By: Ethan Miller
“Every single class, 100% of our classes, has an AI component or competency now.”
This statement comes from Dr. Carol A. Palmer, President of Amberton University. It signals a significant shift in higher education. The university has moved beyond offering a single elective on technology. It now embeds artificial intelligence into every subject it teaches. This strategy helps graduates stay competitive in the modern workforce.
A Practical Approach to Intelligence
Amberton University serves a specific demographic. It caters to the working adult. These students need skills they can apply immediately. The university focuses on “applied” AI rather than the programming side of AI. The goal is utility.
Dr. John Sinclair is a professor at Amberton University. He developed the university’s Applied Artificial Intelligence for Business courses and degree. He explains the university’s unique philosophy. It is not about writing complex code. It is about usage.
“You actually don’t need to be a programmer to be able to understand how to work with AI and how to make it work for you,” Dr. Sinclair says.
This distinction is vital. Professionals in marketing, finance, or counseling do not need to build software. They need to know how to leverage existing tools. They must understand how these tools may impact their specific industries.
AI Across the Curriculum
The integration of AI goes far beyond business degrees. It touches every department. The university has updated its course catalog to reflect this. Every course description now lists specific acquired skills.
In the counseling department, students learn to use AI responsibly. They study AI-assisted assessment tools. They also evaluate the ethical implications of technology in mental health.
Economics students use AI to predict market equilibrium. They model consumer behavior using advanced algorithms.
Project management students learn AI-driven strategy development. They use these tools to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
Even communications courses have changed. Students now assess how managers use AI to improve communication styles. They analyze how AI generates persuasion messages in political and social contexts.
The Sandbox Environment
The university avoids static textbooks for this subject. AI changes too quickly for print. Instead, the school uses dynamic learning environments. Dr. Sinclair describes the setup his students use. It offers exposure to multiple systems.
“We have a platform where students will have access not only to ChatGPT, but they’ll have equal access to tools like Gemini, Clyde, and other language processing models,” Dr. Sinclair notes.
This variety is important. Students learn to “train” the AI. They create their own tools. They experiment with different models to see which produces the ideal results. This hands-on practice helps build confidence. Students leave the course with a portfolio of work they can show employers.
Overcoming the Fear Factor
Many adult learners feel anxious about new technology. They worry about their career longevity. Dr. Sinclair encounters this hesitation frequently. He addresses it head-on in his classroom.
“That artificial intelligence is going to take my job,” Dr. Sinclair says. “That’s the biggest concern that I hear.”
He quickly dispels this myth for his students. He reframes the technology. It is a partner, not a replacement.
“It’s not there to replace people, it’s there to replace mundane tasks,” Dr. Sinclair explains. “It’s you who’s going to make your job better by using artificial intelligence.”
Certificates for Immediate Value
Amberton understands that not everyone needs a full master’s degree right away. Some professionals just need a quick update to their resume. Because of this, there are currently more than 30 specialized certificates available to choose from. These are stackable credentials.
“I think at the very least, a certificate program at Amberton is highly beneficial to any prospective student,” Dr. Sinclair says.
A student might earn a degree in project management. They can also earn a certificate in AI simultaneously. This makes the student more marketable. They possess a primary skill set plus the technological edge.
Dr. Sinclair notes that this flexibility helps students who are already employed.
“Our students who are already employed could potentially have an opportunity for a promotion because they now can speak intelligently about artificial intelligence,” Dr. Sinclair adds.
Agility in Leadership
Higher education often moves slowly. Amberton University moves fast. This agility comes from the top. Dr. Palmer recognized the AI wave early. She actively advocated for rapid adoption across the campus.
Dr. Sinclair credits her vision for the university’s current position. The administration did not get bogged down in red tape.
“She’s been able to see it from the beginning,” Dr. Sinclair says. “That this is an important thing.”
A Model for the Future
Amberton University has successfully bridged the gap between traditional education and modern demand. It did not wait for the industry to force its hand. It proactively updated every single course to better reflect the needs of the workforce.
“We want our students to walk away with the feeling of empowerment,” Dr. Sinclair says.
The university’s mission is to provide a “quality, relevant, technologically advanced education.” By embedding AI competencies into every discipline, Amberton aims to fulfill this commitment. It prepares its graduates not just to survive in the digital age, but to compete successfully.
About Amberton University
Amberton University specializes in flexible, affordable degree programs for working adults, offering fully online and on-campus options, practitioner-led instruction, and career-focused curricula.
