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Washburn University to Offer AI, Cybersecurity Certificate Programs Beginning in Fall 2025
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Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University is launching two new Computer Information Sciences (CIS) certificates beginning in Fall 2025. The Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Application Certificate will help students learn the practical and ethical aspects of AI, and the Cybersecurity Certificate will focus on teaching students the tools to protect digital information from hackers. Washburn students may add these certificates to complement their degree programs, and working professionals may pursue them independently to enhance their career credentials.
“We know that students rely on Washburn for our affordable, quality academic programs,” said Dr. John Fritch, provost and vice president of academic affairs, Washburn. “They also count on us to offer programs that are competitive in today and tomorrow’s job market, jobs that will help Topeka and Northeast Kansas’ economy continue to grow.”
“In the College of Arts & Sciences, we offer coursework and experiences that help students understand the world and their role in it,” said Dr. Kelly Erby, dean of the College and professor of history. “These new certificates in AI and cybersecurity reflect our commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and connections they need to thrive—and to make a meaningful impact.”
Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Application Certificate
With artificial intelligence (AI) transforming the workplace, media and society, Washburn’s new AI Certificate program is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills to understand, apply and critically assess AI technologies across disciplines. “Students will develop the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate AI’s social and ethical implications. This program helps cultivate informed, thoughtful citizens who are prepared to engage with the profound questions AI raises about truth, trust, agency and the future of work and society,” said Dr. Nan Sun, chair and professor of computer information sciences, Washburn.
The certificate was developed collaboratively by faculty from the Washburn CIS department and the Philosophy program. To the team’s knowledge, it is the first of its kind in Kansas. “While many universities offer technical AI training for computer science majors, Washburn’s AI Certificate is distinctive in its interdisciplinary design, accessibility and practical focus,” Sun explained. “The program requires no prior coding experience, making it broadly accessible. It combines hands-on AI skill-building with critical engagement on ethical and societal issues. Topics like generative AI, prompt engineering, and no-code AI tools ensure students gain real-world, in-demand capabilities that few other undergraduate programs currently offer.”
For more information about the Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Application Certificate, visit www.washburn.edu/cis.
Cybersecurity Certificate
Designed for individuals seeking to establish or deepen their expertise in cybersecurity, this certificate complements the strengths of Washburn’s digital forensics program. A 2024 report by Hanover Research, commissioned by Washburn, identified strong regional and national demand for cybersecurity professionals. Key findings include cybersecurity-related occupations are expected to grow at more than three times the average rate of all jobs; significant talent and skills gaps exist in cybersecurity roles in both Kansas and the Plains region, indicating robust employment opportunities for graduates; 67% of employers plan to invest in certifications to address these gaps.
“The knowledge and skills gained through earning the certificate will provide pathways for working professionals to move up to more technical roles and leadership and management positions relating to cybersecurity,” shared Sun.
For more information about the Cybersecurity Certificate, visit www.washburn.edu/cis.
Washburn University knows that by 2031 72% of U.S. jobs will require a post-secondary degree and/or training (Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce). That is one of the reasons Washburn University’s mission is to create educational pathways to success for everyone, to offer students opportunities to pursue the career path that inspires them, that harnesses their unique talents – from technical courses to more traditional liberal arts degrees, to business degrees to nursing, to certificates that enhance their current path.
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Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 8,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn’s programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through Washburn’s six primary academic units – the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Applied Studies, the Gregory K. and Ronda D. Brenneman School of Business, the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, the School of Law and the Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech).
All programs are offered on either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech’s campus on Topeka’s west side or in the East Topeka facility. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations.
For further information, contact:
Joy Bailes
Director of Internal Communications and Brand Management
Telephone: (785) 670-2153
Cell: (785) 230-1648
Email: joy.bailes@washburn.edu
