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Texas A&M Introduces Artificial Intelligence Minor

News Summary

Texas A&M University is launching a new minor in ‘Artificial Intelligence and Business’ to equip students with crucial AI knowledge. This program aims to enhance students’ understanding of AI’s value in business, focusing on creating effective strategies for the modern job market. Starting as a pilot with limited spots, the program promises to prepare students to tackle real-world business challenges while addressing the growing demand for AI education. Additionally, community initiatives aim to raise AI awareness among seniors and explore AI’s role in energy and agriculture sectors.

Texas – Texas A&M University is set to launch a new minor program titled “Artificial Intelligence and Business,” aimed at preparing students for the increasingly AI-driven workplace. This initiative seeks to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to apply artificial intelligence in various business contexts. The program is expected to commence in a pilot phase this fall with limited enrollment, before expanding to additional seats in Spring 2026.

Shrihari Shridar, the senior associate dean of Mays Business School, has been an integral part of the development of this minor. The program underscores the growing necessity for students to understand how AI functions as a core element within modern business operations, rather than merely being a technological tool. It focuses on enabling students to grasp how AI can generate value within business practices.

According to Shridar, the program is strategically designed around four fundamental components of effective business management. These include identifying sources of value, creating value for customers, executing this value consistently, and leveraging it to drive financial performance. The integration of AI enhances all four aspects, providing students with insights on how to utilize this technology for improved business outcomes.

Alongside this educational venture, the City of Bryan is hosting a separate event at the Clara B. Mounce Public Library targeted at adults aged 55 and older. This event focuses on educating participants about artificial intelligence and how to navigate and avoid potential scams prevalent in today’s digital landscape. Officials are promoting a cautious approach to handling AI-related information, advising attendees to “trust but verify” before sharing personal data.

The need for heightened protection and knowledge surrounding AI use has become increasingly crucial as technology evolves. The City’s IT department emphasizes the importance of verifying information with a trusted human source before taking any action, which is essential in fostering awareness among seniors regarding modern technologies and the risks involved.

Texas A&M is also making headlines with its project to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) alongside four nuclear companies at the Rellis Campus. This initiative is poised to significantly bolster electricity generation capabilities, with a projected combined output exceeding one gigawatt. This output is vital for meeting Texas’s growing energy demands, especially concerning the increasing number of data centers in North Texas.

The ambitious SMR project represents a pioneering effort, as there are currently no operational SMRs in the United States. Texas A&M has formally applied for an early site permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. If successful, this would position the university as the first in the nation to receive a commercial nuclear reactor site license, marking a significant milestone in educational and energy sectors.

In addition to these developments, Texas A&M is exploring AI’s potential applications within the agriculture sector. With advancements in data collection, computing power, and analytics, the university aims to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency in farming practices. According to Juan Landivar, director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Center, the growth potential of the AI market in agriculture is substantial, with expectations of reaching beyond $3 trillion by 2033. However, there remain challenges to overcome in the application of AI in agriculture, particularly in integrating technologies like drones and advanced data analytics into traditional farming operations.

In summary, Texas A&M University is taking significant steps toward incorporating artificial intelligence into its academic curriculum and research initiatives. The introduction of the new minor in Artificial Intelligence and Business, alongside advancements in energy production and agricultural practices, showcases the university’s commitment to preparing students for a technological future and addressing the needs of various sectors impacted by AI.