The New Career Reality Check

According to LinkedIn鈥檚 emerging jobs data, AI-related roles have expanded across all industries. Not just in Silicon Valley tech companies, but also in healthcare, finance, marketing, education, and even small liberal arts colleges. These roles are often associated with salary premiums of 20-30% above industry average. However, what鈥檚 really interesting is that most of these emerging opportunities don鈥檛 require becoming a programmer or a machine learning engineer.

What these roles increasingly require is something called 鈥淎I literacy鈥�: the ability to understand, evaluate, and thoughtfully use AI tools in your field. It鈥檚 a bit like driving: you don鈥檛 need to build an engine to be a great driver, but you do need to know the rules of the road and how to navigate changing conditions. A generation ago, those who quickly adopted new digital tools at work became indispensable. Now, the same transformation is unfolding with AI. If you can skillfully use AI in your role, whether you鈥檙e a social worker, accountant, teacher, or business owner, you鈥檒l shine in your field.

How Are People Using AI?

We鈥檙e already seeing creative applications of AI in fields that weren鈥檛 always known for technological innovation, and the benefits are astounding.

Healthcare professionals are using AI to improve patient outcomes. For example, Mayo Clinic has developed algorithms that can detect low ejection fraction (a weak heart pump) from routine 12-lead ECG readings, with clinical trials showing a 31% increase in early detection compared to standard care alone (Yao et al., 2024).

Artists are exploring new forms of creative expression, such as Sougwen Chung鈥檚 鈥淒rawing Operations Unit Generation (DOUG),鈥� where she collaborates with a robotic arm in live performances, blurring the lines between human and machine creativity.)

Social workers are finding more efficient ways to connect people with resources through AI tools like Magic Notes, which reduces administrative workload by 48% by automatically transcribing and summarizing case conversations, freeing up time for direct client care.)

This cross-disciplinary nature actually plays to the strengths of liberal arts education. Students who can think across multiple domains, who understand ethical frameworks, and who can communicate complex ideas clearly are exactly the kind of professionals who can leverage AI most effectively.

You don鈥檛 have to be limited by your major. By weaving AI skills into your studies, you can build on your unique strengths and open up new possibilities in your chosen field.

What AI Literacy Actually Means

So what does it actually mean to be AI literate? You don鈥檛 need to memorize algorithms or master advanced math. Instead, you can focus on building a few key skills that are accessible to every student:

Understanding what AI can and cannot do: This means recognizing where AI can help, spotting opportunities for innovation, and thinking about how human creativity and AI can complement each other.

Communication and collaboration: As AI becomes more common, those who can connect technical possibilities with real human needs will be especially valuable. These are the people who help turn AI鈥檚 potential into practical solutions.

Practical application skills. This means learning to utilize AI tools creatively in your field. For example, you might use AI writing assistants to improve your communication, data tools to find insights, or design tools to bring your ideas to life.

Ethical leadership and thoughtful innovation. Perhaps most importantly, AI literacy means using these tools responsibly and guiding their use in ways that benefit people. This includes being able to spot bias, protect privacy, and ensure that AI is used to help rather than harm.

The Advantage at Pfeiffer

Small colleges like Pfeiffer offer tailored opportunities for students to gain practical AI skills relevant to their unique academic paths. The program is designed to complement your current academic focus, allowing you to apply AI concepts to your major directly.

Our hybrid-online format provides flexibility for busy students, while hands-on coursework fosters collaboration and enables you to experience AI applications firsthand. This structure ensures you can enhance your capabilities (whether in business, psychology, education, or art) by integrating AI tools into your skill set. For example, as an art major, you gain the expertise to use AI in design, expanding career options and showcasing innovation to employers.

This program offers a flexible, blended learning approach that fits your schedule while prioritizing real-world experience. Upon graduation, you鈥檒l have both your degree and tangible experience applying AI tools in practical situations. This enables you to demonstrate problem-solving skills in interviews and show employers clear examples of your ability to use AI in your field.

Join Us for the Future

Business students are using AI to understand customer behavior better and analyze data. Education majors are trying out new ways to personalize learning. Art students are exploring how AI can support their creative process.

