Increase your impact and advance your career goals with flexible, lifelong learning at DeGroote. Access blended, online, hybrid and asynchronous options in fields such as AI, digital strategy and equity-based leadership. Learn from industry experts, collaborate with peers and balance your work-life-learning needs—on your schedule.
Our certificates and microcredentials leverage online modalities and purpose-built spaces like the McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery and the Ron Joyce Centre in Burlington.
Advance your career with the skills to lead in a world shaped by data and artificial intelligence.
This university-accredited academic graduate certificate is designed for professionals who want to drive innovation, improve decision-making and lead meaningful change within their organizations. The program focuses on real-world application, helping you build a strong foundation in both the technical and strategic aspects of data and AI.
Throughout the program, you will explore essential topics including AI fundamentals, data analytics, responsible AI practices and change leadership. A blend of hands-on projects, case studies and industry-aligned content ensures that you graduate with the practical knowledge needed to implement a personalized AI and data strategy in your workplace.
You will gain the ability to:
This certificate is ideal for working professionals and aspiring leaders who are looking to increase their impact and stay competitive in an evolving digital landscape. You will be encouraged to develop projects that can be implemented immediately, creating real value for your organization while advancing your own expertise.
Build the confidence to lead with data and discover how this graduate certificate can help you harness the power of AI for long-term success.
Data Science, Applied AI and Organizational Leadership
Credential: Graduate Academic Certificate
Who you are: Mid-to-Senior level professional
Admission requirement: Honours Bachelor Degree, recommended average of B+ (8.5/12 GPA) but all applications welcome
Courses:
Time commitment:
Format:
Evaluation: The grades for each course will be based on a combination of participation, quizzes, and assignments
Cost: $4,999.00
Three 2-unit courses (each 20 hours) are completed in a single term.
Two required courses are GC700 and GC701 and one elective from GC702 or GC703.
Strategic Leadership with Data & AI (GC700)
GC700 is a required course. It includes a 2-day residency at the Ron Joyce Center.
Learning outcomes:
Leveraging AI for Organizational Leadership (GC701)
GC701 is a require course that is delivered fully online through synchronous and asynchronous lessons and small group coaching. By the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:
This course is delivered fully online with a mix of live and on-demand content. All courses taught by Dr. Ryan Tessier.
Business Data Fundamentals on Cloud Computing Services (GC702)
GC702 is one of two elective options. By the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:
This course is delivered fully online with a mix of live and on-demand content. All courses taught by Dr. Ryan Tessier.
AI Foundations for Business (GC703)
GC703 is one of two elective options. By the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:
This course is delivered fully online with a mix of live and on-demand content. All courses taught by Dr. Ryan Tessier.
Dr. Ryan Tessier is a technology strategist, educator and senior leader in Canada’s energy sector. With a PhD in mathematics focused on machine learning and quantum systems, he helps professionals turn AI and data into tools for leadership, strategy and transformation.
Dr. Tessier has led national training initiatives including the Microsoft Canada Digital Skills program and is known for making complex concepts accessible and actionable.
Build practical skills quickly with stackable microcredentials focused on real-world application. The EqCC series covers equity-based co-creation:
Designed for established and emerging leaders, front-line service providers, and those with lived/living experience navigating systemic barriers, each microcredential offers targeted learning to help you drive inclusive, impactful change in your workplace.
These microcredentials are a great fit for:
Credential: Microcredential
Who you are: public and/or Not-For-Profit service providers, people with lived/living experience, students, researchers, community leaders and decision makers seeking foundational knowledge and skills in equity-based co-creation.
Admission requirement: no admission requirements
Time commitment: the course takes 4-6 hours
Format: program delivered fully online and asynchronously, allowing participants to complete training modules at their own pace from any location.
Evaluation: participants’ understanding will be evaluated through ongoing knowledge checks embedded throughout the program. These short assessments ensure comprehension and reinforce key concepts. At the end of the program, participants will complete a final assignment: a Personal Action Plan. This comprehensive reflection includes:
This final component encourages participants to apply what they’ve learned in a way that’s both personal and actionable.
Cost: $250.00
Credential: Microcredential
Who you are: this program is designed for current and aspiring practitioners, community advocates, and leaders who intend to facilitate co-design and collaborative service innovation initiatives.
Admission requirement: must have completed EqCC Ambassador
Time commitment: 20-25 hours to complete over a 9–10 week period
Format: the program is delivered entirely online and includes a blend of synchronous (live, scheduled) and asynchronous (self-paced) activities. This flexible format allows participants to engage in real-time discussions and collaborative sessions, while also completing coursework, reflections, and learning modules on their own schedule.
