Starting this fall, students from all majors at UDC will have the chance to explore a bold new academic path: a concentration in artificial intelligence and robotics (AIR).
Created by the School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA), the AIR concentration brings together AI, robotics, STEM and business to reflect the way technology is reshaping today’s workforce. The goal is to give students the tools to adapt, collaborate across fields and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
The program is supported by a National Science Foundation Targeted Infusion Project grant, led by Professor Amit Arora, with co-investigators Professor Anshu Arora; Bushra Saeed, associate dean at UDC-CC; and Pradeep Behera, associate dean of research and chair of the Department of Civil Engineering. Professors Sergey Ivanov and Jian Hua, chair of the Business Management Department, also serve as senior project personnel. The NSF initiative helps schools like UDC expand their STEM curriculum and drive innovation in undergraduate education.
Ahead of the fall launch, SBPA is offering a summer course that sets the stage: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Business, taught by Professor Anshu Arora. Open to undergraduate and graduate students across the university—including those in business, engineering, community college and postbaccalaureate programs—the class offers an early glimpse into the new concentration.
Students come to the course from a variety of academic backgrounds. Together, they explore how AI and robotics are transforming the economy—and learn how to communicate those insights effectively. Each week, they produce a newsletter called AI Mash-Up at UDC School of Business and Public Administration, blending their classroom experiences with real-world business trends. The project pushes students to think critically about new technologies and share their perspectives with the broader UDC community.
Even before the course officially begins, it’s already sparking excitement.
“I’m thrilled to be teaching AI and Robotics in Business this summer as part of UDC’s groundbreaking AIR Concentration, supported by the NSF TIP Grant,” Arora said.
“This course blends the power of artificial intelligence and robotics with business innovation, giving students hands-on experience with no-code/low-code tools like Tableau and Power BI. It’s exciting to see students explore machine learning, neural networks and human-robot interaction while tackling real-world business challenges. We are building the future of interdisciplinary learning, and I’m honored to help shape the next generation of tech-savvy business leaders right here at UDC!”
The AIR curriculum is just one part of UDC’s wider effort to prepare students for leadership roles in industries that are constantly evolving. Whether their path leads to business, public service, science or entrepreneurship, students will leave the program with a strong foundation in both the technology and ethical questions that will define the future.
For more information, contact the School of Business and Public Administration at sbpa@udc.edu.