The framework establishes the pillars of academic AI and embeds AI throughout programs, course experiences, and academic operations. Supported by the university’s AI resource center and skills-aligned career-focused ecosystem.
phoenix, February 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The University of Phoenix today announced Pillars of Academic AI, a three-part framework designed to help adult learners develop practical AI knowledge and responsible usage habits that align with workplace expectations. At the World Economic Forum, Future of Employment Report 202586% of employers say AI and information processing technologies are expected to transform their business by 2030. The university has already established an AI Resource Center to embed AI literacy and skill building into the curriculum, expand AI-powered learning supports, and strengthen policies and workflows to guide responsible and effective use across academic studies.
The move comes as employers signal that AI is changing job requirements across roles and industries. PwC Global AI Employment Barometer in 2025 reports that jobs requiring AI skills increased by 7.5% in the most recent year measured, and the proportion of jobs requiring AI skills is increasing across all industries.
“AI has become a foundational literacy for today’s workforce, and our Academic AI pillar provides adult learners with a structured, practical way to build those skills within their degree programs,” said Dr. John Woods, provost and chief academic officer at the University of Phoenix.
Three pillars of academic AI support adult learners
The Digital Education Council (DEC) AI Literacy Framework defines AI literacy as a foundational competency in higher education and outlines the knowledge and skills needed to understand, evaluate, and responsibly apply AI across academic and professional contexts. The University of Phoenix leveraged the framework’s five dimensions (AI and Data Understanding, Critical Thinking and Judgment, Ethical and Responsible Use, Domain Expertise, Human-Centeredness, Emotional Intelligence, and Creativity) to inform the academic AI pillars and ensure that AI integration remains relevant to the workforce and grounded in responsible practices.
Pillar 1: Incorporate AI into your programs and course content
The University of Phoenix is aligning its curriculum with new workplace expectations by:
- Approximately 20 program updates to incorporate AI tools and skills (FY2026-27).
- Add CSS/201: Generative AI in Everyday Life as an option in your academic plan and allow it to count toward your elective or science/technology general education credits if desired.
- Redesign your courses to include AI skill assessments and skill-building activities based on workplace needs.
Pillar 2: Leverage AI tools to enhance the learning experience
To support in-the-moment learning and enhance applied practice, universities are embracing AI-enabled experiences that enable:
- We provide direct learning support for questions and inquiries in the classroom.
- Embed a Center for AI Resources connection in each course interface.
- Create more engaging learning interactions, such as scenario-based exercises.
Pillar 3: Incorporate AI into processes, policies and workflows
The University of Phoenix is also operationalizing AI across academic practices in the following ways:
- Integrate AI into your workflows and processes to support students, increase efficiency, and improve AI literacy.
- Enhance curriculum through AI-enabled design tools to help teachers and instructional designers create engaging, outcome-driven, and employee-relevant learning experiences.
- Through the Center for AI resources, we build on the advances already made in resources, policies, and training that enable responsible use by students and faculty.
- As part of the University’s higher education mission for adult learners, we will advance research and thought leadership on AI best practices and learning design.
Connecting Pillars to a Career-Focused Ecosystem for Busy Adults
The University of Phoenix has tracked the rapid evolution of AI within its career-focused ecosystem and acted early, establishing a policy on student AI use in 2023. The 2025 Encoura + RNL survey of University of Phoenix students found that 79% already reported being satisfied with their ability to use AI.
The Academic AI pillar enables University of Phoenix graduates to meet employer demand for AI-savvy workers across business, healthcare, IT, and public sector roles. These pillars are built on the University’s broader skills-aligned, career-focused ecosystem, including a curriculum approach designed to examine skill acquisition across the educational journey and link learning outcomes to workplace relevance.
About University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is innovative in helping working adults advance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, related courses, interactive learning, skill-mapped curricula in our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, and a commitment to Career Services for Life® enable students to more effectively pursue their careers and personal aspirations while balancing busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu..
Source University of Phoenix
