Five new Professional Certificates and expanded offerings from industry and university partners reflect how learners are preparing for the future of work.
By Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer
As 2026 gets underway, demand for generative AI and human-centered skills continues to rise, with learners moving beyond exploration toward application.
Coursera’s 2026 Fastest Growing Skills highlights growing demand for skills like AI agents, AI assisted design, and critical thinking — and I’m pleased to share how our partners are bringing these skills to life on Coursera through new content designed for real-world application.
From Learning to Jobs: Professional Certificates for the AI Era
Professional Certificates play a critical role on Coursera by delivering job-relevant, hands-on learning and these newest programs teach the latest AI skills across technology, business, and operations.
Supply Chain Specialist* (Airbus)
Launch a supply chain management career with AI-powered learning and real-world projects in logistics, procurement, forecasting, and sustainable strategy.
Canva Essentials (Coursera)
Learn in-demand design and content creation skills using AI workflows and tools on the popular creative platform, Canva.
PyTorch for Deep Learning (DeepLearning.AI)
Build, train, and deploy deep learning models with PyTorch, gaining practical experience in computer vision and NLP for modern AI systems.
Systems and Solutions Architect* (IBM)
Build foundational skills in systems and solutions architecture, focusing on designing, integrating, and scaling tech solutions to meet business goals.
Machine Learning Engineer (SAS)
Develop end-to-end machine learning skills, from statistics to ModelOps, deployment, and automation. Hands-on projects prepare learners for SAS certifications.
*denotes entry-level cert; no prior experience is needed.
Universities Anchoring AI with Rigor, Ethics, and Human Skills
As AI adoption accelerates, universities play a critical role in grounding AI learning in ethics, communication, leadership, and academic rigor.
New university courses and Specializations includes:
- AI-Powered Content Creation for Social Media Success (University of California, Davis)
Use AI tools to create, optimize, and evaluate social media content responsibly and effectively. - Current Issues in Ethics and AI (University of Colorado Boulder)
Explore ethical challenges and societal impacts of AI across industries and real-world contexts. - Excel for Business with AI: Essentials (Macquarie University)
Build confidence using Excel with AI to analyze data and create clear, actionable reports. - 6G for a Connected Future Specialization (University of Glasgow)
Explore 6G technologies shaping intelligent networks, connectivity and future infrastructure. - Cybersecurity in the AI Era (University of Maryland)
Understand cybersecurity and risk management strategies for working effectively in the AI era. - Public Health Leadership Specialization (University of Maryland)
Develop leadership skills to navigate public health challenges before crises emerge. - Model Context Protocol for Leaders: Generative AI Agents (Vanderbilt University)
Lead teams in deploying AI agents using Model Context Protocol for enterprise workflows.
New Partner Content Expanding What — and How — Learners Learn
Alongside the growth of AI learning, we continue to welcome new partners, including the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and expand learning across the disciplines that matter most to the future of work.
New content from partners like AI Certs and the Minnesota State University, Mankato brings fresh perspectives to the platform, spanning leadership, communication, cybersecurity, and public health, combining AI fluency with career-readiness.
Recent courses and Specializations from new partners include:
- AI for Healthcare (AI Certs)
Apply AI tools ethically to healthcare diagnostics, analytics, and patient care. - AI for Health & Nursing (AI Certs)
Leverage AI for clinical decisions, and nursing workflows with ethical, patient-centered care. - AI for Legal Practice (AI Certs)
Use AI in legal workflows, decision-making, and data analysis for responsible legal practice. - GLP-1 Medication Support Course for Fitness Professionals (ISSA)
Support clients using GLP-1 medications with safe training, nutrition, and coaching. - Technical Communication in the AI Era Specialization (Minnesota State University, Mankato)
Create clear technical content using generative AI to communicate complex ideas effectively. - Vibe Coding Essentials: Build Apps with AI Specialization (Scrimba)
Create and deploy real-world apps using AI-powered, beginner-friendly coding tools.
Together with our partners, we are helping learners build the AI and durable skills that support lasting career growth in a rapidly changing world.
Sign up for Coursera Plus today to gain access to our growing catalog of world-class content across high-demand fields.