Key facts
- Shaw University Divinity School is launching a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Artificial Intelligence and Moral Agency.
- The program is the first of its kind at the doctoral level within the Association of Theological Schools network.
- The curriculum will focus on AI literacy, social justice, and ethical considerations.
- The university has received initial accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- The program aims to address the moral implications of AI's increasing role in society.
Shaw University's divinity school is set to launch a pioneering Doctor of Education (Ed.D) program in Artificial Intelligence and Moral Agency, marking the first doctoral degree of its kind within the Association of Theological Schools network. The program, scheduled to begin next year, aims to equip students with AI literacy, focusing on social justice and ethical implications as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into society.
Dean Mark Harden stated that the initiative is a "second calling" for the historic institution, which was founded to provide religious literacy to formerly enslaved people. The new program seeks to address the moral questions arising from AI's growing capabilities, particularly for vulnerable communities. The divinity school has secured approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is pursuing accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools.
Other institutions are also increasing their focus on AI ethics. Notre Dame's Institute for Ethics and the Common Good received a significant endowment to develop resources for navigating AI's challenges, emphasizing core Christian values. Meghan Sullivan, director of the institute, highlighted the unique position of theological schools to engage with AI ethics, given their long history of reflecting on human agency and decision-making.
Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas,' also addressed the need to protect human dignity and agency in the face of AI, cautioning against allowing tech firms to dictate AI ethics. Philip Butler from Iliff School of Theology noted the growing critical engagement with AI in theological education, examining who benefits from AI development and its impact on the definition of humanity.
Shaw University, with its historical ties to the Civil Rights movement, views this new program as a natural extension of its civic-minded mission. The divinity school, which currently has about 65 students and offers master's degrees, has already seen at least 66 individuals express interest in the new doctoral program. Candidates will need a master's degree and five years of relevant professional experience. The school is also in the process of hiring faculty with AI expertise.