REIMAGINING The Way We Do Business
AI: The Calculator for this Generation Decades ago, the debate was, ‘should students be allowed to use a calculator in the classroom?’ These days, the same debate rages about the use of artificial intelligence or AI. UIndy School of Business Dean Dr. Karl Knapp believes the answer is a very simple one: “yes.” Students of the current generation must learn how to use AI effectively or they risk being at a significant disadvantage when it comes to finding a job or advancing in their career. That’s why Knapp spearheaded an effort to integrate AI into the curriculum of every single class in the School of Business. “People fear that their job is going to be replaced by AI,” said Knapp. “I believe the much greater risk is that their job is going to be replaced by someone who knows how to effectively harness the power of AI.” Still, just like the calculator from before, it’s important to know how to check your work to make sure AI is giving good information and not “hallucinating.” And with every class and every project, whether it is giving AI the prompts to write an email introduction or seeing how AI automation can simplify coding tasks, UIndy School of Business students are doing just that.
There is nothing like being first—especially when it comes to meeting the needs of students. That’s exactly what has happened at the School of Business this year. It redesigned its graduate programs to best align with today’s learners, who value flexibility, individualized course offerings, and a hybrid schedule. UIndy’s reimagined MBA is the first fully stackable MBA in Indiana, along with a
strategic areas, like Leadership or Marketing, even if they do not complete the entire MBA program. “By demonstrating the experience, expertise, and exact skills of each student, the fully stackable MBA elevates beyond the rather nebulous quality of a traditional MBA program,” said Dr. Karl Knapp, School of Business Dean. “It’s what today’s students want and today’s employers require.” The program redesign also
revamped MSDA (Master of Science in Data Analytics) and MSM (Master of Science
“Stackable credentials are a growing trend in today’s higher education landscape, and it’s great to see UIndy leading the way with their stackable MBA.” —Matt Mindrum, Indy Chamber President
helps appeal to a more diverse group of learners who may not have been able to fit a required weekly evening class into their schedule like a traditional MBA program. “Stackable credentials are a growing trend in today’s higher education landscape, and it’s great to see UIndy leading the way with their stackable MBA,” said Indy Chamber President
in Management). What does “fully stackable”
mean? Instead of a forced traditional pathway to an advanced degree, students can choose, or stack, their own sequence of classes that best meets their needs and areas of interest, like AI & Analytics, Global Supply Chain Management, or Finance.
Matt Mindrum. “It’s a great opportunity for employers to invest in their workforce or individuals to invest in themselves, whether they are looking to develop a specific skill or complete the entire program.” There’s already been increased interest and demand in UIndy business programs across the board. This fall’s freshman undergraduate class is the third highest of all time, a group which often goes on to complete an advanced degree after their baccalaureate studies. The enrollment of graduate MBA, MSDA, and MSM students increased 10 percent this fall over last year, with the lion’s share of that growth coming from people like Kevin Todd ’26 (MBA), who had no previous connection to UIndy.
“We are proud to be able to offer the first stackable MBA in Indiana,” said Michael Hasik, UIndy’s Director of Graduate Business Programs. “One size simply does not fit all, and these reimagined programs put valuable instruction more within reach for learners of all ages in varying career stages.” Students benefit from the stackability because they receive a certificate after each three-class area they complete—which is perfect for featuring on a resume or LinkedIn profile as they work toward graduation. For businesses and employers, the stackability provides ease and simplicity to send employees back to school to gain knowledge in key
›› CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
13
MAGAZINE // WINTER 2024
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker