Overview
AI adoption is one of the most consequential leadership challenges of our time, and most organizations are not ready for it.
This certificate program is designed for senior leaders who need to move beyond the hype and lead AI adoption with strategic clarity, ethical confidence, and operational competence. Across five focused modules, you will build the frameworks, tools, and judgment to make better AI decisions for your organization, your people, and the communities you serve.
By completing this certificate, you will be able to:
- Assess your organization's AI readiness and identify the most significant gaps before committing to an AI initiative
- Align AI adoption with organizational strategy rather than technology trends
- Build the cultural conditions, workforce capabilities, and data infrastructure needed for sustainable AI integration
- Measure AI's business value across three levels — efficiency, effectiveness, and organizational outcomes
- Identify and manage AI risks across legal, ethical, operational, and reputational dimensions
- Apply a structured governance approach to responsible AI deployment
- Evaluate, procure, and manage AI vendors with confidence across the full vendor lifecycle
How It Works
Course Access
180 days from date of enrolment
Suggested pace
2-3 hours per week over 8 to 10 weeks
Delivery
Online, on-demand
Instruction
Self-paced
Cost
$1,500
This program is designed for leaders who are responsible for making or influencing AI adoption decisions in their organizations. You do not need a technical background but you need the strategic and governance perspective to lead effectively in an AI-driven environment.
This certificate is the right fit for you if you are:
- A C-suite executive (CEO, COO, CHRO, CDO, or equivalent) navigating AI strategy at the organizational level
- A director, VP, or senior manager leading an AI initiative, digital transformation, or organizational change program
- A Chief Learning Officer or L&D leader responsible for building AI capability across your workforce
- A government or public sector leader working on AI policy, procurement, or responsible deployment
- A consultant or advisor supporting organizational clients through AI adoption decisions
Learners from all sectors are welcome, including healthcare, financial services, education, government, non-profit, and corporate environments. The program draws deliberately on case studies and examples from a wide range of sectors and global contexts.
- No prior experience with AI is required. If you can make strategic decisions, you can succeed in this program.
- To earn your professional certificate, complete and submit all five required module tasks in Brightspace[SL1.1]. Each task asks you to apply what you have learned directly to your own organizational context. There is no grading. Submission confirms your engagement and qualifies you for the certificate.
- A stable internet connection and access to a browser are all the technology you need. The AI output comparison activity in Module 4 asks you to access three free AI tools. Setup instructions are provided within the module.
Module 1: Laying the Groundwork for Strategic AI – Understand why most projects stall, assess your organization’s true readiness, and build the strategic foundation for AI adoption.
Module 2: People Power – Identify the skills your workforce needs, the cultural conditions that enable or block adoption, and how to make the right build, buy, or outsource decisions for AI capability.
Module 3: AI as an Investment – Build the business case for AI, define and track meaningful indicators of value, and measure impact across all levels of your organization.
Module 4: Governing AI Responsibly – Navigate the AI risk landscape with clarity, assess systems in your organization against a structured governance framework, and build governance practices that are embedded.
Module 5: Beyond the Buy – Select and manage AI vendors across the full lifecycle, from vetting and contracting to ongoing governance and responsible sunsetting.
- Interactive instructional content
- Downloadable worksheets and templates you can use immediately in your organization
- Real-world case studies drawn from healthcare, financial services, retail, government, and technology sectors
- Reflection prompts and optional peer discussion topics
- One required task submission connecting module content to your own organizational context
- A self-evaluation rubric to assess the quality of your own thinking and application
As a certificate learner, you will have access to two value-added webinars on emerging AI topics, scheduled for fall 2026. These 60-minute synchronous sessions are an opportunity to go beyond the course content, engage directly with Stella and invited field experts, and connect with peers navigating the same challenges.
Details and registration links will be shared with enrolled learners as dates are confirmed. These sessions are optional and not required for certificate completion.
Every learner receives a suite of proprietary tools and resources developed specifically for this program:
- AI Readiness Self-Assessment
- E²O Planning Template and Indicator Bank
- Responsible AI Scorecard
- AI Transparency Profile template
- AI Governance Checklist
- Phase 1 Vetting and Selection Checklist
- Phase 2 Contracting Checklist
- AI Vendor Evaluation Scorecard
- AI Adoption 90-Day Canvas
- Program Reference Card
- Curated resource list including books, reports, podcasts, and global organizations
Course FAQs
Is this an instructor-led course?
This course is designed to be self-paced with all materials you need for successful completion contained within the learning platform. The course has been designed by subject matter experts and includes interviews with leading experts, aligned to the course outcomes. The course is an immersive experience that includes a mix of content including video introductions and video content, impactful readings, learning checks, and interactive elements – all which can be completed at your own pace.
How much time will I need to spend?
Each course will require 2-3 hours to complete. You will have 180 days access from the time of registration to complete the course. After 90 days, the course will be closed.
Do I have to be online at a certain time of day?
No, you do not have to be online at a specific time. You complete the coursework at the times and places that fits your schedule. Each course is designed for working professionals who are balancing their work, family and community commitments.
When do I start?
You can start the course as soon as you register! You will automatically be directed to the interactive learning environment.
How long will I have access to the course?
You will have 180 days from the time of registration to complete the course.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for courses. Refunds may be considered under exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please contact powered@athabascau.ca for more information.
Are there tests or quizzes involved?
There will be activities, assignments, and short quizzes within the course to ensure you understand the content. All quizzes are designed to be accessible and easy to complete by engaging in the course content. Within each module, you will have the answers to each evaluation.
What are the computer requirements for this course?
You should have access to a Mac, PC, or tablet with an Internet connection, with Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox as a browser. Here is a link that outlines browser support:
https://documentation.brightspace.com/EN/brightspace/requirements/all/browser_support.htm
For virtual sessions:
- Speakers/headphones
- Web camera and microphone
Learners that want to use their smart phone to access the courses can also download the D2L Pulse App for free to access the course available on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.d2l.brightspace.student.android&hl=en_CA
Or the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/brightspace-pulse/id1001688546
Does this course have prerequisites?
This course does not have a required prerequisite.
Who do I contact if I need help?
You can contact powered@athabascau.ca for assistance with any questions you may have. We are here to help!