Asper School introduces Micro-Diploma in Business and AI

AI is in a full sprint. As it rapidly transforms the business world, it can be hard to keep up. The Asper School of Business is leading Manitoba’s business schools by offering a training program to meet the demand for a workforce trained in human-centric AI skills. 

The Micro-Diploma in Business and AI brings together fundamental classroom knowledge and hands-on learning to give students a deep understanding of how to apply AI effectively and ethically in the workplace. 

Registration is now open to students of all faculties, who can fold the micro-diploma into their undergraduate studies; as well as working professionals, who can use the micro-diploma as a for-credit professional development opportunity. 
 

Instruction from expert researchers

“Every business is about to be rebuilt around AI. The people who understand how will be the ones driving it. That's what this credential is for,” said Wenxi Pu, Associate Dean of Teaching & Learning at the Asper School and guiding force behind the micro-diploma

Asper’s micro-diploma differentiates itself in the inclusion of professors who have proven expertise in AI research and scholarship. Professors like Kimia Ansari (Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems at the Asper School), who recently published AI research that gained national attention from a Financial Times 50 ranked journal. Ansari will teach the first course in Fall 2026.
 

Driven by industry needs 

The Asper School designed the Micro-diploma in Business and AI alongside industry experts, who have supported programming with critical insights of day-to-day business operation in Manitoba. 

“Artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses operate, compete, and create value. Ensuring that our future workforce understands how to apply AI responsibly and effectively will be critical to improving productivity and driving innovation in the years ahead,” said Chuck Davidson, President & CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.

“The Micro-Diploma in Business and AI represents an important step in equipping students and future leaders with the tools to adapt and excel in a rapidly changing business environment,” said Davidson.

Kent Smith, Managing Partner, ourCIO said, “I see firsthand the growing need for professionals who can bridge the gap between business strategy and emerging technologies like AI. The Micro-Diploma in Business and AI is a timely and well-structured response to this need.” 
 

Applied learning, flexible timeline

To earn the micro-diploma, students must complete three 3-credit hour courses and an additional hands-on learning course. The micro-diploma can be completed in between 1-3 academic years. 

In the hands-on learning course, students will work in teams and directly interact with industry experts from the Manitoba business community to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world project.   

“The hands-on course brings everything together,” said Wenxi Pu, Associate Dean of Teaching & Learning at the Asper School and guiding force behind the micro-diploma. “We will ensure that students leave our program equipped with demonstratable project skills that employers value in the age of AI.”