WPU Launches New Undergraduate Certificate in AI Literacy and Ethics

The AI Literacy and Ethics certificate is a 9-credit interdisciplinary program that can be added to any major. The AI Literacy and Ethics certificate is designed to equip learners with the foundational knowledge to understand AI technologies, critically assess their ethical implications, and apply this understanding to professional contexts. Learners will develop both technical awareness and ethical reasoning skills needed to navigate and lead in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

AI expertise is seen as a key to future-proofing a career.  As AI continues to evolve and integrate into more industries, professionals with AI knowledge will have a stronger footing in the job market.  A program that focuses on practical, job-ready skills allows professionals to deliver immediate value in their roles.  An AI certificate provides tangible, credible proof of skills to employers. 

This certificate may be completed within the first two years of college and is appropriate for any major; several courses in the certificate count towards the UCC.

Students choose three of four courses:

• CS 1101 Introduction to AI: Applications, Tools, and Social Impact Credits: 3.0
• ENG 2060 Writing and Artificial Intelligence Credits: 3.0
• PHIL 2000 Ethics of AI: Truth, Bias, and Critical Thinking Credits: 3.0
• SOC 1030 Artificial Intelligence in Social Context Credits: 3.0

What You'll Learn

• How AI tools and large language models actually function
• How to identify bias, misinformation, and ethical issues in AI systems
• How to collaborate with AI in writing, research, and professional contexts
• How to apply fairness, accountability, and transparency in decision-making.

Why it Matters

AI skills are now in demand across all industries. Employers seek graduates who can use AI ethically and effectively—not just coders, but communicators, creators, and critical thinkers.

NOTEWORTHY JOB TITLES

• Communications & Media 
• Government & Policy 
• Healthcare & Public Health 
• Business & Banking
• Education
• Technology & Data Roles

*Categories based on the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) key competencies.

Visit the webpage for more information:

https://www.wpunj.edu/cohss/departments/language-literature-culture-and-writing/undergraduate-programs/certificates/ai-literacy-and-ethics-certificate-ug

Address any questions to:

Christopher Salerno, Certificate Coordinator

salernoc3@wpunj.edu