The Department of Philosophy’s Ethical Dimensions of AI Graduate Certificate is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks for guiding responsible development and use of AI systems. Students acquire foundational knowledge and hone critical thinking skills by studying moral theory, logic, scientific reasoning, and theories of consciousness and agency. These foundations are applied to AI systems to identify potential concerns with:
- algorithmic bias
- data privacy
- safety and alignment with human values
- accountability for errors
- AI consciousness and machine morality
- and other societal implications.
This program is particularly suited for professionals in fields such as medicine, computer science, engineering, data science, bioethics, and philosophy who seek to understand AI’s societal implications and contribute to its responsible development.
Course Requirements
Students take five graduate courses (15 credit hours), delivered in-person (though some electives are occasionally taught online).
- PHL 500: Philosophical Methods
- PHL 503: Philosophy of AI
- PHL 602: Neuroethics
- PHL 680: Ethical Dimensions of AI
- Elective (see Graduate Catalog)
The certificate pairs well with other graduate degrees at UAB, such as: Artificial Intelligence in Medicine MS, Behavioral Neuroscience MS (or PhD), Computer Science PhD, Data Science MS, Neuroengineering PhD, or the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies MA.
Double Counting of Courses
Students who completed the undergraduate version of a cross-listed course at UAB (e.g. PHL 402) may not receive graduate credit for the same course (e.g. PHL 602). In such cases, the program director must approve an appropriate substitution.
Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS)
The Ethical Dimensions of AI graduate certificate participates in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies degree program. Students can develop a personalized Master's degree (MA or MS) by “stacking” this certificate with another participating certificate program at UAB, such as AI in Medicine, Clinical Research Management, Cybersecurity Management, or Research Communication. For more information, a list of participating certificate programs, and how to apply, visit the IGS Degree site.
Undergraduate Enrollment
Enrollment in this graduate certificate is open to undergraduate students on a case-by-case basis, allowing students to potentially complete a graduate certificate at the same time they earn their undergraduate degree. Enrollment in a graduate certificate is not permitted until the student has earned at least 60 undergraduate hours, 36 of which must have been completed at UAB, with a 3.0 institutional GPA.
In addition to academic standing requirements administered at the undergraduate level, once admitted, students must maintain a 3.0 in all graduate coursework. Awarding of a graduate certificate is contingent upon a student completing all requirements of their undergraduate degree and cannot be awarded until these requirements are met.
Questions?
For more information, contact the program director Dr. Josh May (