Howard University
DC · AI Readiness #97 of 227
AIREDEX™ Score: 7.4 /10
Howard launched a university-wide Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence Certificate in fall 2026, open to juniors and seniors across every major, no prior AI experience required, making foundational AI credentials accessible to the entire undergraduate student body.
The nine-credit AI certificate includes a required 'Ethical and Responsible AI' course taught by Dr. Anamika Rupa, which examines how AI policy and governance specifically affect the African diaspora, alongside a hands-on application course in the student's own discipline. Beyond the certificate, undergrads can access the Howard AI Network bootcamps powered by AWS, a redesigned Intro to AI course built with CodePath, and Microsoft Copilot Chat through Teams. As Howard's curriculum continues to evolve, expect to see positive developments in placements and career outcomes.
Pillar grades
- Commitment: B
- Curriculum: B-
- Partnerships: B+
- Research: B+
A(I)ttitude™: neutral
Selected Highlights
- Dr. Talitha Washington holds Sean McCleese Endowed Chair, Executive Director of CADSA, AI strategy co-chair on President's AIAC.
- AIAC has 19 members, named co-chairs, three named subcommittees, formal AI Policy 100-022.
- RITA $90M DoD contract (confirmed independently), CoE-AIML $7.5M, ASCEND-AI $4M, OpenAI $2.25M -- confirmed institution-specific total ~$112M.
- Three named cross-disciplinary AI institutes -- HCAI, CoE-AIML, RITA -- all with named directors, active funded projects.
- Fundamentals of AI Certificate launched Fall 2026, 9 credits, open to all majors.