Duke University and Simplilearn Collaborate to Advance AI Education with New Certificate Program

Duke University and Simplilearn Launch New Certificate Program in AI

In a groundbreaking collaborative effort, Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and Simplilearn have joined forces to launch a new Professional Certificate in Applied Generative AI and Agentic AI. This program aims to provide a comprehensive education on the journey of AI development, encompassing the essentials of Generative AI and large language models, as well as advanced application in building multimodal systems and engineering AI agents.

Spanning a flexible learning period of 14 weeks, the program offers a unique mix of self-paced video lectures and live interactive sessions. Participants will have insights from industry leaders at companies like Intel, Amazon, IBM, Barclays, and Oracle, which enriches the learning experience with practical knowledge. Moreover, learners will engage in hands-on projects that allow them to apply their skills and attend exclusive masterclasses led by esteemed Duke faculty.

The curriculum is specially designed to feature over 45 guided demos, more than 10 portfolio-building projects, and exposure to a variety of tools and platforms currently utilized by modern AI teams. This structure not only equips learners with basic knowledge but also prepares them to take on advanced roles in the AI landscape.

According to recent reports, the Generative AI market was valued at over $119 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to soar between $1.6 trillion and $2.3 trillion by the early 2030s. As organizations increasingly transition beyond preliminary AI understanding, there's a pressing demand for professionals who can deliver reliable, secure, and scalable AI solutions. Key areas of growth include Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), multimodal AI, agentic AI, and AI security, demonstrating a need for skills in these exciting fields.

Dr. Richard Freishtat, Associate Dean for Executive Education at Duke University, emphasized the transformative potential of Generative and Agentic AI in reshaping organizational operations. He stated, "Professionals now need to extend their knowledge of AI applications into practical implementations that generate real value for their organizations. This program is crafted to fill that need by combining a strong foundational understanding of emerging AI technologies with actionable opportunities to apply them in real-world scenarios."

The program also includes an AI Impact Studio, featuring live workshop sessions relating to Generative AI, automation, and other emerging technologies. Students have the opportunity to explore active electives focusing on Azure AI and Microsoft Foundry, further enriching their learning experience.

Upon completion of the program, learners will receive a prestigious Professional Certificate in Applied Generative AI and Agentic AI from Duke Executive Education and Simplilearn. This certificate not only adds value to participants' resumes but also signifies a commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements.

Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO of Simplilearn, spoke about the initiative, stating, "Navigating the vast sea of information regarding Generative AI can often overwhelm professionals. Our objective is to streamline this learning process and delve into the practical aspects of how modern AI systems are constructed. We are excited for this collaboration with Duke, which melds academic rigor with Simplilearn's expertise in offering real-world relevant training."

Designed for a diverse range of professionals, the program is ideal for product and program managers, analysts, consultants, software engineers, data engineers, AI/ML professionals, and technical architects, among others. By enrolling, these individuals can gain advanced AI capabilities and effectively implement AI solutions within their current roles.

With renowned evaluations in AI education, Duke University ranks #7 among U.S. National Universities, while the Fuqua School of Business is notable for its strength in Business Analytics. The collaboration between Duke Executive Education and Simplilearn promises to yield skilled professionals who are ready to embrace the future of AI technologies in the global workforce.

For those looking to expand their skill set in this exciting field, the Professional Certificate in Applied Generative AI and Agentic AI is an opportunity not to be missed. With a commitment to advancing professional capabilities in AI, this program stands as a beacon of modern learning and development. For further information, you can visit the Simplilearn website and find details regarding enrollment.