Artificial Intelligence
AI is Big. Education is Bigger.
Artificial intelligence is changing the way people communicate, work and create. These new tools touch every industry, and the effects they are having are undeniable. For some, this is cause for great concern. But at Iona, we have a clear vision for our students and faculty.
AI for Students
Iona University has always been committed to cultivating students who have the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to an ever-changing world. Being adept at using AI is now a critical part of every student’s journey, but it does not end there. Our students are taught to leverage artificial intelligence in ways that empower and prepare them so that they can thrive in any professional setting.
AI for Educators
Similarly, faculty at Iona are embracing the possibilities artificial intelligence is opening up for the classroom. Through research, collaboration, workshops and seminars, our faculty have become leaders in the space of AI and education. Iona faculty are often sought out to provide their expertise to educators throughout the tri-state area and have published nationally on the role of artificial intelligence in higher education.
"Iona is well ahead of many places I visit..."
-John Warner, award-winning author of “More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI.”
AI Empowered from Day One
Starting from their first day on campus, students are empowered through AI awareness, exploration, real-world application and professional preparation for success in an evolving workplace.
My professors' guidance in mastering AI technologies allowed me to deploy AI for efficient report finding. This let me focus on deep analysis, leading to the exciting opportunity of presenting at a professional conference.
- Jerome Tarter '26, Business Analytics & Information Systems major
Academic Programs
While faculty are continually finding new ways to incorporate artificial intelligence across all disciplines, Iona is also developing programs dedicated to AI and its applications.
Minor in Artificial Intelligence
Iona University is preparing students for a world in which artificial intelligence touches every industry. Students of all majors are encouraged to explore the Artificial Intelligence (AI): Foundations and Applications Minor to gain familiarity and expertise with the foundational principles, latest tools and best practices associated with AI.
Advanced Certificate in AI for Business
AI is transforming the business world, enhancing analysis, improving decision-making, fostering innovation, and driving efficiency. This program equips graduate students and working professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to apply AI strategically and responsibly, giving them the tools to stand out in the marketplace and lead with confidence in an AI-driven business landscape.
Featured Initiatives
By no means an exhaustive list, here are a few ways that AI is being used to enhance the learning experience at Iona.
AI in the Classroom
Building the Next Generation of Creative Problem-Solvers
Rob Kissner, clinical lecturer at the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, recognized the importance of AI in the classroom early on. He’s been incorporating emerging technologies such as AI in his teaching for over six years, with the aim to “…prepare students to enter a workforce that expects individuals and teams to understand how to use generative AI productively and ethically in their roles and careers.”
AI in Conversation
On the Forefront of Thought Leadership
Iona continues to be a leader in the conversation around artificial intelligence and its application across industries. Last year, renowned thinkers including D. Graham Burnett, Ph.D., and Shannon Vallor, Ph.D., were featured as part of our Presidential Speaker Series. Students and faculty alike attended compelling lectures that culminated in fruitful dialogues around topics such as creativity, attention and agency in the era of AI.
AI in Action
Expanding AI & Data Literacy Across Disciplines
Recognizing the fact that “…basic data literacy is becoming an indispensable skill across all fields,” Iona University has created the “Data Science for Future Leaders” project. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to empower students with the essential skills required to navigate today’s data-driven world, regardless of their academic backgrounds.
