JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida (UNF) has launched a groundbreaking free AI certificate program that has already attracted more than 20,000 registrants worldwide, demonstrating the growing global interest in artificial intelligence education.
The “AI for Work and Life” certificate program, which began in September 2025, offers a comprehensive eight-module curriculum designed to help individuals understand and apply AI in both personal and professional contexts. Dr. Josh Gellers, UNF’s first Faculty Fellow for AI and director of the Digital Humanities Institute, shared insights about the program during an interview on “This Week in Jacksonville: Business Edition.”
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The program emerged from UNF’s leadership vision, particularly from the President and Chief Information Officer. “We wanted UNF to really make a splash and to demonstrate that we are here in Northeast Florida to assist the business community, to help the broader community understand environmental, technological, societal issues, and to bring all that together,” Gellers said.
The program has attracted a diverse audience from around the world, including participants from Kazakhstan and other international locations. The program serves everyone from recent graduates to lifelong learners, creating an inclusive learning environment for those interested in understanding AI technology.
The initiative is supported by Jacksonville-based NLP Logics, a leader in AI integration for organizations. This partnership demonstrates UNF’s commitment to connecting academic resources with the business community in Northeast Florida.
The program aims to address common concerns about AI’s impact on employment and society. “You’re not going to be replaced by AI, but you might be replaced by somebody who’s using AI,” Dr. Gellers noted, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to technological change.
Interested individuals can still register for the program through December 31, 2025, at no cost. After this date, the certificate will be offered at $249. Key features include:
- Eight comprehensive modules
- Flexible completion timeline
- UNF-certified credential
- Access to recorded live sessions
- Practical applications for workplace and personal use
To register, visit unf.edu/ai.