AI Literacy degree at Aquinas College
Discover Artificial Intelligence Literacy
When you think about AI, what comes to mind? An email with an abundance of em dashes? A funny cat video, but where the cat is impossibly made out of strawberries?
At Aquinas, we recognize that the world is changing faster than ever, and we want to make sure you’re prepared to enter a workforce where ever-evolving technology is part of the equation. Here, you’ll broaden your understanding of AI and where it shows up. You’ll uncover its practical applications. You’ll ask questions about its environmental impacts and ethical usage. Best of all, you’ll learn from experts in the field, who have access to cutting-edge information and can help you cut through the noise.
What Classes Can I Take?
Artificial Intelligence is changing the world. It is changing jobs, creating them, and even replacing them (but less than you think). More than ever before, companies need employees who can use AI tools to solve problems creatively and responsibly. This non-technical AI crash course builds the foundational skills needed to do that and is designed to be valuable to anyone. Learn how to distinguish problems that AI is useful for, master prompt engineering to improve outputs, detect AI-generated output, analyze ethics and privacy, and stay up-to-date on one of the most transformative technologies of our lifetimes.
Browse the catalog for AI Courses
Why Choose Aquinas for AI Literacy?
You get the best of both worlds: a robust education in a highly sought-after field and a cozy campus right on the edge of opportunity-rich Grand Rapids.
Here are a few additional benefits to consider:
- You don't need to be a tech genius to qualify for this program. The program minimizes prerequisites to encourage wide participation. A basic familiarity with using computers and managing data formats is expected, ensuring students can engage effectively with the program's content. However, students do not need any coding experience or a background in AI. The AI Literacy program is built for students who want to learn how AI works and develop the fundamental skills needed to leverage this technology in their future careers.
- This degree doesn't automatically mean you have to work in AI. The AI Literacy program equips students with versatile skills applicable across various industries. Understanding AI can enhance one's ability to innovate, make data-driven decisions, and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving job market, irrespective of the specific career path chosen.
Plus, you get to learn in Grand Rapids!
College is more than a place to earn your degree. Here, you’ll find career opportunities, meaningful experiences, and a community that quickly feels like home.
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What will you learn in this Program?
At Aquinas College, we emphasize the integration of AI with a strong ethical foundation. Our mission is to educate students about the ethical dimensions of AI and prepare them to implement technology that aligns with societal values. We teach how to apply AI responsibly, ensuring it contributes positively to the common good.
In this fast-paced industry, there aren’t any stable, industry-wide certifications that employers are looking for. As a result, we’ve worked closely with experts to ensure this program meets the most likely needs of the next century.
AI Literacy and Application
Gain a strong grasp of AI fundamentals, including how to use AI for effective problem-solving
and decision-making in a variety of professional contexts.
Ethical Decision-Making in AI
Learn to navigate and apply ethical principles in AI usage, understanding the impact
of AI-driven decisions in real-world scenarios.
Creative AI Integration
Explore the intersection of AI and creativity, using AI tools to innovate in art,
writing, or design while evaluating the quality and originality of AI-generated work.
Strategic AI Implementation
Understand how to implement AI strategies in business or public sectors to enhance
operational efficiency and effectiveness.
AI Communication and Analysis
Develop the ability to clearly communicate AI concepts and critically analyze AI applications,
preparing students to advocate for responsible AI use in any industry.
What are Career Outcomes for AI Literacy?
Given that this program is non-technical, it opens the door to a diverse array of job opportunities. Graduates are professionals in other fields who have learned to leverage AI to enhance their work.
This role involves using AI to enhance healthcare delivery by managing and analyzing patient data. Clinical Information Specialists apply AI-driven analytics to inform medical decisions, optimizing patient care and treatment outcomes. They act as the bridge between healthcare practice and technology, ensuring data-driven insights are effectively integrated into clinical settings. Median Salary = $58,250 (Glassdoor)
An AI Compliance Officer ensures that AI applications adhere to legal and ethical standards. They monitor AI systems for compliance with regulations, addressing issues related to privacy, fairness, and transparency. This executive-level role is crucial in maintaining trust and integrity in AI usage, safeguarding against misuse, and promoting responsible innovation. It likely requires further education, such as attending law school and receiving a J.D. Median Salary = $84,980 (Department of Labor Stats.)
To learn more about careers like this, make an appointment with the Advantage Center.
Certain courses within this program are offered online through a partnership with Rize Education. All courses are evaluated, approved, and assessed through Aquinas College’s standard governance processes and taught by participating faculty within a national consortium of accredited institutions. Students who successfully complete these courses earn Aquinas College credits that are applied toward their degree.