Evaluation: participant learning will be assessed through a combination of reflective and applied assignments, including:
These assessments are designed to encourage critical reflection, peer engagement, and practical application of equity concepts.
Cost: $750.00
Who you are: this program is intended for individuals with lived or living experience of systemic inequities, including but not limited to caregivers, patient partners, and those directly impacted by barriers within health, social, or public service systems.
Admission requirement: must have completed EqCC Ambassador
Time commitment: 10–15 hours to complete over a 9–10 week period
Format: the program is delivered entirely online and includes a blend of synchronous (live, scheduled) and asynchronous (self-paced) activities. This flexible format allows participants to engage in real-time discussions and collaborative sessions, while also completing coursework, reflections, and learning modules on their own schedule.
Evaluation: Similar to EqCC Coach, assessments include:
These assessments are designed to encourage critical reflection, peer engagement, and practical application of equity concepts.
Cost: $500.00
Prepare for the digital-first future of work. As organizations embrace digital transformation, the demand for marketing professionals skilled in modern tools and techniques continues to grow. This microcredential series is designed to help working professionals and job seekers build practical expertise in digital strategy, data-driven marketing and AI-powered solutions. Available courses are:
Gain in-demand skills in:
Credential: Microcredential
Who you are: founders and managers of small and medium-sized companies and not-for-profit institutions
Admission requirement: no admission requirements, open to all
Description: by the end of this microcredential, learners should be able to:
Time commitment: 15 – 20 hours
Format: this course includes online video lectures and practice questions, supported by an AI coaching platform to help reinforce learning and build confidence.
After completing the core content, learners will apply their knowledge through a comprehensive capstone project. This project involves conducting an audit of their own website and developing a monthly digital promotion plan tailored to their business needs.
Each learner will receive personalized feedback from a dedicated mentor, who will review their project report and conduct a one-on-one consultation — effectively offering a free digital marketing coaching session for small businesses.
Evaluation: learners must first complete all online practice questions to unlock the final project. Once the project is submitted, they may book a one-on-one session with a mentor. The mentor will review and evaluate the project, provide personalized feedback, and determine whether the learner has successfully met the course requirements to complete and pass the program.
Cost: $500.00
Credential: Microcredential
Who you are: this course is designed for current and aspiring marketing professionals, including early-career marketers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and students pursuing studies in marketing, communications, or related fields.
Admission requirement: no admission requirements, open to all
Description: the curriculum will include:
This microcredential will equip learners with both the knowledge and practical skills to confidently select and apply AI tools to real-world marketing tasks—enhancing their productivity, creativity, and strategic decision-making.
Time commitment: 10 – 15 hours
Format: the program is delivered fully online and combines synchronous lectures—where participants can engage live with instructors and peers—with practice assignments that reinforce learning and allow participants to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. This blended approach ensures both interactive learning and hands-on skill development at a flexible pace.
Evaluation: Assignment to be set by the instructor.
Cost: $500.00
Data Science, Applied AI & Organizational Leadership – Graduate Academic Certificate for mid-to-senior professionals. Three hybrid courses (20 hrs. each) with synchronous, asynchronous, and a required two-day residency. Certificate begins Jan 15, 2026 at the Ron Joyce Centre. The two-day residency will run on January 30-31, 2026. Evaluation via participation, quizzes, and assignments. Complete the course by April, 2026.
Cost: $4,999, Scholarships available.
EqCC Ambassador – Microcredential for public/NFP service providers, students, researchers, community leaders, and those with lived/living experience seeking foundational equity-based co-creation skills. Fully online, asynchronous, 4–6 hours. Evaluated via knowledge checks and a final Personal Action Plan reflecting positionality, historical harms, and advocacy strategies.
Cost: $250
Digital Marketing for Small-Medium Business Growth – Microcredential for founders and managers of small/medium businesses and not-for-profits. No admission requirements. Fully online, 15–20 hours including video lectures, AI-supported practice questions, and a capstone project auditing your website and creating a monthly digital promotion plan. Personalized mentor feedback and one-on-one consultation included. Evaluation based on practice completion and project review.
Cost: $500
AI Essentials for Marketing Professionals – Microcredential for current and aspiring marketers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and students. Fully online, 10–15 hours with live lectures and practice assignments. Covers AI fundamentals, content generation, marketing research, and application in SEO, social media, advertising, and email marketing. Learners gain practical skills to apply AI tools in real-world marketing. Evaluation via instructor-assigned project.
Cost: $500
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upskill@mcmaster.ca
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