E – 3124 Engineering Ethics in the Age of AI

This online course provides an understanding of how the ethical canons established by professional organizations, such as the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), should be applied when using AI-assisted technologies in professional practice.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into engineering workflows, influencing analysis, modeling, drafting, design generation, simulation, and decision support. These tools extend analytical capability in ways that were impractical even a decade ago. However, the use of AI does not replace the professional judgment, legal accountability, or ethical obligations of the licensed engineer. This course addresses the practical responsibilities that arise when AI systems influence engineering analysis and design. They include verifying automated outputs, maintaining human oversight, documenting AI-assisted workflows, and managing professional risk in environments where computational tools operate faster, and at greater scale than any individual engineer can directly supervise.

This course is applicable to engineers across multiple disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, environmental, who use or anticipate using AI technologies within engineering workflows.