AI News at Smith

The University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business renamed four graduate programs to emphasize artificial intelligence and human ingenuity, highlighting experiential learning and responsible AI. Leaders say the changes strengthen curricula, prepare graduates to lead innovation, and reinforce Smith’s role.

UMD’s MSIS capstone linked 20 student teams with 17 clients across industries, advancing AI-powered solutions. Projects like food-rescue and microloan platforms showcased hands-on innovation, mentorship, and purpose—proving the program’s power to transform students into impactful technology leaders.

More than 37,000 learners worldwide have joined the Smith School’s free AI and Career Empowerment course—designed for transitioning federal workers but open to all—building AI literacy and career skills through expert-led, self-paced modules.

A student-led team at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business created STRATPATH AI, an experiential learning platform that uses artificial intelligence to simulate interviews, automate case grading and provide real-time feedback to better prepare students for careers.

The Robert H. Smith School of Business hosted AI Lightning Talks on Oct. 23, 2025, featuring 15 faculty and PhD presenters sharing fast-paced insights into recent AI research topics, from healthcare and entrepreneurship to generative AI and visual design.

University of Maryland professors Dave Waguespack and Evan Starr developed “Making Better Business Decisions with Data,” a course teaching undergraduates causal inference and AI-aided data analysis for strategic decision-making, preparing them for graduate studies, internships, and data-driven careers.

Krisha Chheda, ’25 MQF, presented a Google-sponsored credit risk project at Google’s Higher Ed Leader Series, highlighting Smith master’s students’ use of AI to analyze banking and fintech practices through the Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium’s experiential learning program.

Smith MSIS students launched a mentorship program connecting 80 students with 20 alumni mentors. Powered by LighthouseAI, the initiative enhances career guidance, tracks progress, and fosters long-term professional relationships. Expansion to other cohorts and programs is planned.

The Smith School’s new AI certificate program has drawn over 20,000 global enrollees since May. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller visited July 1 to highlight its role in Maryland’s AI-driven workforce development.

Smith’s free, online certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Career Empowerment has attracted over 17,000 registrants. Created for federal workers but open to all, the program features 10 self-paced modules taught by leading faculty on AI, strategy, ethics and careers.