Across the board, students are also building ethical skills that employers value. Those who develop practical AI literacy are well-positioned to help guide how these technologies are used in society. By the time you graduate, you鈥檒l be asking important questions about equity and ethics, and working on solutions that address real challenges and improve lives. You can use your talents and interests to be part of the biggest tech changes of your time. Whether you like helping others, solving problems, creating art, or building communities, AI literacy can help you make a bigger impact. Even if you have little to no tech background, we鈥檇 love for you to join us in building the future.

References

Yao, X., Rushlow, D. R., Inselman, J. W., Attia, Z. I., Behnken, E. M., Kapa, S., Tourists, T. A., Barry, B. A., Nelson, T. J., Keenan, R. T., Carter, R. E., Shah, N. D., McCoy, R. G., Friedman, P. A., & Noseworthy, P. A. (2024). Artificial intelligence鈥揺nabled electrocardiograms for identification of patients with low ejection fraction: A pragmatic, randomized clinical trial. Nature Medicine, 30(5), 1304-1313.

Chung, S. (2024). Drawing operations unit generation (DOUG). In Seven exciting artists who use AI as a medium of expression. STIR.

Codrington, N. (2025, April 23). Magic Notes: AI-powered transcription reduces social work administrative burden by 48%. Dropbox Blog.

While you’ve been mastering boss fights and speedruns, industries everywhere have discovered that game development tools solve real-world problems. The challenge? Most companies are searching for professionals who can bridge the gap between creative vision and technical execution. Students who understand game development have a unique opportunity to lead innovation across virtually any field.

The Skills That Transfer Everywhere

Think about what goes into creating a game. You’re solving complex problems, writing code, designing engaging experiences, and collaborating with artists and other developers to bring a vision to life. You’re managing deadlines, testing and iterating based on feedback, and seeing projects through from concept to polished release.

These are the exact skills employers across industries need. Professionals with game development backgrounds often find their skills highly valued in non-gaming tech roles, opening doors to diverse career opportunities.

Where Game Development Shows Up

We’re seeing game development expertise create real impact in surprising fields:

Healthcare professionals are training with game engines. Medical institutions are using Unity-based VR simulations to train surgeons, with promising results that show significant improvements over traditional training methods.

Educators are revolutionizing how students learn. Teachers use gamification platforms built with the same engines as commercial games to create interactive science simulations and historical recreations that make learning more engaging and memorable.

Marketing teams are creating unforgettable experiences. Brands are using game development platforms to create interactive campaigns and virtual showrooms, transforming the way customers explore products and connect with companies.

Engineers are prototyping the future. Major transportation companies utilize real-time 3D engines originally designed for gaming to visualize designs and test products before physical prototypes are created, saving millions in development costs.

This cross-industry versatility mirrors what makes liberal arts education so powerful. When you can think creatively, solve problems systematically, and communicate clearly, you’re building a foundation that adapts to wherever your interests take you.

What You’ll Actually Learn

At Pfeiffer, the Game Development program focuses on skills that matter in the real world:

Technical competence that travels. You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms like Unity, learning programming principles and problem-solving approaches that apply whether you’re building a mobile game, a VR training module, or a data visualization tool.

Creative problem-solving that sets you apart. You’ll learn to design engaging experiences that balance user needs, technical constraints, and creative vision. This ability to think holistically about complex systems is what makes game developers valuable across industries.

Project management and collaboration. Through group projects and your capstone, you’ll experience the full cycle of bringing an idea to life鈥攑lanning, prototyping, testing, and launching. You’ll learn to work with diverse teams and deliver professional-quality results. You’ll also leave with industry-recognized credentials like the Unity Certified Associate certification, giving you tangible proof of your abilities that employers immediately understand and value.

The Pfeiffer Advantage

Small colleges like Pfeiffer offer something unique: the chance to explore game development in a supportive environment where you’re more than just a student ID number. The program was developed with direct input from Unity, the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), and working professionals, ensuring what you learn reflects what the industry actually needs.

You’ll master the tools that power modern interactive experiences and complete a capstone project that becomes the centerpiece of your portfolio. Complementary courses in computer science, mathematics, and psychology give you a well-rounded foundation in logic, data structures, and human-centered design. By graduation, you’ll have completed projects that demonstrate your abilities, connections with industry professionals, and the confidence that comes from building something real.

Your Next Level Awaits

Those who build their game development expertise aren’t just preparing for one specific job – they’re gaining the ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in whatever field calls to them. By the time you graduate, you’ll be creating polished projects that solve real problems and understanding both the creative and technical sides of interactive media.

