(Santa Ana, CA) The Santa Ana College Business Division has announced the new Associate of Science (AS) Degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business which will be launched this upcoming fall. With AI's growing implementation in the world of business, this forward-thinking program will prepare students to use AI tools like ChatGPT, automate business tasks, and gain career-ready skills in marketing, finance, human resources, and many more.
“We're proud to launch a new Associate of Science Degree in Artificial Intelligence for Business at Santa Ana College for Fall 2025," said Department Chair and faculty lead Dori Dumon. “It's designed for students who want to apply AI to real-world business functions—like marketing, customer service, and finance—without needing a tech background. It's practical, current, and accessible."
The AI for Business AS Degree will provide professional training for students to build skills in using AI applications. Students will also explore how AI is transforming the business world from marketing to customer service. Topics will include strategies, benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations when using AI in the workplace, education, and other industries.
“Community colleges like SAC have the opportunity—and responsibility—to prepare students for today's evolving job market," explained Professor Dumon. “AI isn't just a tech trend—it's becoming part of every career. This program makes AI education affordable, approachable, and relevant for the modern workforce."
This program will be led and taught by faculty members who are AI business professionals with the goal of guiding the next generation of business professionals to work smarter with AI – not compete against it. In addition, the courses will be taught online and is a part of the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program, making it an affordable pathway to gain these in-demand skills. By blending business insight with emerging AI tools, students will come out of this program with a competitive edge in today's job market.
“Students will build practical experience using industry tools, earn digital credentials, and have access to paid internships,' said Professor Dumon. “They'll leave with the ability to showcase their AI skills on résumés, in interviews, and directly in the workplace. We also offer short-term certificates as steppingstones to the degree."
The AS Degree and certificate program will have students take four required courses, including Introduction to AI for Business, ChatGPT & Generation AI Applications, AI Strategies for Business, and AI Ethics for Business. After completing the required courses, AS Degree students will move on to select one of the following four emphasis: Computer Science Emphasis, Business Technology Emphasis, Marketing, Digital Publishing & Generative AI Images Emphasis, or Education Emphasis.
At Santa Ana College, students can work toward completing an associate degree, university transfer, career training or a bachelor's degree in Occupational Studies or Paralegal. Fall classes start August 19 – enrollment is currently open. Dream big, start simple, enroll today at www.sac.edu.
About Santa Ana College:
Santa Ana College (SAC), founded in 1915, serves more than 70,000 students yearly for credit and noncredit classes. At present, SAC students can work toward completing an associate degree, university transfer, career/workforce training or a bachelor's degree in occupational studies. In 2025, the college will offer a second bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies. As part of Santa Ana College, the School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center offers free classes throughout the community for adults of all ages and academic backgrounds. Santa Ana College is an award-winning college and was recently ranked as one of the nation's top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students and named one of the best community colleges in California by Intelligent.com for a 2nd consecutive year. The college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel.
