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There are 4 modules in this course
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing industries, reshaping business strategies, and transforming the way we work. Are you ready to understand AI’s potential and harness its power?
In this engaging online course, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of AI, from its historical roots to cutting-edge innovations in machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. Through real-world applications and expert insights, you’ll discover how AI models work, how businesses are leveraging AI, and what the future holds for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
But AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about impact. That’s why this course also explores the ethical challenges, regulatory considerations, and societal implications of AI. By the end, you’ll gain the critical knowledge needed to confidently navigate the evolving AI landscape.
Whether you’re a business professional, entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, this course is designed to equip you with practical insights and a strong foundation in AI. Join us today and take the first step toward mastering the future of AI!
This module offers a comprehensive introduction to AI, encompassing its historical development, fundamental mechanisms, ethical considerations, and regulatory landscapes.
Online Education at Gies College of Business•10 minutes
Updating Your Profile•10 minutes
Module 1 Overview•10 minutes
Module 1 Readings•10 minutes
7 assignments•Total 155 minutes
Module Quiz: History and Overview of Artificial Intelligence •30 minutes
Orientation Quiz•5 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Origins of AI•15 minutes
Lesson Quiz: How AI Works•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Importance of Data•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: AI Biases and Ethics •15 minutes
Lesson Quiz: AI Regulations•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
Getting to Know Your Classmates•10 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
Welcome! Please Tell Us About Yourself•15 minutes
Module 2: Machine Learning Basics
5 hours to complete
Module details
This module introduces learners to the foundational techniques of machine learning, focusing on how data-driven models classify, predict, and group information to generate actionable insights. This module provides a comprehensive understanding of three key machine learning approaches—Classification, Regression, and Clustering—and their applications in solving real-world problems.
What's included
15 videos2 readings6 assignments
Show info about module content
15 videos•Total 92 minutes
What Is Classification? •5 minutes
Classification Applications•6 minutes
Key Classification Algorithms •6 minutes
What Is Regression?•6 minutes
Regression Applications•7 minutes
Key Regression Algorithms•6 minutes
What Is Clustering?•6 minutes
Clustering Applications•6 minutes
Key Clustering Algorithms•7 minutes
Metrics for Performance Evaluation •6 minutes
Pitfalls to Avoid (Overfitting and Underfitting)•6 minutes
Cross-Validation and Retraining•6 minutes
The Data-Model-Application Process•6 minutes
Transition From ML to AI•7 minutes
Newer AI Models•7 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Module 2 Overview•10 minutes
Module 2 Readings•10 minutes
6 assignments•Total 180 minutes
Module Quiz: Machine Learning Basics•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Classification•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Regression•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Clustering•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Evaluation & Selection•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Machine Learning Models•30 minutes
Module 3: Deep Learning and Generative AI
4 hours to complete
Module details
This module delves into advanced concepts of artificial intelligence, emphasizing how machines can process, interpret, and create complex data. This module introduces learners to the cutting-edge techniques that power today’s AI systems, such as neural networks, deep learning architectures, and generative models.
What's included
15 videos2 readings6 assignments
Show info about module content
15 videos•Total 88 minutes
Understanding Neural Networks•5 minutes
Convolutional Neural Networks•6 minutes
Recurrent Neural Networks•5 minutes
Natural Language Processing•6 minutes
Computer Vision•6 minutes
Predictive Analysis•6 minutes
Overview of Generative Models•5 minutes
Generative Adversarial Networks•6 minutes
AI in Creative Industries•6 minutes
AI in Marketing & Communications •6 minutes
AI in Human Resources•6 minutes
AI in Manufacturing & Sales•6 minutes
Data Requirements for AI•6 minutes
Computational Costs of AI•6 minutes
Model Interpretability•6 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Module 3 Overview•10 minutes
Module 3 Readings•10 minutes
6 assignments•Total 150 minutes
Module Quiz: Deep Learning and Generative AI•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Fundamentals of Deep Learning•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Applications of Deep Learning•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Introduction to Generative AI•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Business Applications of Generative AI•15 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Challenges in Deep Learning•15 minutes
Module 4: The Future of AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)
7 hours to complete
Module details
This module explores the transformative potential and challenges associated with AGI and its evolution toward superintelligence. The module provides learners with insights into the technological, societal, and ethical implications of AI advancements, focusing on preparing for a future shaped by these powerful technologies.
Milestones and Potential Timelines for Achieving AGI•6 minutes
Economic Impacts of Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI•6 minutes
Societal Challenges With Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI•6 minutes
Ethical Considerations of Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI•6 minutes
Application of Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI on Front Office•7 minutes
Application of Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI on Factories •7 minutes
Application of Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI on Customer Interaction•7 minutes
Policy and Governance With AGI and Super AI •6 minutes
Impact of AGI and Super AI on Education and The Workforce•6 minutes
Societal Impacts of AGI and Super AI•7 minutes
Technological Singularity•6 minutes
Philosophy About Consciousness•7 minutes
AI Safety and Control Problems•7 minutes
Course Wrap-Up•2 minutes
Learn on Your Terms•1 minute
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
Module 4 Information•10 minutes
Module 4 Readings•10 minutes
Congratulations on Completing the Course!•10 minutes
Get Your Course Certificate•10 minutes
6 assignments•Total 180 minutes
Module Quiz: The Future of AI and Artificial Generative Intelligence (AGI)•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: The Path to AGI•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Implications of AGI•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Business Applications of AGI•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Preparing for an AI Future•30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Limitations and Philosophical Considerations•30 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Peer-Review Assignment: Future of AI•60 minutes
1 plugin•Total 15 minutes
How Was the Course?•15 minutes
Earn a career certificate
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Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
View eligible degrees
Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
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Learner reviews
4.5
67 reviews
5 stars
71.64%
4 stars
20.89%
3 stars
1.49%
2 stars
1.49%
1 star
4.47%
Showing 3 of 67
P
PW
5·
Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025
One of the better introductions to AI, it makes sure to mention people like Pitts and covers more than most others. If you are only going to take just one, I would suggest this one.
H
HA
5·
Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025
Everything explained in the course is clean and simple for beginners
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.