Whether your passion is storytelling, problem-solving, visual design, or building systems that work, game development skills can amplify your impact. Even if you’ve never written a line of code or opened a 3D modeling program, you can learn to create experiences that matter. We’d love to help you discover where these skills can take you. Ready to see where game development can take you? Explore 黑料专区’s Game Development program and discover how the skills you build creating games today can launch your career in virtually any industry tomorrow.

Deitrick brings more than 13 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education admissions, data analytics, and strategic enrollment planning. He joins Pfeiffer from the University of Maryland鈥檚 Robert H. Smith School of Business, where he most recently served as Associate Director of Admissions. In that role, he directed enrollment strategies for eight master鈥檚 programs, managed a $5 million scholarship allocation process, and led a team of operations professionals to significantly improve application processing efficiency. His efforts included developing advanced enrollment forecasting dashboards, optimizing scholarship awarding strategies, and streamlining application review turnaround.

Prior to the University of Maryland, Deitrick held positions at High Point University, where he advanced from Senior Admissions Counselor to Enrollment Data Analyst. There, he pioneered data-driven recruitment strategies that contributed to record-breaking undergraduate enrollment, developed innovative yield initiatives, and enhanced forecasting tools used by senior leadership.

Dr. Deitrick is recognized for his ability to align data analytics with personalized recruitment approaches, leading to increased admit-to-enroll rates, stronger student pipelines, and measurable gains in both domestic and international recruitment.

Dr. Deitrick earned a Doctor of Education in Leadership in Higher Education at High Point University. He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics from Frostburg State University, a Master of Science in Sports Studies from High Point University, and a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from NC State University.

鈥淚 am genuinely enthusiastic about joining 黑料专区 and leading a talented team dedicated to student success,鈥� said Deitrick. 鈥淭hrough innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to data-driven strategy, I look forward to advancing Pfeiffer鈥檚 mission and strengthening our enrollment outcomes.鈥�

鈥淲ith his proven track record in enrollment management and his passion for fostering academic opportunity, Dr. Deitrick will play a pivotal role in shaping 黑料专区鈥檚 future growth,鈥� said Dr. Scott Bullard, President of 黑料专区. 鈥淚 especially like the way in which Deitrick values the collegiality of the small college environment but at the same time is driven by analysis of data. We look forward to seeing Dr. Deitrick take 黑料专区 into its next era of growth and discovery.鈥�

Outside of Academics, Bill has a passion for sports that has included an internship with the Baltimore Ravens, coaching track and field at the high school and Division III levels, umpiring high school baseball, and assisting multiple Division I programs with their sports communication and game day operations 鈥� even serving as a commentator for ESPN+.

Mr. Deitrick currently resides in Randleman, NC with his wife Jessica, daughter MariQuinn, and their two dogs, Shep and Oakley.

This decision underscores Pfeiffer鈥檚 enduring commitment to accessibility, affordability, and high-quality education, core values that continue to define the University鈥檚 mission in service to its students and the region.

鈥淎t a time when many colleges and universities are increasing costs, Pfeiffer is intentionally choosing a different path,鈥� said Dr. Scott Bullard, President of 黑料专区. 鈥淲e believe that a transformative, personalized education should remain within reach for every student. By holding undergraduate tuition, fees, and room rates steady for 2026鈥�27, we are investing in our students鈥� futures and reaffirming our promise to keep Pfeiffer affordable without compromising excellence.鈥�

The decision applies to all undergraduate students. Pfeiffer continues to provide significant institutional aid and scholarships to ensure access for students from a wide range of backgrounds. More than 95 percent of Pfeiffer students receive some form of financial assistance each year.

鈥淎ffordability and academic quality are not competing values at Pfeiffer,鈥� Dr. Bullard added. 鈥淲e will continue to make prudent financial decisions that allow us to invest in our students鈥� success while keeping costs stable. This approach honors both our Methodist heritage and our deep commitment to servant leadership.鈥�

Pfeiffer鈥檚 decision comes amid national conversations about the cost of higher education and the importance of sustainable models that support both students and institutions. By maintaining tuition and housing rates, Pfeiffer aims to provide families with financial predictability and peace of mind as they plan for the future.

