Certificate in Generative Artificial Intelligence
Next Session Start: March 9, 2026
- 3 COURSES
- 100% ONLINE
- ENROLLING MONTHLY
- 225 CLOCK HOURS
Master the tools shaping the future of intelligent systems.
The Certificate in Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) equips professionals in any industry with the knowledge and applied skills to design, build and deploy intelligent AI solutions.
The courses in this certificate connect conceptual understanding with accessible technical practice. You will explore how Generative AI systems create, refine and extend ideas across text, data and imagery.
From prompt engineering to responsible AI deployment, each course bridges conceptual understanding with technical fluency, empowering you to integrate generative AI into the work you do today and the innovations you'll lead tomorrow.
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
Certificate Program 3 courses | 6 weeks per course 12.5 hours per week Fast Track |
15% savings |
|
Single Course Each single course is made up of a Principles asynchronous micro-course and a Practice live virtual micro-course. |
10% savings See courses to enroll. |
BENEFITS BY ENROLLMENT OPTION
- 15% tuition savings
- A mix of asynchronous online coursework and assessments with weekly live virtual class sessions led by faculty
- Increased interaction between you, faculty and peer professionals throughout the course
- Digital Badge upon completion
- Certificate upon program completion
- 10% tuition savings
- A mix of asynchronous online coursework and assessments with weekly live virtual class sessions led by faculty
- Increased interaction between you, faculty and peer professionals throughout the course
- Digital Badge upon completion
GENERATIVE AI CERTIFICATE COURSES
Complete all three required courses to earn the full certificate.
REQUIRED
This course introduces the foundational concepts needed to begin working with generative AI tools, with an emphasis on Python programming and LLMs. Designed for learners from any professional background, students will develop basic coding skills in Python, explore how LLMs process and generate language, and practice crafting effective prompts for a range of tasks.
This course enables learners to design and build real-world applications using LLMs and Python. Learners will explore advanced prompting techniques, integrate LLMs using APIs, develop multi-step workflows through prompt chaining, and use retrieval techniques using embeddings and vector search. Emphasizing the idea of vibe coding where LLMs assist with generating, debugging, and iterating on code, this course helps learners build useful tools such as writing assistants, and feedback bots. Furthermore, this course prepares learners for deeper architectural, retrieval-based, and fine-tuning workflows in Course 3.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Generative AI with Python and LLMs
This course groups the foundational and applied skills from the previous two courses to explore advanced generative AI architectures and multimodal systems. Learners will deepen their understanding of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), vector databases, and lightweight fine-tuning techniques such as LoRA. The course also introduces image generation on tools and multimodal prompting strategies to help students design creative and personalized applications. Ethical considerations and system safety are incorporated to prepare learners for responsible deployment.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Generative AI with Python and LLMs and Application Development with LLMs
INTERESTED IN ENROLLING A GROUP?
Group enrollment is available for our professional education programs and provides cost-effective rates for teams. Investing in your workforce through shared training helps build future-ready leaders, strengthens employee engagement and supports your organization’s long-term growth.
PRINCIPLES + PRACTICE LEARNING MODEL
Principles serves as the foundation for each course, providing essential knowledge to help you expand your skill set and deepen your expertise. Through independently paced online coursework, you’ll watch videos and complete weekly assignments on your schedule. This flexible format ensures you can build your expertise at a pace that works for you.
Practice builds upon Principles through collaboration and real-world application. Weekly, live faculty-led sessions further enhance learning by fostering open dialogue and connecting you with peers across multiple industries. These interactive sessions provide opportunities to discuss workplace challenges, share insights and receive valuable feedback.
WHO SHOULD ENROLL?
This program is designed for professionals in any industry who are interested in moving beyond merely using AI tools to gain an understanding of how generative AI systems are built and applied. No prior experience with coding or data analysis is required. Learners will be introduced to the essential Python fundamentals needed to complete hands-on exercises and project-based learning activities.
- Professionals from any industry who want to deepen their technical fluency and apply AI to real-world challenges in their field.
- Analytical and creative professionals such as educators, marketers and healthcare specialists interested in using generative AI to enhance problem-solving, innovation and productivity.
- Technical professionals, including developers, engineers and data scientists, seeking to expand their expertise into generative AI development and integration.
- Career changers and innovators who want to understand how AI technologies work and how to apply them in practical, hands-on ways.
LEARNED SKILLS
- Python programming for AI workflows and application development
- Integration of large language models (LLMs) through APIs and structured prompting
- Advanced techniques in retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and vector database search
- Design of multimodal applications combining text, images and structured data
- Image generation and fine-tuning with tools like Stable Diffusion and DALL-E
- Lightweight model customization using LoRA and parameter-efficiency strategies
- Application of prompt chaining and vibe coding for iterative code generation and debugging
- Bias mitigation, hallucination control and ethical evaluation of generative AI systems
- Collaboration between AI models and human workflows to enhance creativity and productivity
“ This program is distinctly Villanova, and pairs technical fluency with reflection and purpose, preparing learners to lead responsibly in the era of generative intelligence. ”
- Venkat Margapuri, Villanova Faculty, Generative AI
CREDENTIALS
Earn a digital badge for every completed course. You'll also earn a program certificate and program digital badge upon completion of required courses. Showcase your new skills and gain a competitive edge by adding badges backed by Villanova University to your resume, LinkedIn profile or email signature.
THE VILLANOVA DIFFERENCE
The College of Professional Studies has cultivated a distinguished reputation for delivering the hallmark Villanova experience — academically rigorous, top-quality and innovative programs within a supportive community — to students who are pursuing higher education amidst busy professional and personal lives. As an internationally recognized institution, Villanova is proud of its vibrant community of alumni, faculty, students and staff who are dedicated to driving meaningful impact and transformative change within their communities.
At Villanova, we believe where you've been is just the beginning.
Pursue the Next You.™
GET IN TOUCH
610-519-7655
M-Th. 9 am - 7 pm | Fri. 9 am - 5 pm
FUNDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
EdAssist by Bright Horizons
Villanova University has partnered with EdAssist by Bright Horizons to help you take the next step in your education journey. Employees of participating organizations receive 15% in tuition savings and waived application fees on eligible Villanova programs.
Employee Tuition Reimbursement
Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement for professional education programs. Check with your employer to learn about available opportunities. To support your request, you can also reference our library of supervisor request letters.
Military service members and veterans may be eligible for tuition payment/assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® or other benefits.
Resources available to help you navigate your military and veteran benefits:
- Villanova Military Savings: active-duty, veterans and military-connected spouses and dependents are eligible to receive 15% savings per professional education certificate course.
- Military Tuition Assistance
- VA Education Benefits (including GI Bill®)
Please visit the Office of Veterans and Military Service Members' webpage for more information.
Employees of the U.S. government can take advantage of educational savings through Villanova's partnership with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Federal Academic Alliance.
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Payment plans are offered through Nelnet Campus Commerce and students are encouraged to reach out to Nelnet directly through the NCC website.
Please note:
- Payment plans are available for fall, spring and summer.
- Payments must be made over the course of 2-5 months, depending on when you enroll in the plan.
- There is an additional $45 payment plan fee for each semester.
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Tuition assistance and deferred payment plans can help you finance your education. Please consult with your employer to determine eligibility and specific reimbursement procedures, including any required documentation.
Learn more about Villanova University's professional education enrollment terms and conditions.