Purdue’s online AI programs are spotlighted at UPCEA conference after earning recognition from ABET and QS Reimagining Education Awards
Purdue’s online artificial intelligence (AI) offerings have earned several notable recognitions as of late. The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI), AI graduate certificate and AI microcredentials were recently shortlisted for an award by the QS Reimagining Education awards, an award ceremony recognizing innovation in higher education and education technology. Additionally, Purdue University’s online artificial intelligence (AI) microcredentials received recognition from ABET, an international quality assurance organization known for its accreditation of STEM-oriented degree programs. According to Carrie Berger, executive director of academic affairs for Purdue’s online programs, these honors show Purdue’s commitment to being on the cutting-edge of AI education.
“[This recognition] shows that Purdue has been continually innovative in the AI space,” Berger said. “We are thinking ahead to what learners will need in the future, and we’re working with organizations like ABET to make it happen.”
Berger gave a presentation alongside ABET at UPCEA’s 2025 Convergence conference that discussed the significance of ABET’s recognition of the AI microcredentials and the value of establishing clear quality assurance standards for non-degree courses from universities and other institutions. Purdue’s AI microcredentials are the first courses of their kind to be recognized by ABET. Their recognition is part of a pilot project in which ABET is expanding beyond accreditation of traditional degree programs for the first time.
“Most of the non-degree credentials out there are not verified,” said Berger. “ABET is trying to bring some structure and sense to what people commonly refer to as ‘the wild west.’ It’s a big problem that, for many credentials, there are no standards, and organizations are not being held accountable if they sell a credential that isn’t of good quality.”
To earn ABET recognition, Purdue’s AI microcredentials went through an extensive application and review process. The review process focused on how well the courses incorporate feedback from students and employers, the qualifications of the people who created the courses and teach them, and whether continuous improvement processes are implemented consistently to ensure the courses stay relevant and rigorous over time.
“In the certification process, ABET went through our courses and made sure we had processes for collecting stakeholder feedback and that we were following the processes we created,” Berger said. “They also ensured that we are continually improving these courses and implementing feedback.”
“ABET won’t certify a credential unless there are learners that have already completed it and can give feedback,” Berger added.
Through an independent review process, ABET certified 10 of Purdue’s 13 AI microcredential courses. Three courses were not eligible for certification because, at the time of ABET’s review, no learners had completed them. Purdue plans to have the three remaining courses certified soon.
ABET’s recognition of Purdue’s AI microcredentials establishes these courses as having both credibility and impact for students. According to Berger, certification shows that the microcredentials are committed to continuous improvement and responsive to what students want. It also shows prospective employers that these credentials have been validated by an independent vetting process. In a higher education market where credential fraud is common, this validation is important.
“ABET is one of the few organizations that has a lot of credibility when it comes to accrediting STEM programs,” Berger said. “People already recognize ABET and associate it with quality in the degree-seeking space. Certifying non-degree credentials is new to them, but it’s an extension of what they already do well, and it’s a much-needed service.”
The QS Reimagining Education Awards
Purdue’s online MSAI program, along with the AI graduate certificates and AI microcredentials, also achieved recognition from the QS Reimagining Education awards, where they were placed on the shortlist for the Developing Emerging Skills & Competencies Award. The MSAI was recognized for its innovative, interdisciplinary approach to AI education, in which students learn both technical and non-technical approaches to AI and collaborate to complete projects and solve real-world problems.
“This award-shortlisting recognizes the uniqueness of the MSAI program,” said Berger. “It supports a larger message that we are trying to convey, which is that AI is interdisciplinary, and we lean into that approach.”
The QS Reimagining Education awards will take place December 1-3 in London. The Developing Emerging Skills and Competencies Award recognizes projects or initiatives that are effectively developing skills and competencies required for the present and future of work.
“At Purdue, we prepare people to solve the kind of issues that they’ll actually encounter in their jobs,” said Berger. “Rather than keeping technical and non-technical students separate in the AI programs, we have them work together, just like they would in the real-world.”
Explore Purdue’s online AI Programs
Purdue’s online AI programs offer just-in-time AI education that meets professionals where they are. From 15-hour microcredentials, to stackable graduate certificates, to a full master’s degree that includes coursework in technical and non-technical applications of AI, Purdue’s AI degrees, certifications and credentials work with a variety of timelines and a variety of goals. Whether you’re looking to build technical skills in coding and machine learning or you want to develop your leadership skills in the AI ethics space, Purdue’s Master of Science in AI, AI graduate certificates and AI microcredentials provide comprehensive learning and deliver proven value in the job market.
Learn more about the Master of Science in AI, the AI graduate certificate and the AI microcredentials by visiting the programs’ webpages.