William Paterson Launches New Undergraduate Certificate in AI Literacy and Ethics

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we work, communicate, and make decisions. To help students and professionals navigate this shift, William Paterson University has launched a new AI Literacy and Ethics Certificate: a flexible, 9-credit undergraduate program focused on understanding AI and using it responsibly.

Designed for both current students and working professionals, the interdisciplinary certificate combines technical awareness with critical thinking, preparing learners to engage confidently with AI tools across a wide range of fields.

Students choose three of four courses:

• Introduction to AI: Applications, Tools, and Social Impact
• When Algorithms Decide: Artificial Intelligence in Social Context
• Writing with Artificial Intelligence
• The Ethics of AI: Truth, Bias, and Critical Thinking

Through the program, students will learn how AI systems work, where they fall short, and how to evaluate their impact on society. Just as importantly, they will develop the skills to question, interpret, and apply AI in ethical and responsible ways.

Those who earn the certificate will be able to:

• Understand the capabilities and limitations of AI tools, including large language models
• Evaluate risks such as bias, misinformation, and lack of transparency
• Apply ethical reasoning to real-world AI use in professional and civic contexts
• Create and assess AI-generated content with a critical eye
• Advocate for human-centered approaches to AI design and decision-making

 

Meeting a Growing Workforce Need

Demand for AI-related skills is accelerating across industries. Recent national data show job postings requiring AI skills have surged dramatically in the past year, with especially strong growth in areas related to ethics, policy, and governance.

Employers are increasingly seeking professionals who can not only use AI tools but also understand their implications and risks. William Paterson’s certificate addresses this need by bridging the gap between technical literacy and ethical responsibility.

Whether working in business, education, healthcare, communications, or public service, students who complete the program will be better prepared to navigate and lead in an AI-driven world.

Learn more about the certificate here.