BRIDGEWATER, VA (Rocktown Now) – The Nolen School of Business and Professional Studies at Bridgewater College is launching a new 12-credit certificate in artificial intelligence literacy in fall 2026.

Pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, BC’s accrediting organization, this program will be offered to current BC students through a partnership with Rize Education. All coursework will be completed online.

The AI literacy certificate is designed to help students learn to use AI tools effectively in academic and professional settings. It includes courses in decision making, ethics of AI and the use of AI in creativity and design. Students will learn how to determine when to use AI, create better AI prompts, detect AI-generated material and explore the ethical standards and legal issues around AI usage.

“With the growth of AI it is easier than ever to get information, but it is not easy to know if it is good information. This certificate focuses on information literacy, critical thinking and the ethical ramifications of AI usage, among other topics,” said Dr. Barbara Long, Dean of the Nolen School. “We believe this certificate will build a foundation of knowledge for students going into 21st century careers.”

No technical or coding background is required for the AI literacy courses. Students in any major will have the opportunity to add the certificate to their program of studies. For more information, visit bridgewater.edu/AIcertificate.