AI News and Updates
May 2026: Introducing the AI Hub and initial Phase 1 resources.
Read below for recent Hood College news features about AI:
The Skill Accelerators program offers a unique series of non-degree professional development badges.
Digital badges are short, focused, competency-based credentials that provide in-demand skills, knowledge and experience. The Skill Accelerators program is designed for working professionals seeking to upskill and advance their careers without committing to the demands of a full graduate degree. Most badges are offered online for convenience and flexibility.
We offer badges in several focus areas, including business, computing, counseling and trauma, equity and inclusion, biotechnology and education. Topics range from finance, human resources, AI and data analytics, diversity in education and much more. Badges are offered at foundational, intermediate and advanced levels, and any badge can be applied toward a future master’s degree.
Summer 2024 Generative AI Business Badge
Now enrolling! Our focused online course is designed to be affordable, accessible and flexible. Upskill your AI proficiency and become a leader in the tech-driven future. You will be introduced to key AI concepts from generative frameworks to data analytics. Explore the frontiers of AI with industry professionals, starting with the basics and progressing to expert-level strategies and cutting-edge applications for business.
Apply by June 30.
Summer I 2024
CS 498H: SpTpc: Deep Learning
Prerequisite: CS 219 or Permission of Instructor The course introduces the fields of artificial neural network based machine learning with applications in computer vision and natural language processing. Deep learning is behind many recent advances in artificial intelligence, including speech recognition and self-driving cars. Students will work on big data projects using cloud resources from fastest supercomputers in the world.
ITMG 599C: Special Topic: Introduction to AI in Business
This course offers an introductory yet hands-on track in Artificial Intelligence (AI) tailored for students specializing in Information Technology and Information Systems. It aims to equip students with the necessary skills to pursue careers in business AI. Throughout the course, students will be acquainted with various AI principles, including machine learning and deep learning, AI ethics, an array of machine learning algorithms, and natural language processing (NLP), such as Chat Bots as customer service. They will investigate real-world AI applications within the business sector and engage in practical labs and research endeavors to observe AI in use.
Summer II 2024
ITMG 599B: SpTpc: Applied Generative AI
Prerequisite: A basic understanding of AI concepts and familiarity with business domains. Programming experience is not required. This course explores the strategic application of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in driving innovation and value creation across business domains. Students will learn to leverage generative AI techniques to solve real- world problems and optimize processes within organizations. The course covers the theoretical underpinnings of generative AI, including key concepts and techniques such as GANs, VAEs, and Transformer-based models. Students will dive into practical applications using the WINS framework (Words, Images, Numbers, and Sounds) across diverse domains like healthcare, government, marketing, and finance. Through lectures, case studies, hands-on exercises, and a culminating project on creating a custom Language Model (LLM), students will gain a strong understanding of strategically implementing and managing generative AI solutions while considering ethical implications and future trends.
Fall 2024
CS 428: Artificial Intelligence
Prerequisite: Junior standing and CS 219 or permission of the instructor. History, fundamental principles, and future directions of A.I. Topics include state-space searching, knowledge representation, logic and deduction, natural language processing, neural networks, learning, vision, robotics, and cognitive science. Topics will be treated at a level of depth and detail appropriate for a first course in AI.
CS 528: Artificial Intelligence
Prerequisite: A minimum grade of “B-” in CSIT 512 or permission of the instructor. History, fundamental principles, and future directions of A.I. Topics include state-space searching, knowledge representation, logic and deduction, natural language processing, neural networks, learning, vision, robotics, and cognitive science. Topics will be treated at a level of depth and detail appropriate for a first course in AI.
Put AI to Work For Your Organization
April 24, 2024 | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn how these game changing tools can elevate your career and revolutionize your workplace.
View recorded event here.
The Future of AI in Healthcare
April 25, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Learn about the latest advancements, challenges, and best practices in the healthcare field.
View recorded event here.
HOOD TALKS - AI in Healthcare - From Promise to Practice
September 25, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Learn about current and future applications of AI that improve patient care and complement clinicians' work.
View recorded event here.
We are the LIMFAC Navigating an AI Centered Future
October 15, 2025
Learn about how the rapidly evolving landscape of AI has far-reaching implications across industries, from defense to healthcare and beyond.
View recorded event here.
HOOD TALKS - The Impact of AI on Science
February 5, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Learn about current and future applications of AI in biological research.
View recorded event here.
Free Internal Training
CTRL +ALT + TEACH: Rebooting Education with Generative AI
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 1-2 PM | Library 2028
Facilitated by Dr Beth Kiester, Associate Professor of Sociology
Come spend the hour learning about ways to both include AI in your classroom and AI-proof your assignments. We'll also discuss ways AI can make our lives easier when it comes to the more tedious parts of our jobs, including creating rubrics, question pools for multiple exam versions, and case studies or scenarios. Do you have an assignment where you include AI or one you have AI-proofed? Contact Beth Kiester to be a part of this discussion!
Learn more about Generative AI in the Classroom (requires sign-in).
Nothing to Be Afraid of: AI Research Tools for Literature Reviews and More
Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 3-4 PM | Library 2028
Facilitated by Emily Belknap (Research & Instruction Librarian), Kathryn Ryberg (Research & Instruction Librarian), and Jessica Hammack (Head of Research & Instruction)
Suddenly, there’s an AI research assistant for every task. What are these tools, and how might they help you in your research? What are the limitations? Join CTL and the Beneficial-Hodson Library as we explore the capabilities and limitations of AI in the research sphere.
Learn more about AI Research Assistants (requires sign-in).
Free External Training
Practical AI for Instructors and Students (10 to 12 minutes each)
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
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