Fuqua Launched Applied AI Certificate Program
The Durham-based business school introduced a 12-week online certificate program focused on generative and agentic AI.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University has launched an online certificate program in applied generative and agentic artificial intelligence. The 12-week course was developed in collaboration with Microsoft and Simplilearn to help professionals gain practical skills.
Why it matters
The program addresses a shift in industry focus from generative AI toward agentic AI that gained momentum during the summer of 2026. It allows the institution to provide specialized training to professionals who do not require a full degree program.
The certificate program spans a 12-week duration and requires applicants to possess a basic understanding of programming and mathematics. Participants must complete a production-ready AI system as a final capstone project.
The players
Fuqua School of Business
This is the graduate business school of Duke University located in Durham.
Microsoft
This is a global technology corporation that collaborated with Fuqua to create the new AI certificate.
Simplilearn
This is an online education platform that partnered with the school to develop the program curriculum.
The details
Fuqua faculty oversee the program, which utilizes live online masterclasses, workshops, and hands-on projects to ensure students build a portfolio of AI systems. The curriculum is designed to track industry challenges and address specific needs in the current AI landscape.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Industry conversations shifted toward agentic AI.
September 2026: The certificate program officially launched.
The Tech Race
This program reflects the broader industry pivot toward agentic artificial intelligence by formalizing training for these specific autonomous systems. It positions the institution within a competitive landscape of universities racing to provide practical workforce training for the next wave of AI development.
Prospective students can gain technical expertise without committing to a full degree program, though they must meet prerequisites in math and programming. Participants will walk away with a portfolio of functional AI systems, increasing their readiness for roles in modern tech environments.
The takeaway
Professionals looking to stay relevant in an AI-driven economy should focus on developing skills in agentic systems, which are increasingly replacing simple generative tools. Practical, project-based learning is becoming the industry standard for bridging the gap between theory and execution.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in the Artificial Intelligence sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Duke Chronicle.
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