The Carson College of Business at Washington State University has expanded its career-focused certificate programs aimed at powering Washington’s workforce. Known as Carson Pro, this robust suite of content provides on-demand learning for workforce development.
The expanded Carson Pro portfolio includes a new supply chain management certificate and a partnership with Ziplines Education to offer certificates in artificial intelligence as well as high-demand business skills. The programs are 100% online and designed to help employers develop their workforce while giving working professionals flexible opportunities to build in-demand skills.
The expansion comes as employers across Washington face growing demand for workers with skills in automation, analytics, project management, and artificial intelligence. According to Lightcast labor market data, demand for automation skills is projected to grow 30% in the state, followed by analytics (27%), project management (20%) and digital marketing (17%).
“Equipping a future-forward workforce with the skills to add immediate value and resilience in fast‑moving environments is central to WSU’s land‑grant mission and the Carson College’s role in strengthening Washington’s economy and communities,” said Cheryl Oliver, Carson associate dean for professional programs.
Current offerings in the Carson Business Certificate Program help learners build skills in core business disciplines. With input from industry partners, WSU faculty created five 100% online and fully self-paced courses. The supply chain certificate offers five modules designed to build practical skills in how organizations design, manage, and improve supply chains, from sourcing and logistics to risk management and performance metrics.
The supply chain certificate connects core concepts to real‑world challenges, with practical applications and quantitative tools that support better decision‑making.
Cheryl Oliver, associate dean for professional programs
Carson College of Business
Washington State University
“The Carson College recognized an urgent need in Washington’s workforce and beyond for supply chain education emphasizing key skills in risk management, logistics, and technology,” said Oliver. “The supply chain certificate connects core concepts to real‑world challenges, with practical applications and quantitative tools that support better decision‑making. We are grateful to the Kittson family, long-time WSU benefactors and owners of KIE Industrial and Electrical Supply in Kennewick, whose support made the supply chain management certificate possible.”
Through the Ziplines partnership, the college is offering seven online certificates, with two additional programs launching in August. The upskilling certificates combine self-paced content with optional live sessions, and they span two tracks. The first builds core professional skills through Project Management, Digital Marketing and Business Analytics certificates. The second builds applied AI capability at every level — from AI Essentials as a practical foundation, to AI Automation for workflow design, to role-specific programs in AI for Marketing and AI for HR Professionals, with additional programs in AI for Data Analysis and AI for Sales launching in August. Learners will benefit from monthly cohort launches, hands-on assignments, expert-led instruction, and personalized support designed to turn ambition into real career momentum.
“Washington’s economy runs on innovation — from technology and agriculture to healthcare and advanced manufacturing,” said Oliver. “These programs give professionals across our state the tools, credentials, and confidence to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving workforce. Partnering with Ziplines Education allows us to deliver career-focused programs at the speed and scale our learners and employers need.”
