Press Release
Romanian-American University Integrates AI and Critical Thinking Across All Degree Programs
- Every student will develop practical AI skills and learn to use artificial intelligence responsibly, preparing for the digital economy and the future of work
- The University is expanding its curriculum with courses on AI applications and process automation
- The initiative is backed by research, technological infrastructure, and partnerships with experts and organizations in the field
Romanian-American University is integrating artificial intelligence into the curriculum of every academic program, ensuring that all students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Building on initiatives launched in 2021, the University has developed a cross-disciplinary educational model that combines AI literacy, critical thinking, digital competencies, and ethical decision-making. The initiative reflects the University’s commitment to preparing graduates not only for today’s careers, but also for emerging professions shaped by rapid technological change.
The University’s approach is based on a simple principle: artificial intelligence creates the greatest value when combined with critical thinking, strong digital skills, and the ability to make informed, evidence-based and ethical decisions.
A University-wide AI Learning Journey
Regardless of their field of study, students develop practical AI competencies through a curriculum that includes:
- Critical Thinking, designed to strengthen analytical reasoning and evidence-based decision-making;
- digital skills developed throughout the curriculum and supported by internationally recognized certifications such as ICDL;
- hands-on experience with AI tools and Prompt Engineering;
- Process Optimization & Automatization with AI, a course focused on applying AI technologies to improve organizational processes.
Depending on their specialization, students also take discipline-specific courses such as AI in Business & Industry, AI in Sport and Kinesiotherapy, and Cybercrime Law.
“A university’s mission is to prepare people who can adapt, grow and succeed throughout their careers. That means educating students not only for today’s jobs, but also for professions that are being transformed—or created—by emerging technologies. By integrating artificial intelligence across all our academic programs, we are enriching every student’s educational experience. Our goal is to graduate professionals who understand technology, think critically, make sound decisions, and use AI responsibly to innovate, create value and contribute to a human-centered digital society,” said Prof. Costel Negricea, PhD, Habil., Rector of Romanian-American University.
Research and Infrastructure Supporting AI Innovation
The educational initiative is reinforced by a growing research ecosystem and dedicated technology infrastructure through the University’s research centers:
- CRAI – Center for Research in AI
- CSMI – Computational Science & Machine Intelligence
- iRIOT – Center for Robotics, IoT & Applied Informatics
- IntelBDA – Economic Intelligence, Blockchain & Data Analysis
These centers conduct research in responsible AI, process automation, computational neuroscience, human-machine interaction, and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI).
Students and researchers have access to advanced facilities, including:
- EEG equipment for teaching and research;
- virtual reality systems;
- eye-tracking technologies;
- robotics, automation and 3D printing laboratories;
- high-performance computing resources for AI development and experimentation.
International Partnerships Driving Digital Education
Romanian-American University collaborates with technology companies, industry partners and research institutions on projects in fintech, robotics, smart manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Its international research activities include collaborations with the University of Florence (UniFi) through projects such as READy and EMILE, which explore the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education and develop innovative AI-supported tools for primary school teachers. These initiatives contribute to advancing safe, effective and learner-centered approaches to teaching and learning with emerging technologies.
The University also works closely with organizations including Google, Microsoft, and ICDL to strengthen digital competencies and promote the practical adoption of emerging technologies across education.
“We want our students to develop the skills that will help them continuously adapt, collaborate across disciplines and respond confidently to the changing demands of the global workforce. That is why we continue to invest in our faculty, curriculum, research capabilities, technology infrastructure and strategic partnerships, ensuring that our educational offer remains relevant in a rapidly evolving world,” added Prof. Costel Negricea, PhD, Habil., Rector of Romanian-American University.
Looking ahead, Romanian-American University will continue expanding its educational portfolio with new programs and initiatives designed for students, faculty, alumni and the business community, with a strong focus on the practical and responsible application of artificial intelligence.
At Romanian-American University, artificial intelligence is no longer a vision of the future—it is already part of how students learn, researchers innovate, and tomorrow’s professionals are prepared.
Additional information
- READy – readyreading.eu
- EMILE – emile.unifi.it
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About Romanian-American University
Romanian-American University is a private, non-profit higher education institution of public interest, recognized for its academic performance and its consistent support for students’ professional and personal development. It is one of the leading private universities in Romania, with over 50,000 graduates in its 35 years of activity. Established in 1991, the University promotes the educational values of the American higher education system, grounded in the rich traditions of Romanian education.
Information about academic programs, student benefits, and the admission calendar is available at www.rau.ro.
