App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs

Starting this fall, Appalachian State University will begin offering a concentration in artificial intelligence for master’s students in its business school.

In a time where there are some concerns in higher education about the use of artificial intelligence, Sandra Vannoy, Dean of the Walker College of Business, sees AI as crucial for App State students.

“We as a faculty are adapting to teaching to this new frontier, of course," Vannoy says. "We want our students to view AI as a tool to add business value, and therefore we want to encourage its use rather than discourage its use, but we want to do that with best practices.”

That means clear syllabus policies outlining what is or isn’t allowed, as well as ethical discussions. The program will even offer a course titled Ethics, Policy and Governance in AI, which will stress the importance of using the technology responsibly.

Other electives within the new concentration will teach students how to incorporate artificial intelligence into financial decision making, strategic branding and more.

“AI is quickly changing the business landscape," Vannoy says. "And it’s really our job to prepare students to be ready for management leadership roles of tomorrow.”

Master’s students within both the business administration and applied data analytics programs at App State will be required to take an introductory AI course to learn foundational skills.