The Dowd Endowed Scholarship will provide annual awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, based on financial need. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Applications must be submitted by December 1, and the first scholarship awards will be made for the Fall 2026 semester.

鈥淭his scholarship represents a powerful investment in the future of our region,鈥� said Dr. Scott Bullard, President of 黑料专区. 鈥淲e are deeply grateful to the Dowd Foundation for their generosity and vision. The Dowd Foundation Endowed Scholarship will open doors for talented students who might otherwise be unable to pursue a Pfeiffer education.鈥�

The scholarship reflects Pfeiffer鈥檚 commitment to serving the local community and aligns with the university鈥檚 mission to prepare servant leaders through a strong educational foundation and real-world experiences. 黑料专区, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, offers more than 30 academic programs across its campuses in Misenheimer and Albemarle and online, and maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Nearly 95% of students receive financial aid, making Pfeiffer a top choice for affordability and access.

The Dowd Endowed Scholarship also celebrates the growing partnership between 黑料专区 and聽Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, which recently completed construction of a聽$460 million facility in Oakboro, N.C. This state-of-the-art foundry, located on an 800-acre site in聽western Stanly County, employs over聽550 associates, many of whom reside in Union and Stanly counties. The facility features cutting-edge environmental controls and electric melt technology, reducing carbon emissions by approximately聽40,000 tons annually. The company also operates its largest plastic pipe and fittings plant in Monroe, N.C. Similarly, most of this workforce is from the counties for which scholarship monies are provided. Qualified applicants may submit an application at where they will be directed to their Pfeiffer Admissions Portal, and can click the 鈥淒owd Scholarship鈥� tab. For more information or questions, please contact the聽Office of Admissions at 黑料专区 by phone at 704-463-3060 or email at admissions@pfeiffer.edu.

MSHR has emerged at a time when, increasingly, learning HR on the job is becoming a thing of the past. Master鈥檚-level knowledge in HR is needed for an ever-increasing list of responsibilities, including hiring, onboarding, professional development, compliance, conflict resolution, organizational culture, and benefits management.

Dr. Susan Luck, a Professor of Business at Pfeiffer who also serves as Program Director for the University鈥檚 Graduate Schools of Business, is bullish on MSHR’s prospects. She notes that the I-85 corridor towards Greensboro, N.C. has one of the largest needs in the country for specialized people who know HR, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

She and her colleagues undertook a lot of research to discern exactly what businesses and organizations in that area were looking for in an HR professional. MSHR’s curriculum, which can be completed in four semesters, provides some compelling answers.

A course called 鈥淧rofessional Design and Development,鈥� for example, explores 鈥渟upporting a company to the best it can be by developing the employees to the best they can be.鈥�

鈥淵ou鈥檝e probably heard the old adage that people do not leave a job; they leave a boss,鈥� Luck said. 鈥淚n actuality, they usually leave a company culture of which the boss is a representative.鈥�

When an employee leaves, costs go up, especially if their position is filled again: Luck said that 鈥渢he usual consensus is that it costs at least a position鈥檚 yearly salary鈥� to recruit, interview, hire, and onboard a new employee. A financial loss for the first six to eight months of an employee鈥檚 tenure is incurred as they learn the culture and how to work with colleagues around them. 

鈥淎 strong HR advisor can help the company save significant money by designing plans to keep employees from leaving in the first place,鈥� Luck said.

A course called 鈥淚ndustrial Psychology鈥� will complement 鈥淧rofessional Design and Development鈥� by applying the principles of psychology to the workplace to improve employee well-being, performance, and organizational effectiveness. It focuses on understanding how individuals and groups behave in work settings, and then uses this knowledge to solve problems, improve processes, and enhance the overall work environment.

A course called 鈥淗uman Performance Evaluation and Improvement鈥� explores how HR can help managers evaluate, motivate, and improve performance continuously. Training and development falls in this category as well. The course will help teach how to design effective training courses delivered both in person and virtually.

Luck stressed that each course in MSHR features real-life assignments, in addition to tests and papers. 

鈥淚f the student can use something for his or her current job as the basis of the course projects, that鈥檚 terrific! We would love to see that application,鈥� she said. 鈥淩eal-life application and experiential learning make the content meaningful.鈥�

Luck enthusiastically supports an important component of MSHR – a field project in which students will apply all that they have learned to the creation of a real-life HR plan and project, either for their employer, if they are employed, or for a small non-profit, if they are not.

