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.
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 that runs mid-September to Thanksgiving and includes a 2-day, in-person residency at the Ron Joyce Center September 26–27, 2025.
Learning outcomes:
Leveraging AI for Organizational Leadership (GC701)
GC701 is a require course that runs in October and 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 runs in November, and 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 runs in November, and 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 AI marketing, digital strategy and equity-based co-creation.
Designed for those with lived or living experience of system barriers, each microcredential offers targeted learning to help you drive inclusive, impactful change in your workplace.
These microcredentials are a great fit for:
Audience: Not-For-Profit professionals, McMaster students and community leaders seeking foundational skills in equity-based co-creation.
Format: Fully online, asynchronous; approx. 8 hours.
Evaluation: Knowledge checkpoints and a personal action plan focused on positionality, worldviews and strategies for allyship.
Tuition: $250*
Audience: Practitioners and leaders intending to lead co-design or collaborative service innovation initiatives.
Format: Nine-week hybrid course (self-paced modules, online discussion boards and synchronous group work).
Evaluation: Structured discussions, group project and reflective action planning.
Tuition: $750*
Audience: Individuals with lived/living experience of system inequities, including caregivers and patient partners.
Format: Nine-week hybrid course (self-paced modules, online discussion boards and synchronous group work).
Evaluation: Interactive group projects and a practical action plan for change leadership.
Tuition: $500*
* Bursary options are available.
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.
Gain in-demand skills in:
No prior experience or admission requirements.
Available Courses
Want to learn more before applying? Join a free information webinar with the program team and instructor.
Graduate Certificate in Data Science, Applied AI and Organizational Leadership
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST
Register here
Graduate Certificate in Data Science, Applied AI and Organizational Leadership
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM EST
Register here
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details on how to join.
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
Cost: $4,999*
*$3,999 for McMaster Alumni with scholarships available
Credential: Microcredential, Equity-Based Co-Creation (EqCC)
Who you are: Professionals working in a non-profit, health care or social service sector or professionals aspiring to work in these sectors.
Admission requirements: None
Format: Mix of asynchronous courses and virtual co-creation labs.
Credential: Microcredential, Digital Marketing
Who you are: early career professional
Admission Requirement: No prior experience or admission requirements.
Courses
Time commitment
Format
Cost: $500 CAD
Credential: Microcredential, AI Essentials for Marketing Professionals
Who you are: early career marketing professional
Admission Requirement: No prior experience or admission requirements.
Courses
Time commitment
Format
Cost: $500 CAD
Our dedicated team is available to help answer your questions. Get in touch and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
