AI for Everyone: New Human-Centered AI Programming at Lindenwood University

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries and reshape the future of work, educational institutions must adapt to prepare students for these emerging opportunities. Lindenwood University is at the forefront of this educational transformation with the launch of its new Human-Centered AI programs. Recognizing that many students may feel AI is out of their reach due to a lack of background in mathematics, computer science, programming, or coding, these programs are designed to be accessible to everyone. The future of AI spans all fields and skillsets, impacting various industries and professions. Lindenwood’s programs require no previous experience in coding or programming, making it possible for anyone to learn to leverage the power of AI. These flexible online programs offer certificates or full degrees from an accredited institution, ensuring that students are equipped with practical AI skills to lead and innovate in an evolving technological landscape.

New AI Programming at Lindenwood University

In May 2023, the President's Task Force for Artificial Intelligence and Engineering conducted extensive market research to develop a proposal for introducing more AI- and engineering-related academic programming at Lindenwood University. As a result of this task force's efforts, Lindenwood has unveiled a suite of new AI programs that emphasize practical, real-world applications over intensive mathematics and data science, making them accessible to a broad range of students. These new academic opportunities are tailored to meet the needs of today's workforce and include a 12-credit undergraduate certificate, an 18-credit undergraduate minor, and a 30-credit Master of Arts degree in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence.

Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Undergraduate Certificate

• Credits: 12 credit hours
• Format: Online with an experiential learning option
• Eligibility: Available for degree- and non-degree seeking students; no prior programming or coding experience necessary

Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Undergraduate Minor

• Credits: 18 credit hours
• Format: Online with an experiential learning option
• Eligibility: Degree-seeking students; no prior programming or coding experience necessary

Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Master of Arts Degree

• Credits: 30 credit hours
• Format: Online
• Eligibility: Degree-seeking students; no prior programming or coding experience necessary

These programs are dedicated to equipping graduates with cutting-edge AI technologies, tailored to enhance their expertise in any field. By focusing on human-centered AI, the curriculum prepares students for the current demands of the professional world and future challenges, ensuring they are ready to lead and innovate. Each option is flexible and can be tailored to any specialization, as multimodal AI includes everything from text generation to images, video, coding, scripting, programming, and even music. This approach ensures that students can apply AI skills in diverse contexts, making the programs versatile and applicable across various industries and professions.

The Significance of Human-Centered AI Education

Human skills, such as communication, leadership, and collaboration, are becoming increasingly valuable as AI integrates into the workplace. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023 emphasizes the growing demand for analytical thinking, creativity, and AI-related skills. It predicts that 60% of workers will require additional training by 2027 to keep up with technological advancements. AI literacy and understanding are crucial for all professionals, not just those in technical roles, as AI systems are built increasingly around natural language and require effective human interaction to function optimally.

Lindenwood's Human-Centered AI programs are designed to meet these realities, providing students with the tools to understand and work with AI platforms effectively. By focusing on practical applications, these programs ensure that graduates are not only skilled in AI technologies but also adept at applying these skills in various professional contexts. This approach helps bridge the AI skills gap and prepares students for the future of work, where AI will play a pivotal role across all sectors.

Future-Proofing and Upskilling for the Workforce

As businesses worldwide embrace AI, there is a growing need for professionals who can navigate and leverage these technologies. Lindenwood's new AI programs are designed to meet this demand by focusing on real-world applications rather than intensive theoretical knowledge. This approach ensures that graduates are not only skilled in AI but also capable of applying these skills in various professional contexts.

The emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning in Lindenwood's programs allows students to engage with AI through practical exercises. For instance, students might work on projects involving AI-powered data analysis in Excel, generating detailed reports, creating imagery and videos using AI tools, developing interactive slideshows, and even scripting and programming AI applications. This practical approach ensures that students can see the direct impact of their work and understand how AI integrates into everyday tasks across different industries.

Real-world applications of AI in education showcase its transformative potential. AI is being used to personalize learning experiences, adapt to individual student needs, and provide real-time feedback, which enhances student engagement and academic outcomes. For example, AI tools can automate administrative tasks, freeing up time for teachers to focus on more meaningful interactions with students, as reported by the World Economic Forum, 2023.

The integration of AI in education also emphasizes the importance of AI literacy. Understanding how to work with AI systems is becoming a crucial skill, and educators are adapting their teaching methods to incorporate AI tools effectively. Professional development and training programs are essential to equip educators with the necessary skills to navigate AI-driven classrooms and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Lindenwood University is positioning itself as a leading destination for AI-related programming. By offering accessible, practical AI education, Lindenwood is ensuring that its students are well-prepared for the future of work. As AI continues to evolve, institutions like Lindenwood are essential in shaping the next generation of AI professionals.

For more information on these exciting new programs and to explore how they can help you future-proof your career, visit Lindenwood University’s AI Program Page