Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is transforming the way we learn, work, and create. At Boston University, we believe every student—no matter their field of study—should have the opportunity to build confidence and literacy in this powerful and rapidly evolving technology.
To support this, the AI Development Accelerator (AIDA), in collaboration with the Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning, has launched the AI at BU Student Certificate—a 4-hour, self-paced fully online course designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of AI and its responsible, ethical, and effective use in academic and professional settings. This certificate was developed in close collaboration with BU Virtual, BU’s online academic innovation unit.
For Students
Earn Your AI at BU Certificate: Build Confidence and Literacy in Artificial Intelligence
For Faculty and Staff
Introducing the AI at BU Student Certificate: Building Foundational AI Literacy for Every Student
With the new online AI at BU certificate, students will learn how to use Gen AI responsibly and ethically, as well as how to prompt, cite, critique Gen AI output and use Gen AI as a collaborator. We are preparing our students to succeed in their careers by offering this comprehensive certificate.
Anne Danehy
Assoc. Professor of the Practice
College of Communication
AI at BU Course Overview
A 4-hour, fully online asynchronous certificate introducing students to thoughtful, values-driven AI use at Boston University.
Module 1 – Introduction: AI and the BU Context
AI is already reshaping how we learn, create, and collaborate—and every learner brings a unique perspective. This module explores how BU is approaching generative AI, its surprising origins, and its growing role in academic life.
Module 2 – Why GenAI? Understanding the Technology
What makes generative AI distinct from other technologies? Students get a hands-on look at how tools like TerrierGPT work—what they can (and can’t) do—and why understanding them matters across disciplines.
Module 3 – Prompt Like a Pro: AI as a Creative Partner
Students learn how to collaborate with AI to challenge their thinking, expand creativity, and enhance projects—seeing AI as a tool for exploration, not substitution.
Module 4 – Think Twice: Critiquing AI Outputs
Not everything AI produces is accurate. This module builds critical literacy—helping students identify false information, detect bias, and refine prompts so AI becomes a thoughtful partner rather than a shortcut.
Module 5 – Using AI Responsibly: Ethics, Integrity, and Impact
Students explore BU’s values around academic integrity, the ethical use of AI, and its environmental implications—developing a personal code of conduct that balances innovation with responsibility.
Module 6 – Build-a-Bot: Personalizing Learning with AI
Students apply what they’ve learned to design an AI “study buddy” aligned with their learning style and discipline, ensuring the technology supports authentic thinking and growth.
Conclusion – Reflecting and Looking Ahead
AI isn’t a passing trend—it’s shaping the future of learning and work. The course closes with reflection on how students can stay curious, adaptable, and in control as AI continues to evolve.
This course is an awesome way to get up to speed on AI! It manages to be both engaging and super helpful. Eventually, AI tools are going to be everywhere, so we need to know how the technology works and how we should use it. Tal Gross Professor Questrom Business School
Attend an AI Event
AIDA, in collaboration with the Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning, will continue to hold faculty workshops and web events on AI in teaching and learning. Our upcoming workshops and symposia include:
Innovative Use of AI in Business, Education, and Communication Symposium
December 4: A guided discussion about how GenAI can enhance the educational experience in business, education, and communication.
AI Faculty in Studio Workshop
December 11: An interactive workshop designed to give faculty space to discuss the role of AI in teaching and learning, and hands-on experience in experimenting with AI tools.
AI Funding Opportunity
The Shipley Academic Innovation Fund, managed by the Institute for Excellence in Teaching & Learning, invites faculty to submit proposals for grants that support innovative approaches to teaching and learning with AI.
These grants provide an opportunity for faculty to experiment with AI tools and methods, explore new pedagogical models, and advance the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies into their courses and curricula.
Faculty interested in piloting AI-driven learning activities, developing discipline-specific applications, or studying the impact of AI on teaching and student engagement are especially encouraged to apply.