are able to apply for and complete the certificate. The decision on applying credits must be made by your graduate program; please reach out to your academic advisor to discuss your plans. If you are an Information School graduate student, your credits can very likely count toward your degree. See “Can I pursue the certificate while also enrolled in a UW master’s program?”
Q: Can I apply for the certificate as a graduate nonmatriculated student?
A: No, the Information School does not allow students to apply for or register for this certificate as a graduate nonmatriculated student.
Q: How can I pay for this certificate?
- Loans: Certificate students registered for a minimum of 5 credits, as all our certificate students will be, are eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Please fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible to determine your aid eligibility.
- Scholarships: The Information School will not be allocating scholarships to certificate students. However, we encourage all students to seek external scholarships to fund their graduate studies.
- Employer support: Students may pursue the program with the support of their organizations, which could take the form of tuition support and/or offering the student new career opportunities in the form of AI-related projects and assignments, either while enrolled or upon graduation.
Academics
Q: Will certificate students be invited and able to attend Information School events, join RSOs (registered student organizations), use campus resources, etc.?
A: Yes, certificate students will be able to attend events, join RSOs and use many campus resources.
Q: Are the classes sequenced?
A: The courses are sequenced: all students should complete the courses in order of 500, 501 and 502. If that is not possible, please contact your certificate program manager for guidance.
Q: Can I pursue the certificate while also enrolled in a UW master’s program?
A: Yes, you can pursue this certificate while enrolled in another UW graduate program. You will need to apply and be admitted to the program separately from your graduate program. Please contact the Information School team at aiorgs@uw.edu for more information.
Q: Can the certificate count toward my Information School graduate program (e.g. MLIS, MSIM, Museology or Ph.D.) requirements?
- MSIM students: MSIM students who are admitted to the AI certificate can count the AI certificate courses toward their MSIM degree. For Early-Career students, please discuss with your advisor which of your specializations you are deprioritizing. Students who are pursuing the AI specialization and want to change to the AI certificate will need to take all 15 credits of the certificate and cannot count courses from their MSIM work toward the certificate.
- MLIS and Museology students: AI certificate courses are eligible to count toward your degree. Meet with your advisor to discuss your options and how credits may count. Please note the AI certificate fee rate is higher than your fee rate.
- PhD students: If you are considering the certificate, reach out to us at iask@uw.edu.
- Informatics students: Once you have completed your undergraduate degree, you are eligible to apply for the AI certificate. No courses from your undergraduate degree may apply to the certificate.
Q: If I start the certificate but decide I would be better served by a full graduate degree, can I change?
A: If you plan to change from the certificate program to a full graduate degree, you will need to apply to that degree and be admitted to the program. You may be able to apply your previous certificate credits to your Information School master’s degree, depending on the degree program you've applied to.
Q: I’m trying to decide between the certificate and the MSIM degree with a specialization in AI. What should I know?
A: See the comparison chart at the top of this page. The certificate will provide students with a strong foundation in artificial intelligence, how to implement AI solutions for your business purpose, and how to govern and assess the risks and benefits of AI for your organization. However, it will not include additional coursework on the foundations of information management or allow you to take additional adjacent courses in data science, business intelligence, program/product management, and user experience. Contact us at aiorgs@uw.edu to speak with an advisor who can help you weigh the benefits of each program for your personal career and academic goals.
Careers
Q: What career outcomes do you anticipate for graduates of the certificate program?
A: As a new offering, the Graduate Certificate in AI for Organizations does not yet have alumni data related to career outcomes, though industry reports indicate these skills are in-demand. We will provide data on alumni outcomes as it becomes available in the future.
Q: Will certificate students (and graduates) have access to Information School Career Services (iCareers) and events?
A: Yes. Graduate certificate students will have access to career events and programming and resources offered through the iSchool and the University of Washington Career and Internship Center. Some of these events will be virtual while others will require in-person attendance.
Student Experience
Q: Can I complete the certificate fully online?
A: All coursework can be completed online, however, certificate students are required to participate in an on-campus certificate project kickoff event in September.
Q: Are the classes taught synchronously or asynchronously?
A: The majority of coursework will be completed asynchronously through video lectures, readings and discussion boards, but students are expected to attend one two-hour synchronous class once a week (starting at 5:30 p.m. Pacific).
Q: What is a cohort-based program and how does this impact the learning experience?
A: The certificate’s cohort-based approach will allow you to progress through your classes alongside students with similar goals who are likely encountering similar workplace challenges with AI to yourself. Your shared professional and classroom experience will foster a supportive and community-driven learning journey to enhance your learning and develop your network after you graduate.
Q: Will there be formal opportunities outside of class to engage with my classmates, faculty and other Information School students?
A: Certificate students are able to participate in a wide variety of events alongside the broader Information School community while you’re enrolled. You will also join robust and vibrant UW and Information School alumni communities upon graduation.