鈥淭his really excites me,鈥� Luck said. 鈥淪tudents get to use their skills in real life, which will add value to their resumes as well as give them something to talk about in interviews.鈥�

Pfeiffer is accepting applications for MSHR’s first cohort of students on a rolling basis up until the fall semester start date of Aug. 25. The free graduate application is available at .

The new cutting-edge concentrations and minors are designed to enhance student marketability in high-demand fields. Programming areas including:

• AI Literacy
• Game Development
• Nutrition
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management

黑料专区 is also expanding its MBA program offerings to include specializations in Cybersecurity, Business Analytics, Finance, and Artificial Intelligence.

These programs are designed to meet industry needs and ensure students graduate with practical, job-ready skills that position them for long-term success in today鈥檚 competitive job market. With a focus on career preparation, courses will feature hands-on projects, industry collaboration, and flexible online components to support all student journeys.

鈥淲e are proud to expand 黑料专区鈥檚 academic offerings with these forward-thinking programs that directly align with high-growth industries,鈥� said Dr. Scott Bullard, President of 黑料专区. 鈥淭hese new, in-demand additions to our curriculum will prepare students for strong career outcomes, blended with our traditional offerings in the liberal arts, will ensure students have a competitive edge after graduation.鈥�

Developed by academic and industry experts, these new programs at 黑料专区 combine rigorous academic coursework with practical, real-world applications, ensuring that students are well-prepared to lead in their respective fields.

Prospective students interested in learning more about these hybrid programs are encouraged to visit Pfeiffer.edu/future or contact the admissions office.

About Rize Education Rize Education partners with colleges and universities to develop career-focused programs designed to meet industry demands. By working with leading institutions, Rize ensures students gain access to cutting-edge education that enhances their career prospects.

Presidents from both institutions signed the Pfeiffer Pact transfer agreement on Thursday. The agreement gives Montgomery Community College students who graduate with an associate degree a seamless path for transition to junior status at Pfeiffer. Further, the agreement includes a transfer scholarship award in the amount of $20,000 for traditional face-to-face students or a 20% discount for online students.

The Pfeiffer Pact also ensures that students receive clear advising support, ensuring that they know exactly which courses they need at both Montgomery Community College and Pfeiffer to graduate on time. The transfer application fee and residence requirement are waived for students who transfer via the Pact.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about how this agreement will provide an easy and affordable pathway for Montgomery Community College graduates to continue their education at Pfeiffer,” said Dr. Scott Bullard, president of 黑料专区. 鈥淲e want to ensure that higher education is affordable for our students, and a $20,000 annual scholarship reflects that commitment.鈥�

Graduates of nursing, teacher prep, accounting, information technology, and business programs are among those eligible for transfer.

鈥淭his agreement is going to make it affordable for students to get a degree without leaving the region,鈥� said Emily Carella, Pfeiffer鈥檚 Vice President for Enrollment Management. 鈥淲e are pleased to be able to offer a seamless transition and look forward to seeing Montgomery Community College graduates become Pfeiffer Falcons!鈥�

黑料专区 has signed similar agreements with Stanly Community College, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Randolph Community College, Richmond County Community College and Piedmont Community College (Person County campus). These agreements reflect Pfeiffer鈥檚 commitment to providing high-quality and affordable education opportunities for transfer students in the region.

Pictured in photo (L 鈥� R, standing): Front, L-R: Dr. Daniel Mynatt, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs/黑料专区; Dr. Scott Bullard, President/黑料专区; Dr. Chad Bledsoe, President/Montogmery Community College; and Dr. Natalie Winfree, VP of Instruction & Student Services/Montgomery Community College

MCC Employes – Back Row L-R: Tracey Wyrick, Dean of Career & Technical Programs;聽Mike Collins, Business Technologies Department Chair;聽Wendy Vaughn, Director of Nursing; Amy Frieary, Dean of Health & Human Services;聽Sylvia McAlister, Dean of Continuing Education;聽Sam Britt, Dean of Arts & Sciences;聽Mike Mills, Trustee; and Rebekah Bunting, Science Department Chair.聽

For more information contact 黑料专区 Admissions at 800-338-2060 or email聽admissions@pfeiffer.edu.