The job market is changing. Technologies are evolving rapidly. Now more than ever, employers are looking for candidates who can think critically, take the initiative on projects, seek truth, and practice discernment. 

Aquinas College is pleased to announce the launch of three new Computer Technology majors in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy, Cybersecurity, and Esports and Gaming Administration, which will be offered for the first time in fall 2026. These new programs reflect Aquinas College’s commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving job market while keeping them rooted in prayer, service, and community. 

It’s no secret that new technologies create constant change in our businesses and in our communities. Employers today increasingly recognize the value of an education that develops both technical abilities and the durable human skills that technology cannot replace. 

According to industry and occupational employment projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the increasing prevalence of AI technology will have a massive impact on the economy between 2024 and 2034. 

On the cybersecurity front, information security analysts are projected to grow by 28.5 percent, making it the fifth-fastest-growing occupation overall. The sources here note that the complexity of AI-driven cyberattacks is a “primary driver for this demand.” 

Similarly, where AI technologies are concerned, there is a 10.8 percent projected growth for training and development specialists, who will be needed to teach employees how to use new AI platforms. AI consulting is also emerging as a high-demand field for firms seeking guidance on implementing generative AI. 

Employers in West Michigan are already starting to feel these changes. 

In an effort to explore what the West Michigan area needs in its workforce, Aquinas College met with local employers during the Community Connection Series event, Talent and Tomorrow’s Workforce, this past April. A common thread in these conversations was AI and the importance of human-centric skills. According to Abby Zelenka, Aquinas Alumni Director, several employers used the following analogy: “AI is like weights in the gym: how we use them will yield different results. Used incorrectly, you can get hurt.” 

So, why choose Aquinas to learn these skills? 

…Because an Aquinas education prepares every student to hold multiple perspectives, to consider the implications of their work, to advocate for humanitarian and environmentally-friendly outcomes, and to resolve inevitable conflicts with patience and grace. Then, as lifelong learners, these Saints become the changemakers, the adaptive thinkers, and the architects of “the next big thing.”

The same will be true in these new programs: 

In the AI Literacy major, students will learn about iterative prompting, search, and functional evaluation metrics that power both productive and creative uses of AI. They will learn to ask questions like, “When should humans override AI?” “Who is harmed when efficiency becomes the highest value?” and “How can we work together to reduce the environmental impacts?” And they will become insightful users of AI who know how to engage in highly nuanced discussions, even as online debate becomes increasingly polarized. 

In the Cybersecurity major, students will learn how to hack a system with ethical and philosophical grounding. They will understand, not just that you can penetrate systems, but when you should. In doing so, they will learn how to protect vulnerable communities from scams and how to protect digital privacy as a human right. Students will build the hands-on experience they need to pursue cybersecurity careers and additional certifications. 

In the Esports and Gaming Administration major, students will learn that adults can have fun in the “real world.” The “Esports” industry is booming, reaching millions of viewers and creating new jobs every day. The Aquinas Way will enable Saints to lead the charge in what this industry might become. And they will know to prioritize healthy gaming communities, where women and minority populations are included in the conversations.

“We are deeply grateful and very excited for the addition of these majors. At Aquinas, we will continue to educate students through a liberal arts education, building within them critical thinking and communication skills, as well as a passion for lifelong learning,” said Aquinas Provost Terry Keller, Ph.D. 

These programs will be offered in a hybrid of online and in-person classes. All general education courses will still be offered in-person, while major-required courses will be a mix of both, depending on the class. That way, students will have the flexibility to learn on the go while still enjoying the traditional college experience. 

In Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city, students will find countless internship, career, and research opportunities. And when it’s time to come home, they’ll return to the serenity of Aquinas’ park-like campus. 

Students who want to learn more about admission requirements, upcoming start dates, and program details can visit Aquinas’ admissions page or connect with the Aquinas admissions team at (616) 632-2878.