(BPT) - The workplace of the future will look vastly different from today's workplace. The impact of AI is just beginning to be felt, and experts agree jobs will continue evolving, with many new jobs being created that can't be anticipated today.
You don't have to go too far back to see how much digital technology has already changed the employment landscape.
"If you traveled back to 2000 and introduced yourself as 'social media manager,' 'prompt engineer' or 'brand influencer' you would be met with blank stares," said Elise Awwad, president and CEO, DeVry University. "Looking forward 25 years, the difference will not just be in what jobs we do, but who — or what — is doing them. You will likely encounter jobs, departments or entire sectors that are unrecognizable today."
Because the impact of AI is ongoing, unpredictable and unstoppable, it's critical for higher education to respond to rapid technological changes by fully equipping students with tools, knowledge and practical skills they will need not just in today's workplace, but also the future.
"This is why DeVry is committed to embedding AI into every aspect of our curriculum, programs and student experience," added Shantanu Bose, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer, DeVry University. "Institutions must respond to this urgent call to action. In that vein, DeVry is executing a focused plan to incorporate AI skill-building across 100% of courses, expanding access to AI specializations and certificates, ensuring graduates can understand and apply AI responsibly in their professions."
How to embrace AI for good
Students today already use AI to a large extent, for a variety of purposes. A recent study found that 90% of students today use AI, with many using it in helpful ways including brainstorming assignments (37%), summarizing information (33%) and receiving feedback (32%) — usually without any guidance or understanding of how to critically approach and best use AI tools.
According to recent articles in Forbes, some higher education institutions are starting to understand AI skills are key to student success in the workplace and that AI fluency is crucial for today's students, driving many schools to introduce AI-specific content to their curriculums.
DeVry University, a digital-first, career-focused institution specializing in technology- and business-centered education for adult learners, is going even further, embedding AI in 100% of their courses by the end of 2026.
"We're building an AI-forward education that is grounded in our belief that higher education must fundamentally evolve to remain relevant in today's AI-powered economy," added Bose.
DeVry's AI-focused, dual-competency approach
Today, AI concepts and applications are already embedded across the university's programs through coursework, discussions, projects and learning experiences that require students to analyze data, support decision-making, evaluate AI-generated insights and apply AI responsibly within their field. These durable, human skills are taught throughout DeVry's curriculum to foster the critical thinking and creativity needed in the workplace of the future alongside AI.
Here are the many ways DeVry is further integrating AI into its curriculum and infrastructure to ensure student success in today's digital economy — and into the future.
AI Catalyst: DeVry developed the DeVryAI Catalyst core curriculum, available to undergraduate students across disciplines. This allows students to complete a set of foundational AI courses, on which they can continue to build more advanced AI courses throughout their studies. Furthermore, every DeVry course builds toward AI fluency, so students learn to apply AI responsibly in their field.
AI program and credential expansion: DeVry launched its initial coursework in automation and machine learning in 2020 and has since taken meaningful steps to integrate AI throughout its academic portfolio, expanding applied AI coursework, specializations and certificates in Business and Technology programs. Building on this foundation, DeVry will expand its AI degree portfolio at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Lifelong AI upskilling through DeVryPro: DeVryPro extends DeVry's AI strategy beyond traditional degrees, through its dedicated upskilling and reskilling platform designed to quickly teach workplace-critical skills to working professionals and employer partners.
AI-enabled culture of care: DeVry Care uses predictive analytics alongside dedicated advisors to support learner success. Among learners who received targeted outreach and used tutoring, 80% saw an improved assignment grade and 96% were successful (they graduated or persisted).
AI Learning Assistant in every course: All DeVry courses include an embedded AI Learning Assistant that provides real-time, conversational support, 24/7. The assistant currently handles over 90% of routine student questions, reducing friction and enabling the faculty to focus on higher-value instruction, coaching and mentorship.
AI Assisted Support for every student: All DeVry students, alumni, and applicants have access to an integrated AI-powered agent in their account portal providing on-demand assistance, 24/7, designed to reduce friction and help learners get back to focusing on what matters most — their studies. Users supported by the AI-powered agent report both high rates of issue resolution and satisfaction, especially when the AI agent and Advisor work alongside each other.
Faculty professional development: DeVry faculty are participating in a proprietary AI training program, created by faculty for faculty, ensuring they are supporting AI fluency development through coursework, discussions, projects, and learning experiences.
Preparing for an AI economy
By fundamentally reimagining both pedagogical frameworks and curricular objectives for an AI-driven labor market, the university is helping ensure that students cultivate the specialized technical competencies and 'durable' skills essential for professional resilience.
"Recognizing that AI raises the bar for human performance, DeVry has centered its approach on a dual-competency model; one that balances technical AI fluency with the ethical reasoning and leadership necessary now and in the future," noted Awwad.
Learn how DeVry is leading the way in AI education at DeVry.edu.
