Graduate Certificate in AI in Business
Location: LAU Beirut
Delivery Mode: On-campus
Duration: One year (full-time)
Start term: Fall or Spring
Total Credits: 9
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in AI in Business is a focused, stand-alone graduate certificate and professional micro-credential aligned with the MS in Data Analytics (MSDA) curriculum. It is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, evaluate, and apply artificial intelligence in business contexts. The certificate emphasizes the strategic use of AI and data analytics to support organizational decision-making, innovation, and responsible technology adoption.
The certificate consists of 9 graduate credits drawn from existing MSDA courses. It is proposed as an in-person, stand-alone certificate offered through the ITOM Department at AKSOB. Students who complete the required 9 credits earn the Graduate Certificate in AI in Business as a stand-alone credential.
The certificate is designed to serve business professionals and graduate learners from diverse backgrounds who seek to develop practical AI literacy without requiring advanced technical expertise. The program focuses on interpreting AI outputs, supporting data-driven decision-making, ensuring responsible AI governance, and integrating AI capabilities into organizational processes.
By offering this stand-alone certificate using existing graduate courses, AKSOB strengthens its graduate offerings in analytics and AI while expanding access to focused, market-relevant professional education in a resource-efficient manner.
Admission
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in AI in Business follows the LAU general graduate requirements. In addition to meeting these standards, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
Educational Background:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s of science degree from an accredited institution in a related field. Examples of eligible disciplines include, but are not limited to, business, computer science, business, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or any other quantitative field.
Quantitative and Technical Proficiency:
A strong foundation in quantitative methods is essential. Applicants should have completed coursework in statistics and programming (experience with languages such as Python or R is highly recommended, but not obligatory). Applicants lacking these skills may enroll into a bootcamp to enhance their readiness and performance in courses.
Academic Performance:
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 is required for admission.
Additional Considerations:
While not mandatory, relevant professional experience in data analytics or a related area is highly valued and may strengthen an application. Lack of this professional experience will not lower your chances of being admitted to the Program.
Program Requirements
The Certificate in AI in Business will consist of 9 credits:
- Core courses (6 credits)
- One elective course (3 credits)
All required and elective courses are drawn from existing MS in Data Analytics offerings, ensuring academic coherence and efficient use of institutional resources.
| Core Courses (6 Credits) | ||
|---|---|---|
| DAN601 | Decision Making with Data | 3 credits |
| DAN614 | Data Visualization | 2 credits |
| DAN612 | Data and AI Ethics | 1 credit |
| Elective course (3 Credits) | ||
| DAN637 | AI-Enabled Web and Social Media Analytics | 3 credits |
| BDA825 | Artificial Intelligence for Managers | 3 credits |
| DAN630 | Special Topics: AI in Business Strategy and Decision Making | 3 credits |
Program Goals and Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this certificate, participants will be able to:
- Apply AI and data analytics concepts to support evidence-based managerial decision-making.
- Interpret and communicate AI-driven insights through effective data visualization and analytical storytelling.
- Evaluate machine learning outputs critically, recognizing limitations, uncertainty, and sources of bias.
- Integrate ethical, governance, and responsibility considerations into AI-enabled business initiatives.
- Design and articulate AI-enabled solutions aligned with organizational objectives and stakeholder needs.
Expected Impact
The program will:
- Strengthen LAU’s graduate offerings by introducing a focused certificate addressing the growing demand for AI literacy in business.
- Expand access to graduate-level AI education for professionals and other learners seeking a shorter, focused credential.
- Position AKSOB as a regional leader in responsible, business-oriented AI education.
- Contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).