Purdue launches online AI certificate for educators
Purdue University's College of Education is now offering an AI in Education Graduate Certificate designed to teach educators, corporate trainers, and instructional designers how to evaluate and integrate artificial intelligence into learning environments.
The nine-credit program is entirely online and allows students to complete courses at their own pace, with most courses taking eight weeks. It's also available as a concurrent degree option for students already enrolled in residential graduate programs at Purdue.
What the program covers
The certificate trains educators to use AI tools while maintaining ethical standards. A 2025 UNESCO study found that only 19 percent of schools and universities have formal policies governing AI use, highlighting a gap the program aims to address.
Three core courses make up the curriculum:
- AI Integration in Education - Students learn to use generative AI tools like Google Teachable Machine and develop blueprints for ethical AI use in learning contexts.
- AI Applications in STEM Education - This course explores how AI functions as an assistant in STEM fields and examines challenges in teaching and learning with these tools.
- Computerized Adaptive Testing - Students study how AI measures learning through adaptive testing systems and evaluate AI's impact on assessment and instruction.
John P. Broome, clinical associate professor of social studies education at Purdue, said the ethical component is essential. "By examining ethical issues, students can establish guidelines for meaningful integration, ensuring that the use of generative AI is handled responsibly within modern learning environments," he said.
Context within Purdue's AI strategy
The certificate follows Purdue's December 2025 announcement of AI@Purdue, a strategic plan organized around five pillars: Learning with AI, Learning about AI, Research AI, Using AI, and Partnering in AI.
Wayne E. Wright, associate dean for research, graduate education and faculty development, said the certificate builds on existing faculty expertise and grows out of Purdue's annual AI in P12 Education conference, which brings together researchers, teachers, administrators, and industry partners.
In 2026, Purdue's College of Education online master's degree programs ranked No. 13 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The Instructional Media Design program ranked No. 9 nationally.
For more details on enrollment and curriculum, visit the program's website or explore AI for Education resources.
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