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Application Deadline: August 3rd
AI Essentials Certificate Program
Generative AI is a tool that’s shaping how we work, communicate, and solve problems every day! The AI Essentials Certificate Program is designed for learners of all backgrounds who want to understand what AI is and how to use it in a practical, responsible way.
Through three courses, you’ll build a strong foundation in AI while learning skills you can use right away in your daily life and work. This program focuses on more than just tools: You’ll learn how to think through AI use, check its accuracy, and decide when it makes sense to use it.
Two simple ideas guide the program: the Verification Mindset and the Investigative AI Cycle. In practice, this means learning how to pause and check AI outputs before using them, and how to work through a clear process of asking questions, generating ideas, reviewing results, and improving them. These habits help you use AI with confidence instead of guessing or relying on it blindly.
You’ll practice real-world tasks like drafting messages, organizing information, and generating ideas, while also learning how to spot errors, check facts using reliable sources, and make informed decisions. As you move through the program, you’ll build the confidence to use AI as a helpful tool without giving up your own judgment.
By the end of the program, you’ll know how to use AI tools and how to work with them in a way that supports your ideas and decisions. The skills you build can be used across different jobs, industries, and everyday situations.
Program Highlights:
The AI Essentials Certificate Program includes three courses that build step by step, starting with the basics and moving into real-world use and more advanced decision-making. A structured schedule with due dates helps keep you on track. Meeting those deadlines makes sure you receive timely, personalized feedback, which is an important part of building your skills.
Instant benefits for registered students:
Students in the AI Essentials Certificate Program will gain access to paid and licensed versions of several toolkits, including Microsoft, Google, and ChatGPT.
By completing the AI Essentials Certificate Program, you’ll be able to:
- Explain what AI is and how it shows up in everyday life.
- Use AI tools to help with writing, organization, and idea generation.
- Check AI-generated content for accuracy and make informed decisions before using it.
- Know when to use AI, when to double-check it, and when to rely on your own judgment instead.
At A Glance
Credits
9 CEUsCost
$550 per courseModality
100% onlineNext Application Deadline
Fall 2026: August 3, 2026Enrollment Requirements
Unlock your potential with our open-enrollment program — no admissions requirements and no barriers to getting started. While you’ll still complete an application, everyone is welcome, whether you’re beginning a new path or building on existing skills. Take the next step and discover where your potential can lead!
Program Outline and Requirements
All three courses must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. A grade of "C" or better must be obtained in each course. Courses carry Continuing Education Units (CEU) and typically cannot be counted towards a degree.
Courses are taken in sequence, one semester for all three courses – 12 weeks total.
Tuition and Fees
The following are estimated costs for the AI Essentials Certificate Program.
Three courses at $550 per course, plus one-time $35 application fee.
Students may choose to purchase premium versions of AI tools that will be utilized during the duration of the program. However, this is not required.
CSUB Extended Education makes every effort to keep student costs low; however, all listed fees are estimates and may be increased or modified — including after initial payment — in accordance with approval processes and the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Education Code §§66028–66028.6).
Note: Program is not eligible for FAFSA-based financial aid.
Payment Options
There are two payment options for your convenience:
- Pay the full course fee amount at the time of registration.
- Sign up for the Tuition Payment Plan, which allows you to spread the cost of your classes over a longer period of time.
Note: Program is not eligible for FAFSA-based financial aid.
How to Apply
To apply to the AI Essentials Certificate program at CSU Bakersfield, complete the following:
Note: Application fees are non-refundable.
Application Deadlines
We offer start dates for two terms throughout the year. Please see the deadlines below for each term.
