Shaw University School of Divinity Announces New Artificial Intelligence Doctoral Program
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on June 25, 2026 Shaw University announced Wednesday, June, 24, 2026 that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has approved the university to offer doctoral-level degrees — clearing the way for Shaw University Divinity School (SUDS) to launch the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Artificial Intelligence and Moral Agency, the first program of its kind offered at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The milestone marks the first time in Shaw University’s 160-year history that the institution has been approved to confer doctoral degrees and positions the university’s Divinity School as a national leader at the intersection of theological ethics and emerging technology. “This is a historic moment for Shaw University and for theological education,” said Dr. Paulette R. Dillard, President of Shaw University. “For 160 years, Shaw has prepared leaders to meet the moral challenges of their time. This doctoral program reflects who we have always been, a university unafraid to lead.” The EdD in Artificial Intelligence and Moral Agency is an interdisciplinary, practice-oriented doctorate designed to produce leaders proficient in AI literacy, AI use, and applied theological ethics — equipping graduates to meet the growing demand for responsible AI across the public sector, private industry, and ecclesial life. The program integrates moral reasoning, social justice, and applied ethics with the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, preparing graduates to critically assess AI technologies and shape ethical norms that promote human dignity and equity. “Artificial intelligence is already shaping decisions in healthcare, criminal justice, hiring and public policy,” Dr. Mark Harden, Dean of Shaw Divinity School noted. “Those decisions raise questions of fairness and accountability that technical fields alone cannot resolve. That is exactly the kind of question theological and moral traditions have spent centuries working on — and exactly the gap this program is built to fill.” Shaw University Divinity School will welcome its first EdD cohort of 12 students in Spring 2027, with applications for admission accepted beginning in summer 2026. The program is designed for non-traditional adult learners — particularly bi-vocational and pastoral leaders with at least five years of leadership experience and an accredited graduate theological degree, such as a Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry. New cohorts will enroll each fall and spring thereafter. The program builds on the strong demand SUDS has already seen among bi-vocational ministry leaders, who now engage in more than 35 professional fields, following the recent approval of the school’s Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry. Together with Shaw’s Master of Divinity program, these degrees form a pipeline directly into the new doctorate. The new doctoral program extends Shaw University’s legacy, rooted in the university’s founding motto, Pro Christo et Humanitate — For Christ and Humanity — into one of the defining ethical questions of the 21st century. Individuals interested in applying or learning more about the EdD in Artificial Intelligence and Moral Agency can visit https://www.shawu.edu/academics/schools-de... or contact Dr. Seth Klayman (seth.klayman@shawu.edu) at the Shaw University Divinity School admissions office. About Shaw University Founded in 1865, Shaw University is the first Historically Black College and University in the South. The university’s mission is to advance knowledge, facilitate student learning and achievement, enhance the spiritual and ethical values of its students, and transform a diverse community of learners into future global leaders. Shaw University is led by Dr. Paulette R. Dillard, President. About Shaw University Divinity School For over 90 years, Shaw University Divinity School has prepared spiritual and ethical leaders for ministry in pulpits, nonprofits, classrooms, hospitals, businesses and public life. The Divinity School offers the Master of Divinity, the Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry, and — beginning Spring 2027 — the Doctor of Education in Artificial Intelligence and Moral Agency. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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