The Kogod School of Business at American University announced that artificial intelligence (AI) is now being integrated into its academic curriculum and day-to-day practices. Over 20 new and updated courses will be fully rolled out in the fall 2024 semester, ensuring that incoming and existing Kogod students graduate with AI/ML expertise.
Kogod’s plans include training faculty and staff, new student certificate offerings, engagement and partnership with the private sector, and operational overhauls to keep up with new technology.
With the curricular changes, Kogod students will master prompt engineering and programming —essential AI concepts and tools — and will gain experience with R, Python, and AI/ML Models. And the redesigned curriculum consists of “AI Sage” courses, which include deep immersion into the use of AI in a real-world context, and “AI Artisan” courses – which discuss the application of AI in a more abstract and theoretical way.
The AI courses and workshops are now the undergraduate core curriculum requirements for incoming students. Students will learn how to use different AI platforms and tools and the inherent risks and ethical challenges underlying AI technology.
Kogod made deep investments in hiring faculty with AI/ML expertise. Angela Virtu and Shawn Janzen joined Kogod in 2023, and two additional experts will join the full-time faculty this fall. Many of Kogod’s faculty currently use AI tools in their coursework, and real-time learning for faculty and staff ensures that coursework and the school’s day-to-day practices are aligned with the rapidly changing field of AI.
KEY QUOTES:
“Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and business students need to be prepared to utilize applications for generative AI on day one of their future jobs. To prepare our students to enter the global marketplace, we are being aggressive and bold with our curriculum. American University, like many others, is accelerating its AI-focused research agenda. But the driving force behind the changes we announce today is the impact we will have on the student experience—and on student outcomes after they leave us.”
- Kogod School of Business Dean David Marchick
“Digital transformation is not new, but to see it at such scale is very telling. Kogod is moving swiftly to adapt to the market, and we are eager to continue updating and improving our approach as the AI landscape continues to change at pace.”
- Gwanhoo Lee, chair of Kogod’s Department of Information Technology & Analytics
