Artificial Intelligence Certificate

The Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) Law Certificate at Drake Law School empowers students to lead at the dynamic intersection of law, technology, science, and the humanities.

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, reshaping governance, and redefining ethical and legal boundaries.  Our program equips law students with the knowledge, analytical precision, and strategic vision to navigate these profound changes with confidence.

A Transformative, Interdisciplinary Approach

Building on Drake University’s pioneering undergraduate AI degree (learn more https://www.drake.edu/artificial-intelligence/), we embrace an interdisciplinary approach that deepens understanding and expands impact. We train law students to go beyond the headlines, critically examine AI’s promises and risks, and harness opportunities for collaboration across the Drake campus – and beyond.

Through rigorous coursework, research, and experiential learning, students develop critical legal analysis, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills—ensuring that they are prepared to advise clients, shape policy, and lead innovation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

A Comprehensive Vision of AI

 At Drake Law, we take a holistic view of AI, recognizing it as more than just new technology.  Our program explores AI’s entire ecosystem, including:

• infrastructure (data centers, energy systems, cloud computing),
• hardware (CPUs, GPUs, quantum computing, etc.),
• software (machine learning, large language models, data analytics) and
• essential resources (raw materials, water, human labor) needed for the entire AI ecosystem to work. 

Students engage with AI’s legal and ethical dimensions through groundbreaking research, including Kate Crawford’s Atlas of AI, which challenges conventional perspectives on AI’s impact.

Who Can Enroll?

The AI Law Certificate is available exclusively to Drake Law School students. However, upper-level undergraduate and graduate students at Drake University with a strong interest in AI and law may propose an interdisciplinary research project.  Faculty sponsorship is required.  Interested students should have their advisor contact Professor Sayoko Blodgett-Ford to explore possibilities.

Download the Artificial Intelligence Law Certificate Checklist.

See Artificial Intelligence Law Certificate Learning Outcomes. 

Curriculum

To earn the AI Law Certificate, students must complete a minimum of 18 credits, combining core courses, electives, and experiential learning opportunities. 

Basic Courses 

(Minimum of two courses)

Artificial Intelligence and the Law - Intro (3 credits)
Artificial Intelligence Policy & Governance Intensive (1 credit)
Privacy & Cybersecurity (3 credits)

Electives

Core Electives
Individual/Independent Research, AWR or Note on AI (3 credits maximum) (with Program Director approval)
Environmental Law (up to 3 credits)
Law of Compliance and Risk Management (3 credits)
Copyright Law (3 credits)
Up to 3 additional credits from a Drake University AI-related class outside of the Law School (including undergraduate) can count toward this certificate (with Program Director approval)

Curriculum Enhancement
Administrative Law (3 credits)
Legislation (2 credits)
Employment Discrimination (2 credits)
The Regulatory Process (with instructor approval if this course becomes available to JD students)
Non-Governmental Regulations (3 credits)
In-House Counsel (1 credit)

Experiential Training (6 credit maximum)
Contract Drafting (2-3 credits)
Mediation (2 credits)
Negotiations (2 credits)
Entrepreneurial/Transactional Clinic (up to 2 credits)
Other relevant moot court, clinic or internship as approved by Program Director

Related Coursework approved by Program Director (3 credit maximum)

For more information, see Drake Law School's course descriptions. 

Charting the Future of AI and the Law

The AI Law Certificate at Drake Law School prepares students to be trailblazers and leaders—whether in private practice, government, policy, or academia.  In a world where AI is rewriting the rules, our graduates will help write the future.

 
For more information, contact the Program Director:
Professor Sayoko Blodgett-Ford,
Sease Faculty Research Scholar and Associate Professor of Law
515-271-3865 
sayoko.blodgettford@drake.edu

Certificate Notification Form