Overview

Unlock the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive business growth and innovation with our comprehensive AI for Business Transformation Certificate program. Designed for professionals in leadership, marketing, data analysis, and operations, this certificate offers an in-depth exploration of how AI can be leveraged across various business functions to improve decision-making, optimize processes, and deliver personalized customer experiences.

Throughout this program, you will learn the essential concepts of AI, including its types, ethical considerations, and popular AI solutions like ChatGPT, Gemini, and CoPilot. You will also gain hands-on experience with AI-driven tools for data analysis, predictive analytics, marketing optimization, and business process improvement.

With a focus on both theory and practical applications, the program covers key topics such as data analytics for AI in marketing, AI-powered CRM systems, and AI for decision-making. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI into your business strategy, scale AI projects, and ensure ethical AI practices in your organization.

This AI certificate program is offered in a flexible online format, allowing you to learn at your own pace with asynchronous courses, while optional synchronous sessions provide live interaction with instructors and peers. The program is ideal for professionals looking to enhance their ability to make data-driven decisions, improve business processes, and lead AI-powered innovations in their organizations.

Why Enroll in This Certificate?

  • Strategic Advantage: Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to drive business transformation through AI, giving your company a competitive edge in today’s data-driven world.
  • Responsibly Implement AI: Learn how to use AI ethically and govern data quality, ensuring that AI solutions are both effective and compliant with regulations.
  • Hands-on Learning: Gain practical skills and experience with real-world AI tools, making the transition from learning to applying AI in your business seamless.
  • Growth and Innovation: Discover how AI can enhance your marketing strategies, optimize business processes, and improve decision-making, enabling you to innovate and lead in your industry.

Key Benefits

  • Gain practical AI skills for business optimization, marketing, data analysis, and process improvement
  • Learn how to leverage AI tools for real-time decision-making
  • Understand data governance and ethical AI practices to ensure compliance and transparency
  • Explore AI strategies for scaling AI solutions and aligning AI with business goals
  • Flexible, affordable online learning with expert instructors 

Cost

Each class is $495. The whole program with fees included is $2,378.95. If you register for all classes at once, the whole program will be reduced to $2,000. Use code LEARNAI25 to redeem this limited-time offer.

Curriculum

This certificate comprises: 

  • Introduction to AI Concepts
  • Leveraging AI for Data Analysis & Interpretation -
  • Leveraging AI for Marketing & CX 
  • Leveraging AI for Process Improvement & Business Operations 
  • AI Strategy & Emerging Trends for Business Leaders 

Overview of Curriculum & Class Offering

PS927: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Concepts (Chester King) 

Prerequisites: Familiarity with the use of a computer for office functions

Course Description

This course offers a hands-on, accessible introduction to artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on its core concepts, real-world applications, and ethical considerations. Learners will explore how AI technologies are transforming industries such as healthcare, retail, and finance through engaging case studies and practical tools. 

Students will gain experience using cutting-edge AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot to solve business problems and automate decision-making. Through interactive role-playing exercises and discussions, they will examine AI's ethical implications, including data privacy, bias, and fairness. The course concludes with a capstone project in which learners apply AI tools to address a real-world business challenge. 

Key Topics 

  • Understanding AI: Key concepts, terminology, and how AI works
  • AI in Action: Industry applications and case studies
  • AI Tools: Hands-on experience with ChatGPT, Gemini, and video generators: How to use prompts to generate text and visuals.
  • AI Agents and Workflows: How smart systems automate tasks, make decisions, and drive efficiency in business operations. Ethical AI: Privacy, bias, and responsible AI use
  • Capstone Project: Apply AI tools to a business scenario 


Technical/Material Requirements

  • Google Account (for Gemini)
  • Microsoft Account (for Copilot)
  • ChatGPT Premium Account (~$20–$30/month for all tools) 

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  1. Explain foundational AI concepts and terminology, including key technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI.
  2. Identify real-world AI applications across industries like healthcare, finance, and retail, and evaluate their business impact using case study analysis.
  3. Use leading AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot) to solve practical business problems through automation, text and video content generation, agent creation, and decision support. 
  4. Assess ethical implications of AI, including issues of data privacy, algorithmic bias, and responsible use, through role-playing exercises and critical discussions.
  5. Design and implement a capstone project that applies AI tools to address a real-world business scenario, demonstrating practical understanding and creativity. 

