Creighton University Embraces Artificial Intelligence Across All Majors
OMAHA, Neb. – As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the modern workplace, Creighton University is taking proactive steps to ensure its students are fully prepared. The university is now weaving AI instruction into the core curriculum for every undergraduate, regardless of their chosen major. This move comes as a response to the growing demand from employers who increasingly expect job applicants to possess AI proficiency.
AI: The New Essential Skill
According to Creighton University’s career counselors, the message from the job market is clear: students lacking AI competency are at a disadvantage. Seth Kleinwort, assistant director of the Creighton Career Center, emphasized the importance of AI literacy. “A lot of employers, and even some professional schools, are expecting students to at least be informed about what AI can do and how to use it functionally,” he explained.
This shift is already impacting students such as April Krywe, a senior studying exercise science. Krywe noted that while her textbooks did not cover AI, her future employer expects her to be comfortable using it. “With Dr. Magrini, we work a lot on figuring out how to use AI, and where it’s appropriate, especially in research,” Krywe shared. “I’ve learned to prompt AI effectively and to recognize situations where independent problem-solving is necessary.”
Tailoring AI Instruction to Each Discipline
The university’s approach to AI integration is far from one-size-fits-all. Guy McHendry, director of the Magis Core Curriculum at Creighton, explained that AI instruction is customized for each academic discipline. “Our business students focus on using AI ethically and effectively, which looks different compared to nursing, communications, history, theology, or philosophy,” McHendry stated. This tailored approach ensures that students in every field understand how AI applies to their specific area of study.
For students like Krywe, this means not only understanding the technical aspects of AI but also developing critical judgment about when and how to use these tools. The curriculum encourages students to strike a balance between leveraging AI and applying their own analytical skills.
Recognizing the Limits of AI in Health Sciences
In health-related programs, educators stress the importance of understanding AI’s limitations. Dr. Mitchel Magrini, associate professor of exercise science, warns students about the risks of inputting sensitive health information into AI systems. “We have to remind students that they can’t put in health information because everything that goes into AI is used for training,” Dr. Magrini cautioned. He emphasized that students must learn how to formulate prompts thoughtfully and determine what information is appropriate to share, ensuring outcomes are both beneficial and ethically sound for the populations they serve.
Preparing Students for a Competitive Workforce
Creighton’s leadership believes that integrating AI into the core curriculum not only enhances students’ employability but also their long-term career prospects. McHendry explained, “By teaching students to engage with AI and improve its outputs, we’re helping them demonstrate how they can add value beyond what a computer program can do. This makes them less replaceable in the workforce.”
The university had previously included a technology requirement as part of its core curriculum. The addition of AI is seen as a logical next step, aligning academic offerings with the evolving needs of employers and industry trends.
Part of a National Trend in Higher Education
Creighton University is not alone in this initiative. Other major institutions, such as Purdue University and Ohio State University, have also established requirements for all students to complete AI-related coursework as a condition for graduation. This reflects a broader shift within higher education, as schools nationwide recognize the transformative impact of AI on nearly every profession.
Looking Ahead: AI Skills for Every Graduate
As AI continues to advance, Creighton’s efforts ensure that graduates are not only equipped with technical skills but also the ethical and critical thinking abilities needed to navigate a rapidly changing world. The university’s commitment to integrating AI across all disciplines positions its students to thrive in an increasingly digital and data-driven workforce.
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