Howard University is introducing a new artificial intelligence certificate program as part of its broader effort to integrate AI education and research across campus.
The announcement was made during the university’s AI Initiative Town Hall, held on Oct. 16, according to a press release, where administrators shared updates on new academic programs, research opportunities, and partnerships with major tech companies.
The forthcoming AI certificate program, expected to launch in fall 2026, will be available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. It’s one of several projects under the university’s AI Initiative, launched in 2024 to prepare students and faculty for the expanding influence of AI in education, business, and society.
Dr. Anthony Wutoh, Howard University’s provost and chief academic officer, co-chairs the AI Advisory Council and said the initiative aims to keep the institution at the forefront of AI innovation and implementation.
“I want to make sure we’re providing educational opportunities to our students, faculty, and staff, and we’re creating innovative new programs,” he said, per the release
“[We’re] implementing AI in a way that will help us be more efficient in our university processes,” he continued.
The certificate program will count toward degree requirements or practicums rather than add extra coursework, according to Dr. Kenneth Anderson, associate provost for undergraduate studies and chair of the AI Capacity and Expertise subcommittee. Anderson said the program will include three primary courses: introduction to AI tools and techniques, ethical and responsible AI, and AI in the disciplines.
In addition to launching the new certificate program, Howard University is finalizing an official AI policy designed to ensure responsible use of the technology across campus. Led by Dr. Kweli Zukeri, assistant vice president of web innovation and strategy, the policy will provide a framework for teaching, research, partnerships, and work-related applications, as noted in the release.
Zukeri said the goal is to prepare the university community for the rapid growth of AI while emphasizing authenticity and inclusion, noting that “When it comes to people of African descent, these technologies have often been used to act on us and not for us.”
The effort builds on initiatives such as Howard University’s collaboration with Google on Project Elevate Black Voices — which addresses bias in speech recognition for Black users — and feedback from a recent campus-wide survey highlighting concerns about data privacy, academic integrity, and over reliance on AI tools.
The university’s partnerships also extend to other major tech companies, including Microsoft. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, a team of five Howard University students, known as Truth and Service Solutions Inc., won first place at Microsoft’s inaugural AI Policython, where participants were challenged to propose policy solutions to real-world AI issues.
Through its certificate program, policy development, and corporate collaborations, Howard University aims to expand AI education and research opportunities while promoting responsible and equitable use of the technology.