PS930: Leveraging AI for Data Analysis in Business (Chester King) 

Course Description

This course provides a practical introduction to data analytics with a focus on empowering business professionals to leverage AI tools effectively. Designed for aspiring Citizen Data Scientists, the course equips learners with essential data skills using accessible, self-service platforms such as Excel and Power BI. Through hands-on exercises and real-world examples, participants will learn how to connect and prepare data, perform exploratory data analysis (EDA), and build basic data models to support business decision-making. 

Key topics include the role of data in modern business, foundational concepts in data modeling, and the use of Excel. Learners will also explore the principles of Agile Data Governance, including AI-assisted approaches to data quality, metadata management, and data literacy. No prior experience in analytics is required—just basic computer skills and a curiosity about how data and AI can drive smarter business outcomes. 

Prerequisites: Basic computer skills 

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  1. Understand the role of data in business decision-making and identify how data analytics and AI can drive smarter business outcomes across various industries.
  2. Connect to and prepare data from multiple sources, clean and transform it, and automate these processes using Excel and Power BI tools.
  3. Conduct Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) using visualizations and descriptive statistics to uncover key insights, patterns, and trends within data.
  4. Build basic data models by designing multi-table database structures and analyzing trends using Excel and Power BI.
  5. Apply Agile Data Governance principles to ensure data quality, manage metadata, and support AI-driven data literacy and compliance in business operations.  

PS931: Leveraging AI for Marketing & Customer Experience Optimization (Chelsey Plumb) 

Prerequisites: Can be taken in any order or in conjunction with, no prerequisites.  

Course Description

This course explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing marketing and customer experience (CX). Designed for professionals looking to enhance customer engagement and streamline marketing operations, this course offers hands-on experience with AI tools that automate content creation, personalize communication, and improve user interaction across digital channels. 

Learners will discover how AI enhances CRM systems by predicting customer needs, automating outreach, and optimizing sales funnels. The course also covers the use of chatbots and virtual assistants to deliver responsive, personalized service at scale. Through interactive labs and real-world examples, students will develop the skills to use AI in building smarter, more engaging customer experiences. 

Key Topics 

  • AI for Marketing Content Creation: Automating copy, visuals, and campaigns
  • Personalization of Customer Experience: Tailoring user journeys and recommendations with AI
  • Content Optimization: Enhancing engagement using AI-driven insights
  • AI-Powered CRM: Improving customer relationships with predictive and automated tools
  • Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Scaling support and improving satisfaction through AI 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  1. Automate Marketing Content Creation: Use AI tools to generate written and visual content for marketing campaigns, saving time and increasing scalability.
  2. Implement AI-Driven Personalization Strategies: Apply AI algorithms to tailor marketing messages, product recommendations, and customer interactions based on behavioral data.
  3. Optimize Digital Content with AI Insights: Analyze and enhance existing marketing content using AI to improve performance metrics such as engagement, conversion, and SEO.
  4. Enhance CRM Capabilities with AI: Integrate AI features into customer relationship management systems to automate communications, predict customer behavior, and streamline sales processes.
  5. Deploy Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Design and implement AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants to improve customer service, handle common inquiries, and provide real-time support.
  6. Evaluate the Impact of AI on Marketing and CX: Critically assess the effectiveness of AI applications in improving marketing outcomes and customer satisfaction. 
     


PS932: Leveraging AI for Business Process & Operations Improvement (Chelsey Plumb) 

Prerequisites: Can be taken in any order or in conjunction with, no prerequisites.  

Course Description

This course introduces how artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to enhance business processes and drive operational improvements. Designed for professionals across all industries, the course explores how AI technologies can streamline operations, automate routine tasks, and enhance decision-making to optimize workflows. Students will gain practical knowledge of AI applications in logistics, supply chain management, and cross-departmental operations. 

