LOWELL – For more than a century, the University of Massachusetts Lowell has been preparing students to work in the real world, solve real problems and help real people. Continuing that legacy of innovation and industry partnership, the university is taking bold steps to equip Massachusetts’ workforce with the skills needed to compete and lead in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
In collaboration with Ziplines Education, a national career accelerator that partners with more than 30 universities, UMass Lowell is launching five online, university-branded certificate programs: Project Management, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, AI Prompting, and AI Automation. Each is designed fs who want to strengthen their career mobility and productivity in high-demand fields.
“As a public research university deeply connected to the economic health of our region, we’re committed to helping professionals adapt and thrive as technology transforms the workplace,” said Nancy Ludwig, executive dean of UMass Lowell’s Division of Graduate, Online and Professional Studies. “These programs reflect our longstanding mission to connect education with industry, giving learners the flexibility, relevance and confidence to advance their careers and contribute to Massachusetts’ innovation economy.”
The programs launch as employer demand for digital skills continues to surge. According to Lightcast data for Massachusetts, project management skills are expected to grow 20%, demand for marketing skills by 23%, data analysis by 26%, Tableau by 21% and automation skills by 30%. Across sectors – from life sciences and advanced manufacturing to healthcare and education – Massachusetts employers are seeking professionals who can lead teams, apply analytics and integrate AI tools responsibly.
Each certificate follows UMass Lowell’s longstanding approach to applied, experience-based learning. Delivered through a flexible, cohort-based model, the programs combine on-demand content with live weekly sessions led by industry practitioners. Learners gain practical, hands-on experience using real tools and workflows, supported by career advisors and mentors who help translate learning into impact.
“This partnership is about helping universities move at the speed of work,” said Sara Leoni, CEO of Ziplines Education. “UMass Lowell has a powerful legacy of connecting education to innovation and industry. Together, we’re ensuring professionals across the commonwealth can gain future-ready skills quickly, confidently and credibly through programs that are rigorous, relevant and backed by a trusted public university.”
Enrollment is now open for Winter 2025 cohorts. To learn more or register, visit gps.uml.edu/professional-training or ziplines.com.
