By: Claire Conner

“AI won’t replace people. But people who can’t use AI may face challenges from those who can,” says Dr. Carol A. Palmer, President of Amberton University.

With this belief at the forefront, Amberton University is preparing to launch its new Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence in Fall 2025.

This program will focus on the practical application of AI in modern organizations. Unlike many programs centered on coding or development, Amberton’s AI degree aims to teach students how to utilize AI tools to enhance efficiency, address business challenges, and foster innovation.

A Practical, Real-World Focus

The Applied Artificial Intelligence program is designed to assist working adults in acquiring job-ready skills that are increasingly valued by employers. The curriculum integrates theory, ethics, and hands-on experience through Amberton’s exclusive AI Testing Environment.

Courses such as AI Essentials, Applied AI for Business, and AI-Driven Innovation and Strategy provide students with a broad understanding of how AI can be utilized across sectors like marketing, finance, project management, and operations.

Students complete the program with a portfolio showcasing their skills, which may support their pursuits for career advancement or new opportunities.

“This is not a research degree,” Dr. Palmer clarifies. “This is a degree focused on leadership and practical applications. Students will leave with tangible tools, AI fluency, and a portfolio that reflects their abilities.”

One of the First Applied AI Programs Focused on Business Roles in the U.S.

Amberton’s new degree program addresses a notable gap in the market. While many universities offer AI degrees geared toward computer science or data science majors, few focus on strategic AI applications in non-technical business roles.

Graduates of the Applied AI program will be well-prepared for roles such as AI project lead, analytics manager, business intelligence strategist, and ethical AI advisor.

The curriculum also examines emerging workplace concerns such as ethics, risk management, and data responsibility. Amberton incorporates ethical considerations into every course, addressing topics like the proper use of AI in decision-making, privacy implications, and the societal impact of automation.

AI Literacy for Every Student

In addition to launching the new degree, Amberton has also integrated AI competencies across all academic programs. Every course now includes specific AI skills and knowledge relevant to that field of study.

For example:

• Counseling students explore how AI can support mental health assessments.

• Finance students use AI tools to model markets and evaluate financial risk.

• Communication students examine how AI is transforming persuasion in social and business contexts.

“Every student, regardless of their major, will leave Amberton with some level of AI fluency,” says Dr. Palmer.

She emphasizes that such skills are becoming essential for future career prospects.

Serving Working Adults With Flexible Access

The Applied AI degree, like most of Amberton’s programs, is delivered entirely online, providing flexibility for adult learners. Courses are offered in four 10-week sessions per year, and students can start in any term and progress at their own pace. This setup allows them to balance their studies with full-time work and family responsibilities.

Amberton’s model is designed with adult learners in mind, as the average student is 38 years old and most are already employed full-time. Many students return to school to upskill or transition into new career paths.

The university also accepts up to 12 hours of graduate transfer credit, making it easier for students to build upon previous academic experiences and complete their degree more quickly.

Affordable, Transparent, and Results-Driven

The total tuition cost for the Applied AI degree is under $11,000. This amount covers all required courses, with minimal additional fees. Amberton keeps costs low by avoiding the overhead typically associated with traditional universities, such as athletics, dormitories, and large campus facilities.

“We are transparent with our pricing. What you see is what you pay,” Dr. Palmer says. “Some students have asked how we can offer such a high-quality education at this price. The answer is simple: we focus on what matters most.”

As a nonprofit institution, Amberton has a long-standing reputation for delivering quality education at a reasonable cost. Over 97% of graduates report that their degree was affordable and effective.

Guided by Experience and Industry Input

Amberton’s business curriculum was developed with input from its business advisory group, which includes local employers and alumni from Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond.

These advisors highlighted the increasing demand for applied AI skills in both small businesses and large corporations.

Dr. Palmer and her leadership team also recruited faculty who are currently working in the AI field, including professionals with real-world implementation experience.

“We don’t hire theorists,” she explains. “Our professors are practitioners—professionals who use AI in their careers and bring that expertise directly into the classroom.”

Part of a Larger Vision

The Applied AI degree is part of a broader academic overhaul at Amberton. In the 2024–2025 academic year alone, the university developed nineteen new courses and nine new certificates. It also updated 100% of existing courses to reflect current job market demands.

This shift includes the introduction of “acquired skills” in every class. These are tangible, clearly defined skills that can be listed on a resume and verified through coursework. Skills range from project planning to cognitive behavioral techniques to AI-enhanced communication.

By blending AI literacy with marketable skills, Amberton is positioning its students to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.

Final Thoughts on Amberton’s AI Degree

Amberton University is not simply adding another tech degree to its offerings. It is rethinking what it means to prepare students for the future of work. With its Applied AI program, the university is creating a flexible, high-value degree that aligns closely with the needs of employers, offering adult learners a competitive advantage.

“We’re not focused on impressing with buzzwords,” Dr. Palmer says. “We’re helping students use AI to excel at what they already do—and to be better equipped for what’s ahead.”

For more details, visit Amberton University.