New Undergraduate Certificate in Generative Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Applications, and Ethics

Author: Arno Puder
August 1, 2025
CS Faculty and Department chair at Explore SFSU 2025

The Department of Computer Science is proud to announce the launch of a new Undergraduate Certificate in Generative Artificial Intelligence: Technology, Applications, and Ethics, beginning in Fall 2026. This innovative program responds to the rapid rise of generative AI (GenAI) and its transformative impact on fields ranging from software development and digital media to education and scientific research.

Generative AI refers to a class of technologies that can create content such as text, images, code, and audio using advanced machine learning models. These tools are already reshaping the modern workforce, introducing new paradigms in creativity, automation, and software engineering. San Francisco State University’s new certificate aims to equip students with the technical, practical, and ethical foundations needed to lead in this evolving field.

The 12-unit certificate includes two core courses: CSC 698 Generative AI, a newly developed course debuting Fall 2025 and CSC 659 AI Explainability and Ethics. Students will also choose two electives from a set of advanced AI offerings:

  • CSC 620 Natural Language Technologies
  • CSC 665 Artificial Intelligence
  • CSC 671 Deep Learning
  • CSC 676 Soft Computing and Decision Support Systems

The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, giving students opportunities to apply GenAI technologies to real-world problems while gaining foundational knowledge in traditional AI, deep learning, and natural language processing. Ethical considerations are ingrained throughout the program, ensuring graduates are prepared to deploy AI technologies responsibly.

With over 1,500 declared majors, the Department of Computer Science is one of the largest at SF State and continues to lead with forward-thinking curriculum aligned with industry trends. This certificate marks the first program of its kind among the California State University system.

More information regarding the GenAI Certificate will be available on the Department of Computer Science website in the upcoming academic year.