Throughout the course, learners will explore real-world case studies and participate in interactive exercises to understand how AI can solve complex business problems and improve efficiency. The course will also cover how AI-powered tools can provide valuable insights for better decision-making and problem-solving across all levels of an organization. 

Key Topics 

  • AI in Business Operations: Exploring how AI can improve logistics, supply chain management, and day-to-day business operations.
  • Process Automation with AI: Practical approaches to automating routine tasks and workflows to increase efficiency and reduce human error. 
  • AI for Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Using AI-driven insights and analytics to make informed decisions and solve operational challenges across departments. 

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  1. Explain how AI streamlines business operations by optimizing logistics, supply chain management, and internal workflows.
  2. Implement AI-based process automation to improve operational efficiency, reduce manual tasks, and enhance productivity.
  3. Leverage AI for decision-making and problem-solving, using AI tools and data analytics to improve decision quality and address business challenges across multiple departments.
  4. Identify real-world applications of AI in various business processes and evaluate their impact on overall business performance and operations.
  5. Analyze and assess the potential of AI in transforming operational strategies and driving continuous improvement across the organization. 

PS933: AI Strategy & Emerging Trends for Business Leaders: (Chelsey Plumb)  

Prerequisites: Can be taken in any order or in conjunction with, no prerequisites.

Course Description 

This course is designed for business leaders and decision-makers who want to understand how to harness AI to drive strategic decisions and lead their organizations through AI transformations. AI is no longer just a tool for automation—it is a powerful force shaping business strategies across industries. Learners will explore how AI can be used to gather and analyze data, improve decision-making, and align AI initiatives with company goals and KPIs. 

The course will cover the full AI implementation lifecycle—from initial pilot projects to large-scale deployment—providing leaders with best practices for scaling AI across different business functions. Additionally, learners will examine the change management processes required for AI adoption, ensuring that their organizations are prepared for the workforce transformations that AI brings. 

Key Topics

  • Trend Overview: The growing role of AI in shaping business strategy and its impact on decision-making processes.
  • Aligning AI with Business Strategy: Techniques for integrating AI initiatives with company objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) to achieve better business outcomes. 
  • AI Implementation and Scaling: Best practices for implementing AI solutions—from pilot projects to full-scale deployment—across business functions. 
  • AI Change Management: Preparing organizations for AI-driven change, including workforce reskilling, addressing skill gaps, and fostering an AI-friendly organizational culture. 

Learning Outcomes

 By the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

  1. Identify emerging AI trends and understand their implications for business strategy and decision-making processes.
  2. Align AI initiatives with business objectives, ensuring that AI adoption directly supports company goals and contributes to improved outcomes.
  3. Plan and implement AI solutions effectively, from pilot phases to scaling AI across multiple business functions, using best practices and strategies for success.
  4. Lead AI-driven change management efforts by addressing skill gaps, transforming organizational structures, and preparing teams for AI integration.
  5. Evaluate the potential for AI to drive competitive advantage and innovation within a business context, applying AI insights to business strategy and operations.

Register

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About the instructors

Chelsey Plumb

Chelsey Plumb is a seasoned professional specializing in eCommerce, digital marketing, content strategy, and business innovation. A proud graduate of Lasell University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Retail Merchandising and a Master of Science in Communications with a concentration in Integrated Marketing. With over 11 years of experience in the corporate retail industry, Chelsey has developed a sharp acumen for consumer experience, operational efficiency, and driving digital growth.

Currently, Chelsey is the Sr. Manager of Product Content Operations at Staples, where she leads initiatives focused on content governance, quality, and optimization across the company’s digital business platforms. She brings a forward-thinking lens to her work, integrating emerging technologies and automation to scale operations and enhance customer experience.

Her previous role as Senior Content Manager at Sperry spanned over a decade, where she spearheaded digital transformation projects and developed content strategies that fueled brand engagement and online performance.

