Expanded curriculum includes AI-focused learning

When it comes to artificial intelligence, there is no slowing down. As businesses continue to adopt AI tools across industries, faculty within the College of Business are expanding opportunities for students to gain real-life experience using these tools in a variety of contexts. 

This summer, faculty members across multiple disciplines received teaching grants to redesign courses and incorporate AI-enabled learning experiences. The goal is not simply to introduce students to AI concepts, but to give them practical experience using these tools to analyze information, support decision-making and solve business problems.

“The college's vision is clear: every College of Business graduate should be able to demonstrate applied experience with AI that is relevant in today's workforce,” said Dean Michael Busing.

According to college data, AI is already being incorporated into 40 courses and programs across the College of Business, with most instruction taking place within existing courses rather than standalone AI offerings.

In FIN 345, students use AI as a decision-support tool to analyze financial data and make managerial decisions in hospitality and sport settings. Quantitative Finance students are building machine learning models in Python and applying them to financial datasets. In ACTG 313, students work with AI-generated business cases to evaluate internal controls, identify risks and develop audit recommendations.

AI is also playing a role in project-based courses. In MGT 461, students design and prototype solutions using AI-enabled systems, enterprise resource planning platforms and additive manufacturing technologies as part of a client-based “Digital Thread” project.

At the foundational level, COB 204 is helping establish AI literacy for all business students. As a required course for every College of Business major, it provides an opportunity to introduce responsible AI use and professional judgment early in the curriculum. Lecturers Greg Gabriel and Jeffery Driscoll have embedded AI into coursework that mirrors real workplace responsibilities such as proposal drafting, budget development, project planning and content creation. At the same time, students are learning how to evaluate outputs, verify information and make informed decisions about the final product.

Rather than treating AI as a standalone skill, the college is weaving it into the curriculum in ways that reflect how it is being used in the workplace. The result is a learning experience that challenges students to move beyond simply using AI tools and develop the judgment to use them effectively.