Live, cohort-based Elon NEXT program emphasizes hands-on, ethical AI learning with immediate impact.
Elon University’s AI Certificate for Professionals, in its second cohort, continues the success of a program designed to help working professionals build confidence in using artificial intelligence in meaningful, practical ways. Offered through Elon NEXT, the live, online program brings together professionals from various industries to explore how AI can enhance — not replace — human thinking and decision-making.
Participants in the newest cohort emphasized the program’s immediate relevance to their everyday work.
Andrea Davis L’12 said the experience helped her clearly identify how AI fits into multiple areas of her life.
“I had such a great time in this course — it really allowed me to pinpoint how I can use AI in my job and in my personal life, and it helped grow my confidence in handling AI,” Davis said.
The certificate focuses on experiential learning, guiding participants through hands-on exercises with AI tools, prompt development and workflow design. Rather than centering on technical complexity, the program emphasizes strategy, ethics and clarity of use.
Elizabeth Worrilow Maher ’17 said the course reshaped how she approaches her daily work.
“It genuinely shifted how I think about my day-to-day work,” Maher said. “What stood out most wasn’t just the tools, but the mindset — using AI to enhance how you think, not replace it.”
Maher noted that key takeaways included the importance of strong inputs and strategy, the impact of small workflow improvements over time and the advantage gained through learning how to ask better questions.
Instructor Rebecca Macy said the growth she observed in the cohort reflected a shift in how participants approached AI.
“The strength of this program is that it does not treat AI as a one-time tool demonstration,” she said. “Participants build from foundational understanding and ethics into prompt engineering, workflow design and a personalized capstone project they can connect directly to their professional or personal lives.”
By the end of the program, she added, participants gain clarity as well as confidence.
“The thirst for learning about the newest AI tools and best practices for practical, professional usage continues to grow,” said instructor Scott Oakes. “Hands-on, cohort-driven learning is a uniquely Elon experience — one where students draw not only on our expertise, but on the lived experiences of their fellow learners.”
For many participants, that collaborative environment reinforces both learning and confidence.
“This is a great class to learn and expand your knowledge,” said Neal Saunders G’17. “You won’t believe what you can do.”
As the AI Certificate for Professionals continues to grow, the second cohort reflects the program’s evolution from a new offering into an established learning experience with lasting professional impact. The certificate reinforces Elon’s commitment to lifelong learning and workforce relevance.
The certificate is offered through Elon NEXT, part of the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies.