Why This Local University Is One of the Best 15 Colleges for the AI Economy

AI - Artificial Intelligence - the topic that is on the minds of many, especially in classrooms, and most definitely in the college and university communities. Is it a good or bad thing, should be be utilizing it as much as we do, or no? While I don't have the answers to any of those questions right now, we do have information about a local university that ranks among the top 15, alongside some pretty heavy hitters, in preparing students for the 'AI economy.'

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Marist University Leading The Way for AI Workforce Preparation

In a Press Release from Anthony Proia, Director of Media Relations at Marist University, it was announced that Town & Country identified the university as one of The 15 Best Colleges Preparing Students for the AI Economy.

Town & Country compiled a list of institutions that offer things like dedicated degree programs, research initiatives across several disciplines, and career guidance that prepare students for an AI-driven future. They identified the top 15 list by looking at the following factors:

• strong undergraduate AI pathways
• interdisciplinary integration
• leadership in AI ethics and governance
• robust opportunities for hands-on, real-world application

Some of the other institutions making the top 15 list include Carnegie Mellon, Ohio State, Purdue and the University of Florida. The full list can be found here.

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What Helped Marist To The 'Top 15?'

A central focus of the recognition highlights the 'and not or' philosophy that Marist utilizes, 'which intentionally integrates technical training with ethical reflection, intellectual curiosity, and character development.'

Town & Country also highlights Marist’s broad range of AI‑infused electives, including Human‑Computer Interaction, Online Culture, and Writing in the Digital Age, as well as its student‑run AI Club, which fosters an inclusive, collaborative learning environment. Beyond the classroom, the University’s leadership is further exemplified by the annual Hudson Valley Artificial Intelligence Summit, bringing together innovators, policymakers, and scholars to examine the ethical application of AI in real‑world settings.

Marist does have an AI strategy to prepare students for this type of technological-focused future, and also has an Applied Artificial Intelligence minor, which happens to be open to any student in any academic program. The minor, and offered courses introduce students to the idea of AI principles, affords them hands-on experience in the field, and the opportunity to explore the 'ethical and societal impacts of AI.'