New Course AECO 372 Allows Students to Earn Google AI Essentials and KNIME Certifications

The Department of Economics will participate in SUNY’s system-wide initiative to embed industry-recognized credentials into academic coursework, as part of the Embedding Industry Credentials into Coursework Pilot Program. This SUNY initiative is designed to strengthen the connection between classroom learning and workforce-relevant skills, particularly in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.

As part of this effort, Chun-Yu Ho, Associate Professor of Economics, will join the Google NASH Cohort II – Community of Practice at UAlbany, a campus-based faculty cohort supported by SUNY and Google. Through this program, participating faculty collaborate on integrating Google-developed industry credentials directly into credit-bearing courses.

Professor Ho will begin implementing this initiative in his newly developed course, AECO 372: Artificial Intelligence in Business and Economics. Starting with this course, students will have the opportunity to earn Google AI Essentials and KNIME Certification as an integral part of the course curriculum. These credentials will be embedded into course assignments and learning objectives, allowing students to graduate with both academic credit and recognized industry certifications.

The SUNY pilot program provides participating campuses with financial support and professional development resources to redesign curricula, align learning outcomes with credential requirements, and assess student success. By embedding credentials into existing courses rather than offering them separately, the initiative lowers barriers for students and enhances the practical value of their degree.

This initiative reflects the Department of Economics’ ongoing commitment to innovative, career-relevant education that prepares students for a rapidly evolving labor market. By combining economic analysis with applied artificial intelligence tools and industry-standard platforms, AECO 372 will equip students with both theoretical foundations and hands-on skills that are increasingly demanded by employers.