Artificial intelligence isn’t coming – it’s already here, transforming how work gets done across nearly every industry. From streamlining operations to improving customer experiences (to helping write this blog post), AI is quickly becoming a must-have skill for today’s workforce.

To help regional businesses keep pace, Minnesota State Moorhead has launched two new AI Literacy Digital Badges as part of a flexible, beginner-friendly program designed specifically for working professionals.

Unlike highly technical AI programs, MSUM’s offering focuses on what professionals actually need: how to use AI tools effectively, responsibly, and confidently in real-world workplace scenarios.

This online program is designed for busy professionals across industries; no coding or technical background is required. Instead, participants gain a strong foundation in:

• Core AI concepts and terminology
• Generative AI tools and use cases
• Ethical and responsible AI practices
• Practical, on-the-job applications

As Dr. Robert Nava, Dean of Graduate Studies at Minnesota State Moorhead, explains: “These courses are about more than learning AI, they are about helping people move forward in their careers with confidence and practical skills they can use right away.”

Two-Part Program, Real-World Impact

Participants can earn one or two badges through complementary courses.

Part A: AI Literacy Fundamentals
A self-paced, online course that introduces key concepts and builds foundational knowledge.

Part B: Mentored Applied Project
A hands-on experience where learners apply what they’ve learned to a real-world project with guidance from an industry partner.

Participants can choose to take only Part A, or they can enroll in both Part A and B. This combination ensures participants learn to use AI in ways that directly benefit their work and organizations.

Part A (AI Literacy Fundamentals) is completely online and asynchronous, meaning participants can complete the course on their own timeline. The course opens May 18, 2026, with registration available anytime through July 10. The final deadline to complete the course modules is Aug. 3.

For those who choose to continue with Part B (Mentored Applied Project), onboarding and mentor matching begins Aug. 10, 2026.

An investment in our workforce

Here’s the opportunity that makes this especially compelling for our region: Through the Good Jobs Challenge at the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Foundation, eligible participants can complete the full program at no cost – a value of more than $4,000.

The initiative is designed to strengthen the workforce in key industries such as:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Agriculture and food production
• Cybersecurity and IT

Eligibility includes residents of North Dakota and 27 Minnesota counties, making this a valuable resource for businesses throughout Fargo-Moorhead and the expanded region.

Check your eligibility and fill out the participation form on the Chamber’s Good Jobs Challenge website.

Learn More and Apply

Whether you’re a business leader wanting to improve productivity with an AI-enabled workforce or a job seeker looking to upskill in an in-demand area, the AI Literacy Digital Badges provides a practical, low-risk way to get started. If you’re ready to build real, usable AI skills, now is the time to act.

Explore the program at www.mnstate.edu/ai-literacy. When you’re ready to apply, you’ll follow the steps to enroll in Continuing Studies courses at Minnesota State University Moorhead.