News Summary
Arizona State University has introduced a new artificial intelligence course titled ‘The Agentic Self,’ taught by Will.i.am. Set to begin in January 2026, the course will equip students with essential skills for a future shaped by AI. The initiative was announced at the ‘AI for Good’ event, emphasizing ASU’s commitment to adapting education for the evolving job market. The course includes hands-on projects and utilizes Will.i.am’s FYI.AI tool, among other advanced technologies, to enhance learning and creativity in AI applications.
Tempe, Arizona – Arizona State University (ASU) has announced a groundbreaking new artificial intelligence course called “The Agentic Self,” which will be taught by the renowned rapper and entrepreneur Will.i.am. The course is set to commence in January 2026 and will last for 15 weeks, aimed at providing students with skills necessary in a rapidly evolving job market increasingly influenced by AI.
This initiative was unveiled during the ‘AI for Good’ event held in New York City on September 24, 2025. ASU President Michael Crow highlighted the institution’s commitment to adapting educational programs to prepare students for the imminent shifts in job landscapes driven by advancements in artificial intelligence.
As part of his new role, Will.i.am has been appointed as a professor of practice in ASU’s The GAME School. His involvement marks the beginning of a collaboration between ASU and the music icon, which aims to forge several future partnerships focused on educating students about the implications and responsibilities of AI.
The “The Agentic Self” course will be uniquely taught from Will.i.am’s Hollywood studio, offering students various enrollment options. Participants can choose to attend classes in person at ASU locations in Los Angeles and Arizona or opt for a virtual learning experience online.
Throughout the course curriculum, students will learn how to develop an artificially intelligent personalized agent, leveraging Will.i.am’s extensive experience in AI, which spans more than a decade. In addition, the course will utilize FYI AI (Focus Your Ideas), an AI-powered communication platform created by Will.i.am, alongside a new educational platform called EDU.FYI, developed with NVIDIA technology.
Addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on future employment, Will.i.am expressed a clear intention for the course to help students devise innovative solutions that acknowledge and respond to AI’s influence on human jobs. Through hands-on projects, students will have the opportunity to collaborate directly with Will.i.am in creating an AI-driven universal learning companion tailored for their future careers.
Will.i.am’s FYI.AI tool, designed to enhance creativity and productivity in writing, will be integrated into the learning experience. This innovative app features functionalities such as RAiDiO.FYI, which offers interactive experiences with AI DJs. Moreover, Will.i.am’s collaboration with automotive giant Mercedes-Benz resulted in the MBUX Sound Drive, a feature that represents an intersection of music preferences and driving dynamics.
As ASU continues to be recognized as the most innovative university for eleven consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report, the partnership with Will.i.am and NVIDIA is anticipated to equip students with essential skills for innovative collaboration with artificial intelligence while responsibly navigating its applications in various fields.
The launch of “The Agentic Self” course signals a significant step forward in integrating artistry, innovation, and technological education, potentially transforming the landscape of higher education in the context of AI.
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Additional Resources
- People of Color in Tech
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- AzCentral
- Google Search: Will.i.am AI course
- KVOA News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- EdScoop
- Google News: Arizona State University AI course
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