AI & Society
Program Description:
In recent years, AI has become synonymous with technological change that has the potential to revolutionize or upend society. This online course asks two key questions: how did we get here, and what are the implications of AI for society? To address these questions the course examines definitions of AI and tracks its historical rise as a cross-disciplinary research field. The course then turns towards AI’s impacts on various domains, including the environment, work, education, and government. Whether you’re hopeful or skeptical about AI, this course is for anyone interested in AI and its societal implications and improved AI literacy.
| Non-Credit Requirements | For-Credit Requirements (Must register through Registrar) |
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This course offers a non-credit track that enables participants to participate in the first asynchronous module and the first hour of each scheduled meeting. Non-credit participants can attend in person on the TC campus or on Zoom. Attendance beyond the first hour is optional for non-credit students. Times: Sessions held from 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST, on the following dates:
Approximately 10 contact hours
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Before the course begins: introductory online asynchronous content available via Canvas. After the last meeting, final assignment activities and remote support until submission 1/30/2026. Times: Sessions held from 12:00pm - 3:30pm EST, on the following dates:
Offered for 3 credit |
Dates & Registration
Dates: January 6 - 16, 2026
Format: Hybrid
Price: $295
Please Note: This course is offered on a non-credit basis or for 3 credits. Registration for this course through TC Academy is for the non-credit offering and Academic Credits will not be awarded. For instructions on how to register for the credit offering see below.
For more information, questions, or to register: Email tcacademy@tc.columbia.edu
This course can be taken for credit in accordance with TC's enrollment policies. If you are not a current student and would like to take this course for credit, please review the Non-Degree Application Instructions page on our website and proceed accordingly. Also, please note that if you plan to take this on a for-credit basis, college tuition and fees will apply. If you are a continuing student in a degree program and have approval from your advisor, you can register for this course beginning on December 1st. Winter session courses will follow spring registration and payment deadlines.
Faculty
Mario Khreiche
Lecturer - Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design; Coordinator: Internship Program
Mario Khreiche is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in Technology, Media and Learning in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Teachers College, Columbia University. His research and teaching interests include education technologies, platforms, and the history of computing.
Learning Objectives
Module 1: Origins and Definitions (online/asynchronous)
Examines definitions of AI and tracks its historical rise as a cross-disciplinary research field.
Module 2: Infrastructure and Environment
Highlights how AI is a material and resource-intensive industry.
Module 3: Education and Cognition
Discusses the meanings of increasing AI implementation in education institutions.
Module 4: Work and Skills
Surveys AI’s impacts on the workforce and explores implications for productivity, creativity, and value creation.
Module 5: Governance and Alternative Futures
Explores what AI means for institutional, (geo)political, and urban governance, and what alternative futures might look like.
Module 6: Presentations and Final Submissions (online/asynchronous)
Who Should Attend
Anyone interested in AI and its societal implications.
Upon Completion
Participants who successfully complete this program will earn a verified Certificate of Participation and an official Digital Badge—valuable credentials that showcase your commitment to professional growth and can be shared on LinkedIn or digital portfolios.
View our sample program badge and certificate below:
Important Notice: This is a non-credit program. Completion does not provide academic credit toward any degree program at Teachers College or other institutions. No transcript credit will be awarded.