Artificial Intelligence (AI), Youth, and Society Graduate Certificate
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a hype; it is a reality. As AI and generative AI are transforming education, learning, and society, the School of Information Sciences has created the Artificial Intelligence (AI), Youth, and Society Graduate Certificate to reflect this reality and train students to utilize these skills in their professions.
Program overview
This certificate will equip students, practitioners, and partners who interact with youth with knowledge and skills in bridging the gap between this technology and the social and ethical responsibility, and to explore and navigate the complexities of AI in teaching, learning, and everyday life.
Youth-focused perspective
With courses that include centering on the needs of children and youth, this certificate ensures students gain an in-depth understanding of how a digitally fluent audience interacts with emerging technologies.
Foundational framework
Those who earn this interdisciplinary certificate will gain a strong understanding around the ethical use of AI and other technologies alongside the policies and governance of using such technology when working with youth.
Industry‑relevant skills
Learn the tools, methods, and frameworks used by UX and information professionals, including skills in user research, usability testing, prototyping, interaction design, and information architecture
Why get a graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Youth, and Society?
The Artificial Intelligence (AI), Youth, and Society Certificate program is unique in its focus on youth (children, tweens, and teens). Today’s youth are growing alongside AI and must learn not only how to use it effectively and responsibly, but also how to think beyond the “answers,” prioritizing the credibility, accuracy, ethical, and responsible use of information.
Obtaining this certificate will enable graduate students, practitioners, and partners to:
- Enhance their understanding of how youth interact with AI and GenAI systems
- Develop critical perspectives on AI literacy
- Navigate the ethical and responsible use of AI
- Learn about AI policies, governance, and state and federal AI guidelines
What can you do with a graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Youth, and Society?
Receiving a Certificate in AI, Youth, and Society will prepare you to lead in various professional settings where understanding AI and human development is crucial. The Certificate offers complementary instruction and expertise to lead the evaluation and implementation of AI across K-12 schools, libraries, industry, communities (e.g., rural ones), and youth-focused organizations.
Here’s just a few roles where this certificate could help advance careers and provide a competitive edge in User Experience (UX) and the design of youth-centered system interfaces and products:
- Digital Literacy Coordinator: Coordinates programs and initiatives that teach individuals how to effectively and safely use digital technologies, including online research, AI tools, and digital communication platforms.
- PreK-12 Teacher: Today’s teachers are tasked with not only teaching traditional academics, but they also use technology in the classroom and instruct students on how to navigate and use the latest tools—such as generative AI—when learning, studying, and researching.
- Nonprofit Program Director: Helps ensure youth can interact with technology safely, ethically, and equitably through leading the design and implementation of youth programs while managing staff, overseeing budgets, and partnering with schools.
- Instructional Designer: Focuses on curriculum design and developing engaging digital courses or learning materials.
- School Librarian: Instructs students and teachers how to acquire, evaluate and use information, introduces them to literature and other educational resources, and manage school’s digital and physical collections.
Featured Courses
Below are some of the courses that students in our program can choose to take. For a list of all courses, visit the graduate catalog.
Certificate curriculum and requirements
INSC 561: Artificial Intelligence, Youth, and Society
Applications of AI and other emerging technologies in various application contexts. Covers AI and other technology tools designed for age-appropriate audiences, providing a critical lens on human-centered design through frameworks from information science, education, cognitive psychology, and Human-Computer Interaction. Analyzes the ethical, social, cultural, and technical aspects and implications of these technologies with emphasis on children and young adult users.
INSC 542: Social Informatics
Causes and consequences of accessing and using information and technologies by individuals, communities, organizations, governments, and society.
INSC 566: Critical Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence, Youth, and Society
Focuses on policies, governance, and leadership. It provides a critical analysis of the societal, ethical, cultural, technical, and institutional forces that shape the design, adoption, and use of AI and other emerging technologies across ecosystems serving children and young adult users.
Questions? Contact us!
