The world of work is evolving at breakneck speed. Artificial intelligence, automation and other digital technologies are transforming industries and changing the way we work.
As these tools take on more routine tasks, employers are placing an even greater value on human strengths such as judgment, creativity and strategic thinking. The ability to adapt, learn and work with an ever-changing set of technology has become essential across nearly every field.
That’s why UW Professional & Continuing Education is launching several new programs this winter. Combining hands-on experience, real-world applications and an understanding of where industries are going, these offerings can help you develop in-demand skills, tackle today’s challenges and prepare for what's next in your career.
1. Biotech, Healthcare & Social Work
AI Strategy & Implementation in Healthcare
Type: Certificate
Duration: 9 months
Where: Online Synchronous
Starts: February 2027
As healthcare organizations continue to transform care delivery, they’re exploring new ways to improve patient outcomes and reduce administrative complexity. AI is increasingly part of that conversation, helping teams streamline documentation, support clinical decision-making and identify operational efficiencies. But adopting these tools responsibly requires people who understand both healthcare and the realities of AI implementation.
Through this program, you’ll learn to evaluate and implement AI initiatives while balancing your organization’s operational performance, ensuring patient safety and maintaining regulatory requirements. All the while, keeping patient health at the center of what you do.
AI Foundations for Healthcare Professionals
Type: Course
Duration: 9 weeks
Where: Online Synchronous
Starts: February 2027
Artificial intelligence influences everything from clinical documentation and patient communication to operational decision-making. As healthcare organizations evaluate technologies, healthcare professionals and leaders increasingly play a role in AI-related discussions, regardless of their technical expertise. Whether you're a clinician trying to understand new tools in your workflow, an administrator evaluating solutions or a leader helping guide organizational decisions, a practical understanding of AI is quickly becoming an essential professional skill.
In this introductory course, you'll explore how health systems, clinicians and industry organizations are using AI responsibly. Through discussions, case studies and hands-on use of generative AI tools, you'll examine emerging applications, governance considerations and implementation challenges. By the end of the course, you'll be better prepared to participate in conversations about AI adoption, evaluate opportunities within your organization and make informed decisions about the future of healthcare innovation.
2. Business & Leadership
Driving AI Transformation in Your Organization
Type: Course
Duration: 11 weeks
Where: Online Synchronous
Starts: February 2027
Many organizations have moved beyond asking whether they should adopt AI and are now trying to determine where it can create meaningful value. For leaders, the challenge isn't simply understanding technology. It's aligning people, processes and strategy to turn AI opportunities into measurable results.
Whether you're leading a department, managing a cross-functional team or helping shape organizational strategy, this course will equip you with the tools to identify opportunities, manage risk and guide implementation efforts. Through case studies and applied exercises, you'll learn how to move from experimentation to adoption with confidence.
Starting Your Own Consulting Business
Type: Course
Duration: 9 weeks
Where: Online Synchronous
Starts: January 2027
Have you reached a point in your career where your expertise has value beyond your current role? Whether you're looking for more independence, a new source of income or an opportunity to build a business around a specialized skill set, consulting can provide a path forward.
“We’ve designed this course so the assignments are real-world steps you’ll need to take to stand up your business,” says course instructor Marc Casale, partner and founder at Kinetic West.
This course helps you turn professional experience into a viable consulting practice. You'll learn how to define your services, attract clients, develop your personal brand and manage the operational side of running a business, from contracts and compliance to finances and growth planning. By the end of the course, you'll have a clearer roadmap for building a consulting business that aligns with your goals and expertise.
3. Education, Nonprofit & Society
AI for eDiscovery in Civil Litigation
Type: Course
Duration: 11 weeks
Where: Online Synchronous
Starts: January 2027
As data volumes continue to grow, legal and compliance teams need faster ways to identify, review and manage the evidence that matters most. At the same time, AI and automation are transforming eDiscovery workflows and creating opportunities for professionals who understand both the technology and the legal process.
Through real-world scenarios and hands-on experience with industry tools, you'll learn how to manage electronicallystored information using efficient, defensible processes. You'll also explore how generative AI, automation and analytics are reshaping modern eDiscovery, helping position you for advancement in a rapidly evolving field.
4. Programming & Tech
Drone Operations & Applications
Type: Certificate
Duration: 6-8 months
Where: Online Synchronous
Starts: January 2027
From logistics and agriculture to emergency response and infrastructure inspection, drone technology is reshaping how industries operate. For instance, construction companies that are looking for updated site data for projects in progress. Or utility companies needing to inspect infrastructure more safely and efficiently.
In turn, this tech is creating strong and growing demand for professionals who understand both the operational and analytical dimensions of the field. "Most drone programs teach students how to fly. This program teaches students how to create value from what they capture,” says Peter Keum the Drone Program Lead & GIS Analyst at King County, who is one of the instructors of this new certificate.
If you work in engineering, GIS, data analysis or logistics, this certificate can help you expand your expertise into one of the fastest-evolving areas of applied technology. You'll build the knowledge needed to operate within FAA regulations, work with geospatial and mapping data and apply autonomous flight technologies across industries.
Keep Learning
Check out all our upcoming certificates, specializations and courses and find a program that’s perfect for you.
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