Columbus State University’s Continuing & Professional Education division has launched three new short, fully online credentials designed to help professionals and students build the skills employers want most.

Each credential—Generative AI Foundations, Professional Communication, and Project Management Foundations (PMI Project Management Ready™)—is stackable, industry-recognized and aligned with Georgia’s high-demand career fields in business operations, information technology and communication.

All courses are 100% online and self-paced, making them accessible to the university’s alumni, employees and students—as well as the public. Each program awards a certificate of completion from Columbus State and prepares learners for a national certification exam, which can be taken at the CSU Testing Center.

“These programs are designed for today’s professionals who want flexible, affordable and industry-aligned learning opportunities,” said Samantha Miller Gurski, director of Continuing & Professional Education. “Whether you’re building AI literacy, sharpening communication or stepping into project management, these credentials empower learners to future-proof their careers and stand out in the job market.”

In greater detail, the credentials include:

Generative AI Foundations helps learners future-proof their careers by developing artificial intelligence literacy and prompt engineering skills while promoting ethical and responsible use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Firefly. With 75% of companies expected to adopt AI technologies by 2027, professionals with AI skills are becoming increasingly valuable; employers are 71% more likely to hire candidates with AI experience, even over more seasoned applicants without it. Cost: $249 for the public or $129 for CSU alumni, employees and students; exam fee: $35 (in-person) or $50 (online).

Professional Communication develops verbal, written and digital communication skills—competencies that appear in more than 6.1 million job postings nationwide, and are the most in-demand skill needed in every industry. Participants learn to craft professional emails, deliver presentations, collaborate effectively and manage workplace conflict. With 92% of executives ranking soft skills as equal to or more important than technical skills, this credential gives learners a clear competitive edge. Cost: $199 for the public or $99 for CSU alumni, employees and students; exam fee: $35 (in-person) or $50 (online).

Project Management Foundations (PMI Project Management Ready™), offered in partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI), introduces learners to project planning, leadership, ethics and agile management. The certification is ACE-recommended for three college credits and helps prepare participants for PMI’s advanced project management pathways. The global economy will need 25 million new project professionals by 2030, making this credential valuable for both emerging leaders and career changers. Cost: $295 for the public or $149 for CSU alumni, employees and students; exam fee: $35 (in-person) or $50 (online).

Critical Career Skills Certificate (bundled option): Learners who complete both Generative AI Foundations and Professional Communication earn the CSU Critical Career Skills Certificate. This combined credential highlights two of the most in-demand skill sets in the modern workplace: communication and AI. Cost: $395 for the public or $195 for CSU alumni, employees and students; exam fees: $35 per exam (in-person) or $50 (online).

“Our goal is to make high-quality professional learning accessible and relevant,” Gurski added. “We’re removing common barriers and giving learners a competitive edge with skills that employers are actively seeking.”

Enrollment for all programs is now open through Columbus State University Continuing & Professional Education. Learn more and register on the Continuing & Professional Education website.