Are you or a friend interested in taking classes on artificial intelligence (AI)? If so, get excited, because the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology (WCBT) is offering a new AI minor, which is set to launch in the upcoming fall semester.
SHU’s AI Lab features 40 computers with advanced processing capabilities, including object recognition and dedicated servers for student and faculty research, according to the Sacred Heart University website.
Source: Tracy Deer-Mirek, Sacred Heart University
“I am super interested in taking AI classes next year. I plan on registering for the second semester. I saw the AI lab and it was really cool to see all the detail that went into building that for us students,” said freshman Zac Cusick.
Eagerness to participate in the program remains high, even among others who are unsure of its relevance to their future career.
“As a student in the College of Business and Technology, it sounds like it could be exciting, but I’m a little skeptical on how I can incorporate AI into my business that I hope to have in the future,” said freshman Sophia Fiore.
Dr. David Taylor, Dean of the WCBT, highlighted how the curriculum has been crafted with the goal of recognizing AI’s role on both a personal and professional level.
“The intent of the minor is to educate the students on how artificial intelligence affects society and day-to-day life, to examine the impacts on artificial intelligence,” Taylor said.
This program will focus on the different ways that students can learn the importance of AI and how it influences their daily lives as well as areas such as business and politics.
“The AI-100 course is the best starting point but we wanted to be flexible with prerequisites as the minor gets off the ground, so direct entry based on student interests into any of the courses except the capstone will probably be the norm for the next year or two,” said Prof. Brent French, Associate Dean of Affairs and Assessments.
“I would characterize the process as a model of collaboration and attribute that to both Dr. Brent French’s leadership and vision and the dedication, expertise and teamwork of the faculty. Everyone was committed to creating something forward-thinking, accessible, and grounded in real-world needs,” said Prof. Maureen Ruby, Associate Professor of Educational & Literacy Leadership.
“Our work was grounded in caring about our students’ futures. In the end, what excites me most is that this minor opens doors for students from all majors,” Ruby said.
“Developing the cross-disciplinary AI minor is a strategic response to the rapidly-evolving role of artificial intelligence in the workplace,” said Ruby. “According to Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report, 75% of global knowledge workers are already using AI, and 78% of these individuals are bringing their own AI tools to work (BYOAI). This trend underscores the necessity for organizations to establish clear AI strategies to address associated challenges, including data security and ethical considerations.”
Along with the growing popularity of artificial intelligence come further opportunities for students to exercise critical thinking skills.
“We don’t want AI to be something that students use unthinkingly. We want it to be something that they understand, especially where it falls short.” said Steven Michels, Chair and Professor of Political Science & Global Affairs. “Knowing what to do with AI is going to be an essential skill going forward, and we want to make sure that our students are equipped to thrive in a hyper-competitive economy.”
“Take the intro course! Even students who might not complete the minor will benefit from it, although I suspect that many will want to take all the courses,” Michels said.
Those who are interested in signing up can do so through SHU’s Student Planning & Advising (SPA) portal.
“We intended that students will be able to choose from one or two classes along the various colleges. We anticipate it will be very popular and as demand increases we will offer more classes,” said Taylor.
This minor will be open to all students, not just those enrolled in the program. The AI lab is located at West Campus East Building room 1129.
