As higher education faces shifting demands, institutions are seeking innovative ways to align their academic programs with their strategic goals–growing enrollment, retaining current students, and improving student outcomes. One powerful avenue for differentiation lies with Rize’s new AI Literacy program and how it’s implemented.
While courses and minors do not drive new enrollments traditionally, AI courses may be different with the right messaging. They can make a compelling case to prospective students and families and arm your admissions team with stories on how your institution is forward-thinking and preparing graduates for an AI-driven world. Here at Rize, we support admissions by developing impactful messaging for marketing materials and training on how to communicate the value of AI and our other shared programs to potential students.
As AI reshapes the workforce, employers are increasingly expecting graduates to enter the workforce with a baseline understanding of AI tools and applications. According to a nationwide survey, 83% of U.S. professionals believe higher education should prepare students for AI-driven workplaces. In fact, 76% report needing AI skills to stay competitive, and 79% believe that these skills could broaden their job opportunities (2024 Work Trend Index report by Microsoft and LinkedIn).
It’s not only employers looking for AI skills. As we’ve previously written about, enrollments in AI Bachelor’s programs have grown at a 76% compounded annual rate over the last 4 years and student demand is only continuing to grow. According to survey results from Inside Higher Ed, 81% of the class of 2027 said their college or university should be preparing them for AI in the workplace. You can read more about why every college needs an AI program, but the data is clear.
Institutions that prioritize AI in their curriculum can set themselves apart from the competition by enhancing student outcomes and improving enrollment and retention. Below are four actionable ways your institution can leverage Rize’s AI Literacy program to inspire growth and drive impact.
“A vast majority of U.S. professionals (83 percent) think students should be prepared to use AI upon entering the workforce, and they expect higher education to play a critical role in that preparation, according to a nationwide survey of 1,200 professionals.” (SHRM; February 20, 2024)
One approach many higher education institutions are considering is to embed an “AI for Everyone” course or the like as part of the general education curriculum. This ensures that every student, regardless of major, is equipped with foundational AI skills—an increasingly essential competency in today’s job market. By offering such a course, your institution can set itself apart as a leader, preparing all graduates for a workforce that values AI fluency across disciplines.
Enrollment Opportunity: Making AI literacy a requirement for all students boosts your institution’s appeal to prospective students by positioning it as a leader in student outcomes and workforce readiness.
“A good beginning point is to include knowledge and experience with AI among the learning outcomes for each major, minor and certificate program.” (Inside HigherEd; July 31, 2024)
AI skills are not just for tech-focused students, but can also provide a distinctive edge for students in non-technical areas. Integrating AI education within diverse academic programs can provide students with highly sought skills in fields that they love. Institutions can start by adding one or two AI-focused courses to select programs, or go further by creating AI-infused concentrations in areas such as Business Administration, Psychology, or Criminal Justice.
According to a study from Microsoft and LinkedIn, demand for AI skills is rising across industries, from administration to marketing to retail. By weaving AI education into diverse programs, colleges offer students practical, in-demand skills that employers value across sectors.
Enrollment Opportunity: Differentiating existing academic programs with an AI integration can make your institution stand out in a crowded marketplace, offering prospective students a compelling reason to choose your programs over others.
“The lack of AI knowledge among graduates coincided with a general decline in optimism about the job market: More than a third of graduates said they feel threatened that generative AI could replace them or their job entirely.” (Inside HigherEd; July 23, 2024)
To make an AI credential accessible across the campus, consider creating a 12-credit AI minor. This option allows students in any major to build foundational AI skills that will enhance their career prospects. Beyond boosting employability, this minor can also improve retention by providing additional pathways for students to find purpose and relevance in their studies.
Enrollment Opportunity: An AI minor serves as a powerful tool to attract prospective students and enhance student outcomes, equipping graduates with valuable skills applicable across diverse career fields.
“73% of employers use GenAI while more than half (55%) of graduates said their program did not prepare them to use GenAI tools during their studies.” (2024 Graduate Employability Report, Cengage Group)
For institutions seeking to broaden their reach, offering a 12-credit online AI certificate can attract adult learners and professionals looking to up-skill. With the demand for generative AI skills on the rise, for example 73% of employers are already using AI in some capacity, an online certificate program offers lifelong learners the opportunity to acquire in-demand AI competencies while creating an additional revenue stream for your institution.
Enrollment Opportunity: An online AI certificate allows your institution to reach a broader audience and generate revenue without additional staffing needs.
At Rize, we believe that integrating AI into your curriculum is more than a one off minor addition—it’s a strategic opportunity. As a partner, we provide not just courses but a comprehensive approach that aligns your program with institutional goals, setting your institution up for long-term success. From creating messaging to training admissions teams, we ensure that your AI offerings make a measurable impact.
If you are interested in being a trailblazer by implementing an AI academic programming strategy, request a call with our team below.
