Manhattan University Introduces Minor in Artificial Intelligence

Manhattan University is set to launch a minor in artificial intelligence this fall, providing students across various disciplines with structured instruction on how intelligent systems work and their responsible application. The new program draws on the strengths of all three schools within the university: the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering.

The development of the minor was a collaborative effort between faculty members from computer science, computer information systems, business analytics, accounting, law, and electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of AI fundamentals, including its capabilities and limitations.

According to Bridget Chalk, Ph.D., provost of Manhattan University, ‘Artificial intelligence touches every discipline, and our students deserve more than a surface-level familiarity with it.’ The minor is designed to provide students in any major - from business to engineering to the liberal arts - with a genuine understanding of how AI works and its responsible application.

The minor’s curriculum includes upper-level courses in areas such as machine learning, data mining, deep learning, generative AI, trustworthy AI, image processing, and AI applications in business and engineering design. To accommodate students with varying levels of programming experience, tailored pathways are available to ensure the program is both accessible and academically rigorous.

Consistent with Manhattan University’s Lasallian mission, the minor also challenges students to consider the ethical and societal implications of artificial intelligence. This involves not only understanding what intelligent systems can do but also what they should do in various contexts.

The availability of AI tools for business will be a key aspect of the program, as students learn how to apply AI responsibly in their fields. Additionally, the minor’s focus on machine learning jobs and the development of skills necessary for these roles is expected to prepare graduates well for the job market.

Manhattan University has a long history of providing high-quality education, dating back to its founding in 1853 as an independent Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, NY. The university’s mission emphasizes student-centered learning and prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings.

The minor is set to launch in fall 2026, with more information available on the university’s website.