- October 20, 2025
- By Maryland Today Staff
The University of Maryland, in partnership with the University System of Maryland and Google, is expanding access to artificial intelligence education with two free online courses now available to UMD faculty and students.
Through the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM) and Extended Studies, the university is offering complimentary access to Google’s “AI Essentials” and “Prompting Essentials,” both hosted on Coursera. These self-paced, non-credit courses are designed to help learners strengthen their skills, boost their resumes and stay competitive in an increasingly AI-driven job market.
Access to both courses will be granted on a rolling, college-by-college basis over the next three years. AIM and Extended Studies are coordinating with each school and college to distribute invitations, prioritizing upperclassmen who are preparing to enter the workforce. Once access is granted, learners will have one month to complete one or both courses.
“AI Essentials” introduces learners to the practical uses of AI in everyday work and study. Learners gain hands-on experience using AI tools to boost productivity, generate ideas and make informed decisions—all while emphasizing responsible and ethical use. “Prompting Essentials” focuses on the art and science of prompt engineering, teaching learners how to craft effective prompts that produce clear, accurate and useful results from AI tools.