George Fox Launches Free AI Certificate Courses

Newberg, Oregon - Recognizing the significant impact of artificial intelligence on today's workforce and society, George Fox University has launched two new self-paced, free short courses for the public - AI BASICS: Fluency & Discernment and AI ADVANCED: Leadership & Wisdom.

The two online courses are designed to empower people ranging from tech novices to organizational leaders and provide a comprehensive toolkit for navigating the AI revolution. The curriculum goes beyond technical skills to address the ethical, social and theological dimensions of this rapidly evolving technology.

Both courses are delivered through the George Fox online learning platform, making them available to working professionals, students and lifelong learners. Each course consists of five modules, requiring approximately one hour per module to complete. Every module features an engaging video presentation, an automated quiz, hands-on learning activities, and curated supplemental resources.

While the courses do not give university academic credit, students who successfully complete all five modules in sequence will earn a Certificate of Completion from George Fox University to display on their résumés and LinkedIn profiles.

The AI BASICS: Fluency & Discernment Course is an introductory program designed to build a foundational understanding of generative AI tools and establish a framework for their responsible use. Participants will learn how large language models function, identify major industry players, and develop competence in creating and refining multimedia content through effective prompting.

Additionally, the course emphasizes critical evaluation by teaching students to identify AI risks - such as bias, hallucinations and privacy concerns - and to navigate broader ethical and social controversies with balanced judgment. Ultimately, the curriculum integrates these technical skills with a faith-based framework, aligning AI usage with Christian theology to guide wise, responsible decision-making in both personal and professional contexts.

The AI ADVANCED: Leadership & Wisdom Course is a strategic program tailored for individuals ready to move beyond basic prompting and focus on organizational integration, sophisticated workflows, and technological leadership. Participants will learn to orchestrate complex, multi-step AI agents and automations, while responsibly customizing specialized AI platforms to fit specific organizational or domain needs.

The curriculum also prepares leaders to guide institutions through change management and AI governance, while critically analyzing the technology's broader impacts on labor, power, creativity and truth. Grounding these advanced practices in a faith-based perspective, the course integrates Christian theology and reflection to foster wise, long-term leadership in an evolving technological landscape.

The courses are designed to give professionals a distinct advantage - combining cutting-edge technical workflows with the deep, values-driven discernment our world desperately needs right now. "This is one of the only high-level, organized courses of this type infused with a Christian faith perspective," said Brian Doak, vice president of digital programs and academic innovation. "We're so excited to offer this expert content, for free, to our local community and also to the entire world."

Use this link to register for one or both of the courses.

George Fox University, Oregon's largest private university, is a U.S. News & World Report "Best National University," enrolling more than 5,000 students across its Newberg campus, regional centers in Portland and Redmond, and online. The institution offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and 21 graduate degrees. George Fox is a leader in flexible education, featuring accelerated online bachelor's degrees tailored for working adults.