Bridgewater College Introduces Artificial Intelligence Certificate

Bridgewater College is set to launch a new certificate program in artificial intelligence literacy, designed for students of all majors. The 12-credit certificate will be offered online through the Nolen School of Business and Professional Studies, with coursework completed remotely.

The program aims to equip students with essential skills in using AI tools effectively in academic and professional settings. This includes learning how to determine when to use AI, create better prompts for AI-generated content, detect AI-generated material, and explore the ethical standards and legal issues surrounding AI usage.

No prior technical or coding background is required for the certificate program. Students can add it to their existing course of study, regardless of their major. The certificate focuses on information literacy, critical thinking, and the responsible use of AI in various contexts.

The growth of artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever to access vast amounts of information, but also raises concerns about its accuracy. According to Dr. Barbara Long, Dean of the Nolen School, 'With the growth of AI, it is easier than ever to get information, but it's not easy to know if it is good information.'

The certificate program will cover topics such as decision-making, ethics in AI, and using AI in creativity and design. It aims to provide students with a foundation of knowledge for navigating 21st-century careers that increasingly rely on AI.

Pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Bridgewater College's accrediting organization, the program is expected to launch in fall 2026 through a partnership with Rize Education.