Ethical Considerations in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Insights from AIU's MSIT Degree Program
A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.
The rapid advancement of technology presents unprecedented opportunities, but also raises complex ethical dilemmas. Professionals who understand these challenges could be increasingly valued in many industries. American InterContinental University's (AIU) Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree program is designed to address these concerns, helping students work to develop both technical skills and an understanding of ethical issues in the digital age.
AIU's MSIT degree program, as detailed in our program brochure, offers a curriculum designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of IT systems and their applications across various organizational settings. The program distinguishes itself by incorporating ethical considerations directly into its coursework, specifically within the "Innovations and Emerging Media" course. The focus is to help students explore the potential ethical, social, legal, and cultural implications of emerging technologies. Here's an expanded look at some of the key topics that could be covered:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI):
- Machine learning algorithms and their applications
- Natural language processing and its use in chatbots and virtual assistants
- Computer vision and image recognition technologies
- AI ethics and its impact on society
2. Machine Learning:
- Deep learning and neural networks
- Predictive analytics and its business applications
- Supervised and unsupervised learning techniques
- Implementation of machine learning models in various industries
3. Blockchain:
- Distributed ledger technology and its principles
- Cryptocurrencies and their underlying mechanisms
- Smart contracts and their potential to revolutionize transactions
- Blockchain applications beyond finance, such as supply chain management
4. Internet of Things (IoT):
- Connected devices and their impact on daily life
- IoT architecture and protocols
- Security challenges in IoT implementations
5. Autonomous Vehicles:
- Self-driving car technologies and their development
- Ethical considerations in autonomous vehicle decision-making
- Impact on transportation and urban planning
6. Digital Media:
- Emerging trends in social media and online content creation
- Virtual and augmented reality technologies
- Streaming platforms and their influence on media consumption
The program also emphasizes the ethical, social, legal, and cultural implications of these technologies, such as:
- Net neutrality and broadband regulation
- Privacy concerns in the age of big data
- Intellectual property rights in the digital era
By covering these topics, the "Innovations and Emerging Media" course is designed to help MSIT students understand and adapt to the evolving landscape of information technology.
By examining these contemporary topics through an ethical lens, students are encouraged to critically analyze the impact of these technologies on society. The program delves into critical issues like net neutrality, broadband regulation, privacy, and intellectual property rights, encouraging a deeper understanding of the ethical responsibilities associated with technological innovation.
The AIU MSIT program includes coursework intended to help students consider approaches to address ethical dilemmas. Through courses like "Advanced Technical Communication," students can study how to effectively communicate technical information to diverse stakeholders, including those without technical expertise. This skill is important for fostering transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of new technologies.
Furthermore, the program's emphasis on "Global Technology Management" is intended to help students study software development projects with attention to ethical considerations in a global context. This includes navigating cultural differences, ensuring data privacy across borders, and promoting responsible technology use in diverse communities.
Courses are led by faculty with industry experience, providing practical context for ethical considerations. This approach is designed to provide opportunities for students to study the application of ethical considerations in practical situations. The problem-based, research-focused approach further reinforces ethical decision-making by challenging students to grapple with complex scenarios and develop responsible solutions.
Conclusion
AIU's MSIT degree program is designed to provide students with both technical and ethical perspectives in information technology. By integrating ethical considerations into its curriculum and fostering critical thinking skills, AIU aims to support students in working to develop critical thinking skills and ethical awareness to guide the responsible development and deployment of technology.
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ136556 5/2025