DeVry's Bold Move Toward Universal AI Fluency

DeVry University has made headlines with its ambitious commitment to weave artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and practical skill-building into every single course across its curriculum by the end of 2026. This university-wide initiative, announced on January 21, 2026, marks a pivotal step in preparing students for an AI-augmented job market where technical proficiency paired with human-centric skills is becoming the standard.

Elise Awwad, president and CEO of DeVry, emphasized the urgency of this shift, noting that AI skills are evolving into a baseline requirement for job descriptions. "Everyone’s using [AI] in some way, shape or form," she said, highlighting the need for students to apply critical thinking alongside AI tools in discipline-specific contexts. This approach ensures that whether a student is pursuing business, healthcare, or technology, they graduate with the fluency to leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

The move builds on DeVry's longstanding focus on career-oriented education, positioning the institution as a leader in adapting higher education to rapid technological changes. For students eyeing higher ed jobs or professional advancement, this integration promises a competitive edge in a landscape where AI proficiency can boost employability significantly.

Tracing DeVry's AI Evolution

DeVry's journey with AI didn't start overnight. As early as 2020, the university introduced coursework in automation and machine learning, laying the groundwork for broader adoption. By 2023, the launch of the DeVry AI Lab accelerated integration across curriculum development, faculty training, and student support services.

In September 2025, marking the two-year anniversary of the AI Lab, DeVry rolled out new offerings like a graduate certificate and MBA track in AI & Business Analytics, an undergraduate certificate in AI and Data Analytics, and over a dozen specialized courses. Platforms such as DeVryPro, an AI-powered upskilling tool for professionals, and HireDeVry for career services further embedded AI into the learner ecosystem.

Now, with the 2026 pledge, DeVry is scaling these efforts to encompass 100% of its courses. This progression reflects a deliberate strategy: start with targeted programs, refine through real-world feedback, and universalize for maximum impact. Students benefit from a seamless learner journey where AI supports everything from personalized tutoring to predictive advising, fostering not just knowledge but adaptability.

Defining AI Literacy in Higher Education

AI literacy refers to the ability to understand, critically evaluate, and ethically apply artificial intelligence technologies in various contexts. Unlike narrow technical training, it encompasses foundational knowledge of AI concepts—such as machine learning (algorithms that learn from data patterns), natural language processing (enabling chatbots like those in DeVry's courses), and neural networks—alongside ethical considerations like bias mitigation and data privacy.

In higher education, embedding AI literacy means moving beyond optional electives to infuse these elements into core curricula. For DeVry students, this translates to hands-on activities where they prompt AI tools for analysis, interpret outputs with critical thinking, and integrate results into projects relevant to their majors. Provost Shantanu Bose describes it as building "AI fluency," ensuring graduates can "understand, apply, and use AI responsibly in their professions."

This holistic definition aligns with industry demands, where surveys show 78% of employers prioritize durable skills like communication and adaptability alongside AI tech skills.

The DeVryAI Catalyst: Core of the Initiative

Central to DeVry's plan is the DeVryAI Catalyst, a core curriculum framework for undergraduates across all disciplines. It starts with foundational AI courses—covering basics like prompt engineering and ethical AI use—then branches into advanced applications tailored to fields like business analytics or healthcare informatics.

• Foundational modules teach AI fundamentals and safe usage.
• Intermediate levels introduce field-specific tools, e.g., predictive modeling in accounting.
• Advanced tracks offer specializations and certificates for deeper expertise.

Implementation is phased: faculty incorporate AI activities into existing syllabi, ensuring no course is left behind. This catalyst not only equips students but also prepares them for higher ed career advice on leveraging AI in resumes and interviews.

AI Tools Transforming the Classroom Experience

DeVry is deploying cutting-edge AI assistants in every course, available 24/7 for real-time support. The AI Learning Assistant handles over 90% of routine queries—like assignment guidelines or grade checks—freeing faculty for deeper mentorship.

Step-by-step, here's how it works:

1. Student inputs a question via chat interface.
2. AI processes context from course materials.
3. Delivers accurate, personalized response or escalates to human advisor.
4. Tracks interactions to refine future support.

Complementing this is DeVry Care, using predictive analytics for at-risk student outreach. Results are impressive: 80% of targeted learners improved grades with tutoring, and 96% persisted or graduated. These tools exemplify how AI augments, rather than replaces, human interaction.

Photo by KirstenMarie on Unsplash

Empowering Faculty with AI Professional Development

Faculty buy-in is crucial, and DeVry addresses it through a proprietary training program "created by faculty for faculty." Sessions cover AI fluency via hands-on projects, ethical discussions, and integration strategies.

For instance, a business professor might learn to use AI for market trend simulations, while a nursing instructor explores AI in patient diagnostics. This peer-led model ensures authentic adaptation, with early adopters reporting enhanced student engagement.

Check out resources like Rate My Professor to see how AI-savvy educators are rated by students.

Proven Student Success and Employability Gains

DeVry's data underscores the impact. Their upskilling report, surveying 1,500 workers and 500 employers, found 63% of workers see durable skills as key to advancement in AI eras. AI-proficient jobs pay 28% more, per Lightcast—about $18,000 annually.

Graduates enter fields like tech and business with credentials that signal readiness, appealing to employers seeking AI-literate talent. Explore faculty positions or admin roles where such skills shine.

AI Integration Trends Across US Higher Education

DeVry isn't alone; US universities are racing to embed AI. Purdue became the first to mandate AI graduation requirements in January 2026. Ohio State aims for AI fluency for all by class of 2029. Initiatives like Ithaka S+R's AI Literacy cohort and AAC&U institutes signal a national pivot.

Predictions for 2026 include AI as embedded infrastructure, agentic AI universities, and partnerships with tech giants. Yet, DeVry's all-courses approach stands out for its comprehensiveness.

Navigating Challenges in AI Curriculum Integration

Challenges persist: faculty resistance, equity gaps, and ethical risks like AI bias. DeVry counters with faculty-led training, accessible tools, and ethics modules. Broader solutions include standardized AI benchmarks and interdisciplinary task forces.

• Risk: Over-reliance on AI diminishing critical thinking.
• Solution: Pair AI use with reflection assignments.
• Risk: Digital divide.
• Solution: Device loans and hybrid access.

Stakeholders—students, faculty, employers—advocate balanced integration, as seen in AAUP reports on ed-tech.

Job Market Realities Driving the Shift

By 2030, 30% of US jobs may automate, with 60% significantly altered by AI. Entry-level roles shrink, but AI-skilled positions grow, especially requiring college degrees. Recent grads face 5.7% unemployment—above national average—underscoring the need for upskilling.

DeVry's focus aligns with employer surveys: AI fluency boosts hireability across sectors. For career changers, platforms like DeVryPro offer pathways to adjunct professor jobs or research roles.

Photo by Babak Eshaghian on Unsplash

Future Outlook: AI as Higher Ed Standard

Looking ahead, expect AI graduation mandates, personalized learning ecosystems, and lifelong upskilling mandates. DeVry's model—practical, scalable, inclusive—could inspire peers. Students proficient in AI will thrive amid disruptions, with implications for innovation in fields from policy to research jobs.

Actionable Steps for Students and Educators

To capitalize on this trend:

• Enroll in AI-infused programs like DeVry's.
• Practice ethical prompting daily.
• Build portfolios showcasing AI projects.
• Seek free resume templates tailored for AI roles.

Visit Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, and Higher Ed Career Advice for more. DeVry's initiative heralds a future where AI empowers every graduate.