In addition to her corporate leadership, Chelsey is a passionate educator and Adjunct Professor at Lasell University, Southern New Hampshire University, and the Rize Consortium, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Digital Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and Business Management. She has also designed multiple online courses, including the graduate-level eCommerce certificate, and is now contributing to programs focused on AI integration in business strategy, marketing automation, and data-driven decision-making.

Chelsey’s work sits at the intersection of marketing, technology, and education—making her a strong advocate for AI-powered innovation and digital transformation in modern business practices.

LinkedIn: Chelsey (Plumb) Potter

Chester King

Chester King is a data analytics lecturer, software developer, and project manager with more than 25 years of experience in industry. A cum laude graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Social Relations, he is certified in multiple Microsoft technologies and proficient in tools like Power BI, SQL, and SharePoint.  Chester has built a public database with more than 2,000 resources to support analytics education and the “Citizen Data Analyst” movement, which encourages non‑experts to harness data analytics and AI effectively.

As a lecturer at Lasell University since April 2023, he designs and teaches professional and undergraduate courses in data analytics, information technology, and project management. His curricula align with workforce needs, integrating tools like Power BI and Excel while covering topics from exploratory data analysis to the ethical use of AI. His Business Analytics course covers foundational concepts in big data, predictive and prescriptive techniques, and machine learning, while his other courses introduce essential computer skills, develop project managers, and explore ethics and media literacy.

Previously, Chester spent a decade as Senior Manager, Programs at SAIC/Engility, where he oversaw SQL Server, SharePoint, and Project Server environments for more than 90 project managers. He designed and supported custom web applications and implemented virtualization networks, demonstrating a blend of technical and leadership skills. Before that, he led medium-sized software development projects at L‑3 Communications and held management roles at System Resources Corp. and the Harvard School of Public Health. Fluent in French and Spanish with a background in writing and teaching, Chester brings a global perspective to analytics education and is well-positioned to help professionals integrate AI into business practice.

Some of Chester’s writings and the latest changes to his courses in the fast-paced AI world can be found on his Linkedin Profile

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this certificate program for?
This program is designed for professionals in leadership, marketing, data analysis, operations, and related fields who want to leverage AI to improve decision-making, optimize processes, and deliver better customer experiences. No prior AI or programming experience is required—just basic computer skills.

Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
No, each course can be taken individually, and you can complete them in any order that fits your schedule.

Are there any prerequisites?
There are no formal prerequisites beyond basic computer literacy. Some courses recommend familiarity with common business tools like Excel.

How do I enroll?
You can register directly through Eventbrite.

Is the program online?
Yes, all courses are delivered online in a flexible, asynchronous format, with optional live sessions for real-time interaction with instructors and peers.

How long does it take to complete the certificate?
Each course is 4–5 weeks long. The full certificate can typically be completed in 4–6 months, depending on how many courses you take at once.

Can I work at my own pace?
Yes, the asynchronous format allows you to complete coursework when it’s convenient for you, while still meeting weekly assignment deadlines.

What tools or software will I need?
 You’ll need:

  • A Google account (for Gemini)
  • A Microsoft account (for Copilot)
  • A ChatGPT Premium subscription (~$20–$30/month)
  • Access to Power BI, Excel, and basic office productivity tools will also be required.

Will I get hands-on AI experience?
Yes, each course includes practical projects using real-world AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Power BI.

How much does the program cost?
Each course is $495. The total cost will depend on the number of courses you take.

What will I be able to do after completing the certificate?
You’ll gain the skills to integrate AI into your business strategy, automate processes, analyze data, personalize customer experiences, and lead AI-powered innovation.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, upon successful completion of all required courses, you will receive an official AI for Business Transformation Certificate.

How will this help my career?
The program equips you with in-demand AI skills that employers are seeking—making you a stronger candidate for leadership roles, innovation initiatives, and data-driven decision-making positions.

Will I have access to instructors if I have questions?
Yes, you can reach instructors through discussion boards, email, and during optional live sessions.

What if I fall behind?
You can contact your instructor or program coordinator to discuss extensions or strategies for catching up.