As artificial intelligence becomes more and more popular, Arizona State University is partnering with Tech Innovator and Creator Will.i.Am to design a new education model that will better prepare today's learners for tomorrow's digital economy.
On Tuesday in New York City, Will.I.Am and ASU President Michael Crow announced a collaboration for the new ASU AI course, “The Agent Self,” designed and taught by Will.i.am. He will be appointed professor of practice at ASU's game school. This is a school that focuses on increasing digital encyclopedia among the next generation of learners.
As an advisor to Fortune 100 companies, Will.i.am brings over a decade of practical development work in AI to a clear perspective as an advocate for superior governance, including ethical and moral AI operational standards.
The 15-week class is planned for Spring 2026.
“This professor marks a new chapter in my life,” said Will.I.Am, the famous name for Black Eyed Peas frontman. “From creating global unified music, to establishing the I.Am Angel Foundation, which empowers 15,000 Los Angeles-area high school students to have STEM skills and sends thousands to college, you'll find the answer to the question “Where's The Love?” In this course, the agent's self represents an AI solution that replaces human work.
He found the perfect partner at ASU. This week, US News & World Report was named the most innovative university for the 11th consecutive year. Under Crow, universities continue to build new paths for higher education, whether they embrace AI or rethink biology and chemistry classes using virtual reality-centric film storytelling.
“We are always looking for ways to innovate how we teach students to better prepare them for the moment,” Crow said. “Our alumni need to be prepared for a powerful change in their work to AI. This pioneering partnership with Will.I.AM is an incredible opportunity for students to learn from their extraordinary experiences as highly creative and unique innovators.”
This will be the first of several collaborations between ASU and high-tech entrepreneurs and global musicians. The partnership will build new education-centric features in addition to will.i.am's fyi.ai creative productivity tools, as well as Edu.fyi, a new platform using Nvidia technology. The platform is developed for advanced educational uses and student life activities that utilize AI for ASU faculty and students, creating AI agents, and collaborate with peers as they begin their learning journey.
“The future of education is shaped by the way students learn about AI and use it to amplify creativity, value and ambition,” said Richard Kelis, Vice President of Media and Entertainment at Nvidia. “Built on the NVIDIA AI stack, this collaboration with ASU, fyi.ai, and will.i.am create the foundation for the next generation of leaders to develop and work with AI agents in a way that is empathetic, ethical and empowering.”
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In the spring course, students will learn basic AI knowledge and skills applicable in all fields. They will also work with will.i.am to build an AI universal learning companion. This course helps students build the skills they need to understand their digital self and develop their AI agents, but maintain a human perspective.
A typical power ASU course is taught at Hollywood Studios at will.i.am. Some students may participate from Los Angeles, Arizona, or other ASU classrooms online.
Tuesday's announcement was one of several major developments in ASU's AI as the university continues to drive the cutting edge of AI in higher education.
“Good” Event with the United Nations
Also in New York City, ASU and Will.i.am met on Wednesday as part of the UN General Assembly.
Will.I.Am – Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations International Telecommunication Union – and ASU's Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Chris Howard spoke about Skilling in the AI Era during the “AI For Good: Three Areas of Action” event. The program explored ways to equip society with the knowledge and tools to participate in the age of AI, and highlighted the role of international standards in turning policy into practice.
For more information about AI, see ASU
The event was born from the International Telecommunication Union AI's Good Impact initiative, which aims to unlock the possibility of AI serving humanity. The flagship program for the AI for Good Initiative is an AI Skills Union that aims to bridge the global AI skill gap by sharing knowledge and training around the world.
ASU has been invited to join founding members such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft and become Coalition's first university partner member. The Union provides educational materials that can strengthen skills for the future and address global inequality in AI knowledge.
“We are proud to welcome Arizona State University as the first and only member of the university to join the AI Skills Union at the institutional level,” said Frederick Werner, Chief of Strategic Engagement for the International Telecommunications Union. “ASU is consistently recognized as one of the leading universities in the United States and is pioneering new models of online and experiential learning.”
“With over 200,000 learners serving each year, ASU has expanded cutting-edge training in artificial intelligence, engineering and digital skills through innovative platforms and collaborations,” says Werner. “Their technology and AI education leadership is seamlessly aligned with the mission of the AI Skills Coalition, promoting our commitment to democratizing learning around the world and ensuring communities, so that young people have the skills of the future.”
The AI Master's Degree will be launched in LA to serve global business leaders
The WP Carey School of Business Science of Science of Science in Master in Business (MS-AIB) is the first AI graduate degree program at a US business school, launched in 2024, and has expanded to Los Angeles.
Starting fall 2026, degree programs will be offered at ASU's California Center Broadway. In this program, the program offers students the opportunity to study at the intersection of business and technology at one of the nation's most innovative hubs. Completed in the second semester, the Los Angeles program reflects the academic rigor and structure of ASU's existing MS-AIB in Tempe, highlighting what faculty calls mindful AI.
“The expansion of the MS-AIB program to Los Angeles is based on ASU's commitment to innovation and access, linking students directly with the industries that shape the future of AI in business.” “From entertainment and fashion to technology and startups, the LA market is naturally suited to this program.”
The course covers key areas such as enterprise analytics, machine learning in business, data visualization, AI business strategy, and business transformation in AI. Capstone Projects connects students with businesses and high-tech hubs, providing real-world applications and professional networking opportunities.
As a STEM designated program, MS-AIB also supports eligibility for optional practical training, allowing international students to pursue US-based work experience up to three years after graduation.
Find out more about MS-AIB in the LA program.
