Whether you’re looking to sharpen your expertise or considering your next career move, UW Professional & Continuing Education’s new certificates, courses and specializations can help you build in-demand skills.
1. Programming & Tech
Advanced Embedded Systems With AI
- Type: Specialization
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Where: Online
Wearable tech, self-driving cars and even your smart refrigerator all rely on embedded systems — tiny, built-in microprocessors that act like a product’s operations center. There’s high demand for embedded systems engineers who have the advanced skills to integrate AI tools into their workflow — and into the products they develop.
In this specialization, you’ll build advanced skills in programming low‑power, mesh-networked devices with onboard AI processing, giving you the knowledge to deliver secure, intelligent embedded systems. “Programming in constrained environments where communication is more expensive than computation means learning how to maximize every resource you have,” explains Karl Fezer, staff AI research engineer at Lockheed Martin and one of the instructors of this new specialization.
Applying theory to hardware projects, you’ll deploy real-time machine learning models, integrate cybersecurity and program directly on modern silicon platforms. You’ll also delve into AI‑driven development workflows and emerging applications.
EXPLORE EMBEDDED SYSTEMS WITH AI
GIS Spatial Analysis With Python & R
- Type: Specialization
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Where: Online
For GIS professionals, knowing how to use geoprocessing platforms such as Esri’s ArcGIS is essential — but building on that expertise with advanced data analysis and modeling skills gives you a powerful competitive advantage. By combining GIS with Python and R programming, you can automate geoprocessing, analyze large spatial datasets, build custom models, integrate open‑source tools with ArcGIS, and apply statistical and machine learning methods across any field that relies on spatial data and geographic visualizations.
“Geospatial analysis and modeling in R and Python apply to a wide range of professional fields,” says Marc Weber, instructor and developer of this specialization and a geographer with 20 years of experience who currently works for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water. “These in-demand skills open doors to extensive job opportunities.”
Explore GIS Spatial Analysis
Machine Learning Modeling With Foundation Models & AI Tools
- Type: Course
- Duration: 3 months
- Where: Online
AI makes it possible to accelerate machine learning workflows — but building reliable models still requires rigor and sound methodology. This course helps software engineers and Python programmers bridge that gap by pairing modern AI tools with engineering standards and best practices in data science.
This course gives you hands-on practice using AI responsibly to build machine learning models from end-to-end. You’ll use AI tools to automate and speed your modeling workflow, create a native AI application using a foundation model and develop the skills you need to build production‑ready ML solutions with integrity.
Explore ML Modeling
Software Development Essentials
- Type: Certificate
- Duration: 6-9 months
- Where: Online
Strong software developers do more than write code — they design systems that are efficient, scalable and maintainable over time. A solid foundation in Python fundamentals, algorithms, data structures, design patterns and system design will position you for faster career growth.
In this three-course certificate program, you’ll learn basic programming concepts using Python, create and compare algorithms and data structures, and gain experience with standard software architecture. Whether you’re looking to formalize your skills or prepare for more technical roles, this program provides a clear pathway into modern software development.
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System Administration & DevOps With Python
- Type: Certificate
- Duration: 6-7 months
- Where: Online
Today’s IT roles require a blend of coding, systems management and automation skills. System administrators and DevOps professionals are expected to govern infrastructure, deploy applications and maintain reliability across cloud and on-site environments.
Combining three focused courses, this certificate program helps you build practical skills in Python, system administration and DevOps tools. Get the foundation you need for a career in modern IT.
Explore System Admin & DevOps
2. Writing, Editing & Marketing
AI Essentials for Writers & Editors
- Type: Course
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Where: Online
AI is changing how content is created, refined and published — and writers and editors are increasingly expected to know how to use these tools thoughtfully and effectively. The challenge isn’t whether to use AI, but how to integrate it without sacrificing creativity, voice or ethical standards.
In this course, you’ll learn how to incorporate AI into your editorial workflow in responsible, practical ways. You’ll explore how tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Grammarly can support work throughout the editorial process, from ideation and outlining to revision and final review. “To future-proof your writing and editing career, it’s best to become tech-savvy and learn how to use AI as a new tool and personal assistant,” says Matthew Bennett, the course designer and instructor, co-founder of Cascadia Editors Collective.
Explore AI for Writers
AI-Powered Product Marketing
- Type: Specialization
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Where: Online
Launching a great product is only the beginning. To drive rapid adoption, product marketers must understand their audience, market dynamics and competitive landscape — and communicate the product’s value clearly. Generative AI is now a core tool for accelerating and scaling that work.
In this one-course specialization, you’ll learn how to apply AI across the product marketing process. You’ll use AI tools to analyze market trends, understand customer preferences and assess competitive positioning. You’ll learn how to craft messaging that resonates and to support go-to-market strategies efficiently. In the end, you’ll bring these skills together to create a comprehensive, AI-enhanced strategic marketing plan.
“The best product marketers don’t just know the frameworks, they know how to successfully apply them to ambiguous problems,” says course instructor and developer Eric Shuai, senior director of product marketing at Viant Technology. “This program builds that foundation and shows you how to use AI as a thinking partner, not a shortcut, so you’re ready for the real challenges of the role.”
Explore AI Product Marketing
3. Business & Nonprofit
Generative AI for Project Management
- Type: Course
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Where: Online
If you’re an experienced project manager, generative AI tools can be a game-changer for planning, communication and decision‑making — but only if you know how to validate outputs and understand when AI is (or isn’t) right for the job.
“This is not an AI hype workshop — and it’s not a project management fundamentals course,” says instructor Carolyn Dalen, whose two decades of project management experience includes advanced training in generative AI and prompt engineering. “It’s an applied learning experience for professionals wanting to modernize their practice effectively and responsibly, including project managers working in the field and others with foundational project management knowledge.”
In this course, you’ll examine the limitations of AI tools, then explore ways you can effectively and efficiently integrate generative AI into your project management practice to assist with scoping, scheduling, risk scenarios, stakeholder communication and more.
Explore Project Management With AI
Grant Writing, Management & Nonprofit Finance
- Type: Certificate
- Duration: 8-9 months
- Where: Online
Funding provides the lifeblood for mission-driven organizations. But getting and sustaining funding requires more than writing strong proposals. You also need a clear understanding of the full grant life cycle and nonprofit financial expertise.
In this three-course certificate program, you’ll build skills in three essential areas for nonprofits — grant writing, grant management and nonprofit finance — and equip yourself to strengthen funder relationships and drive long-term sustainability. Gain a well-rounded skill set that positions you as a knowledgeable, trusted leader in the nonprofit funding and finance space.
Explore Nonprofit Grants & Finance
Keep Learning
Check out all our autumn certificates, specializations and courses in 2026 and find a program that’s perfect for you.