Brand new certificate coming in 2025-2026!
Graduate Certificate in Human Centered Artificial Intelligence
LOCATION
Seattle, in-person
DURATION
1 academic year
TIMES
Evenings
Overview
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of the tools, processes, and experiences that shape both our workplaces and daily lives. This shift is transforming the work of designers, UX practitioners, researchers, data scientists, and program managers who are responsible for creating and implementing the technologies people interact with every day.
As AI changes what is possible, the need for approaches that keep people at the center has never been greater. Human-centered methods and practices are widely recognized as essential to ensuring emerging technologies are designed and implemented responsibly. The Graduate Certificate in Human Centered Artificial Intelligence is built around this perspective, focusing on AI that is ethical, equitable, and responsive to human needs.
This brand new certificate is offered by the University of Washington’s Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE), which brings expertise in combining socio-technical knowledge with practical, real-world problem-solving. This certificate prepares professionals to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI by building fluency in core concepts, exploring the ethical and societal impacts of emerging technologies, and developing strategies for responsible integration into products, services, and organizational practices.
Classes are integrated with students from HCDE’s master’s program and User-Centered Design certificate program, giving students the chance to learn alongside a diverse community of professionals. This collaborative environment enhances the experience, bringing together multiple perspectives, backgrounds, and levels of expertise to enhance the learning experience.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the certificate, graduates will be able to:
- Articulate foundational AI concepts and apply them to contribute meaningfully to AI-driven innovations.
- Build and implement AI solutions that prioritize human needs and experiences.
- Evaluate strategic implications and potential risks of AI in organizational and societal contexts.
Curriculum
The four-course, 16-credit certificate includes three required courses and one elective course. Students may take 1–2 courses per quarter and complete the program in one academic year.
Introduces core AI concepts through non-technical explanations designed for a broad range of students. Students will gain the background needed to understand how AI systems are built and used, recognize their limitations, and assess their societal impacts. Emphasizing ethics and human-centered design, the course prepares students to evaluate AI technologies, address challenges such as bias and transparency, and collaborate across disciplines to develop responsible, equitable applications.
Examines responsible AI development through the lens of ethics, risk, and governance. Students will learn to identify and evaluate potential harms, from bias and security vulnerabilities to broader societal impacts, while also assessing organizational risks such as financial, reputational, and compliance concerns. The course emphasizes ethical data stewardship and equips professionals with frameworks for balancing innovation, risk management, and human-centered considerations in AI strategy.
This capstone-style course, exclusive to AI certificate students, brings together knowledge from previous classes through hands-on, real-world projects. Students will apply human-centered methods to the design and evaluation of AI systems, develop and validate solutions through user studies, and practice communicating effectively with stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on navigating complex problem spaces, applying ethical accountability, and demonstrating the ability to integrate responsible AI practices into design and implementation.
Options support varied interests and backgrounds of students
Choose from:
- Material and Cultural Bias in Algorithmic Systems (5 credits)
- Design and Prototyping with AI (4 credits)
- Human Centered Research and AI (4 credits)
Admission
Applicants to this program should be technically fluent and familiar with human-centered design principles and methods. Professional experience is recommended but not required.
Who should apply
This program is designed for working professionals from various fields, including UX design, product management, design research, and strategic design. It’s also a good fit for HCDE alumni who want to deepen their expertise in AI and its human-centered applications.
The program is designed for professionals who want to:
- Lead AI initiatives in their organizations
- Integrate AI capabilities into products and services
- Ensure responsible and ethical AI development
- Build strategic frameworks for AI implementation
Certificate students also have access to HCDE advising and student services, including portfolio reviews, alumni and industry mentoring, the UX Speaker Series, and special events such as office tours and site visits.
Application materials
Applicants will be required to submit the following materials:
- Applicant profile and contact information
- Academic history and unofficial transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- Academic background form
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency
- Submitted application with application fee
Application deadline
Applications are accepted once per year because courses follow a set sequence. To begin in autumn quarter, applications are due by July 1, 2026. Final details will be added to this webpage by Autumn 2025.
Tuition and fees
Graduate credits from this certificate may be applicable to the HCDE Master of Science degree. View current tuition rates »
Certificate stackability
Students may complete the certificate on its own or combine it with another College of Engineering certificate to create a stacked Master of Engineering in Multidisciplinary Engineering.
Certificate instructors
Courses are taught by HCDE faculty and guest instructors from industry, bringing academic and professional perspectives into the classroom. View profiles of HCDE faculty and Affiliate and Adjunct faculty.