JERSEY CITY, N.J. 鈥 August 27, 2026 鈥 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 University has announced the evolution and relaunch of its School of Professional Studies as the School of Global Innovation and AI (GIAI), marking a significant expansion of the University鈥檚 commitment to artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, computational sciences and workforce-focused innovation.
Grounded in 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 commitment to ethical and human-centered innovation, The School of GIAI聽 brings together global and workforce innovation, ethical and applied artificial intelligence, and computational sciences to prepare students for a world being reshaped by data, automation and rapid technological change.
The newly reimagined school brings together a growing portfolio of academic programs designed to prepare students for a rapidly changing world of work, where technological fluency, data-informed decision-making and the responsible application of artificial intelligence are increasingly essential across industries and professions.
Michael Soto, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs at 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 University, notes that 鈥淭he School of Global Innovation and AI represents an important step forward for 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 as we continue to evolve our academic offerings around the needs of today鈥檚 students and tomorrow鈥檚 workforce.鈥
The school currently offers programs including a B.S. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, M.S. in Data Science, Ph.D. in Data Science, M.S. in Cyber Security, M.S. in Information Sciences, B.S. in Computer Science: Cybersecurity, and certificates in Cybersecurity and Risk Management. Planned programs include Interdisciplinary, stackable certificates and credentials to enable students to apply AI across multiple fields. The school also houses the university’s international programs and partnerships, including international study opportunities, to link applied artificial intelligence with global, interdisciplinary real world learning opportunities.
The school also envisions the future development of an interdisciplinary AI institute and a collaborative commons at 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚. These initiatives would bring together students across disciplines, faculty, staff, industry leaders and nonprofit partners to collaborate on projects that advance workforce innovation. Education grounded in Jesuit values and the liberal arts would remain central to this work.
The school鈥檚 new direction is rooted in three interconnected areas: global and workforce innovation; ethical and applied artificial intelligence; and computational sciences. Together, these areas reflect an approach to education that combines emerging technology with practical application, critical thinking and a strong grounding in ethics and human-centered decision-making.
The school is led by Sharath Kumar Jagannathan, Ph.D., Interim Dean of the School of Global Innovation and AI, whose academic and professional expertise spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, predictive analytics, privacy preservation, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies. His work bridges academic scholarship, applied technology and industry-informed learning, with a particular emphasis on preparing students for emerging opportunities in AI-driven and technology-enabled fields.
“This new School reflects our belief that technological innovation must remain centered on people, purpose and the common good,鈥 said Dr. Jagannathan. 鈥淲e will bring students, faculty and industry partners together to apply artificial intelligence and computational sciences to real-world challenges while preparing graduates to lead with technical expertise, ethical judgment and a global perspective.”
Dr. Hubert Benitez, President of 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 University, lauded this transition and appointment of Dr. Jagannathan: 鈥淒r. Jagannathan brings significant expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data privacy, and their applications across various domains. He has been deeply engaged in advancing innovative academic initiatives and fostering applied learning opportunities for students. This strategic transformation reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to innovation, future-focused learning, and academic relevance.鈥
Serving undergraduate, graduate, adult and professional learners, the School will integrate education, applied research and experiential learning in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, computational sciences and emerging technologies. Its programs will support students preparing to enter the workforce, advance within their professions or transition into technology- and data-intensive fields.
Students will have opportunities to apply their knowledge through research, internships, interdisciplinary projects, industry-informed challenges and collaboration with faculty and external partners. By connecting technological expertise with fields such as business, healthcare, education, government and the sciences, the School will encourage students to examine complex problems from multiple perspectives and develop practical, human-centered solutions.
Building upon 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 established strengths in data science and computational disciplines, the School will continue expanding connections among education, research and professional practice. The University鈥檚 Ph.D. in Data Science, for example, prepares students for careers in academia and industry through advanced coursework, applied research and dissertation work that contributes to the continuing development of the field.
Grounded in 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 Jesuit tradition, the School will emphasize integrity, reflection, discernment, service, and respect for human dignity. Its mission is to ensure that innovation and emerging technologies are applied ethically, expand access and opportunity, and contribute to the common good.
Through the School of Global Innovation and AI, 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 will continue to expand opportunities for students to develop skills that are increasingly relevant across business, healthcare, cybersecurity, technology, government, education and other sectors. The school鈥檚 interdisciplinary focus recognizes that artificial intelligence is no longer limited to the technology sector鈥攊t is becoming an essential part of how organizations solve problems, make decisions and innovate.
The School of Global Innovation and AI reflects 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 University鈥檚 continued commitment to academic innovation, career readiness and ethical leadership, preparing students to navigate鈥攁nd help shape鈥攖he technological and workforce transformations of the years ahead.
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About 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 University
For more than 150 years, 猫咪社区 Peter鈥檚 University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, has educated a diverse community of learners through undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in an ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, visit .