Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Auburn launches new AI course for business leaders in Birmingham
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As AI (artificial intelligence) becomes increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, it’s transforming everything from the way we search for information to the ways businesses operate, make decisions and plan for the future. Now, businesses—and the people who run them—have the opportunity to tap into AI in ways that are responsible, effective and strategic.
We spoke with Professor of Practice Justin Farr with Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business to learn about Auburn’s brand-new Practical AI for Business Leaders course, a new initiative to help bridge the gap between emerging technologies and real-world applications offered at Auburn’s urban campus in downtown Birmingham.
What is Auburn’s Practical AI for Business Leaders course?
This summer, Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business announced the launch of Auburn in Birmingham Professional & Executive Education, a new initiative offering working professionals, executives and organizations opportunities to develop the skills and expertise needed to navigate today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
Among the six new courses offered by Auburn is Practical AI for Business Leaders, an open-enrollment course designed to help participants:
- Better understand how artificial intelligence, machine learning + generative AI work
- Identify practical ways AI can improve productivity + decision-making
- Recognize potential risks associated with AI implementation
- Develop a responsible approach to adopting AI within their organization
- Have more informed conversations with technology partners, consultants + stakeholders
Led by Professor Justin Farr, a former information technology professional with 20+ years of IT experience, the Practical AI for Business Leaders course is designed for the schedules of working adults and is offered at Auburn in Birmingham, an award-winning renovation of a historic building in downtown Birmingham that gives the Harbert College a permanent space to offer professional education in the heart of the city.
“Having a presence in Birmingham allows us to bring Auburn faculty expertise directly into the community and give business professionals access to resources they may not otherwise have.”
Justin Farr, Professor of Practice, Auburn University Harbert College of Business
Learn more about the Practical AI for Business Leaders course + enroll today.
How can Practical AI for Business Leaders help Birmingham leaders make smarter AI decisions?
In a world saturated by AI, the pressure for business leaders to adopt AI into their everyday work lives can be immense. Rather than simply teaching participants how to use the latest AI tools, Auburn’s Practical AI for Business Leaders course will help them think critically about implementing AI.
“Understanding when to implement AI is one of the biggest challenges every business professional will face. It’s easy to think AI is the fix for everything, but knowing when it should be applied and how to use it in responsible and ethical ways is far more important.”
Justin Farr, Professor of Practice, Auburn University Harbert College of Business
According to Farr, one of the most important factors to consider before clicking that “generate” button is the overall impact of AI usage. In his experience, most people simply don’t realize how many resources it takes to accomplish even a small task using AI.
“By truly understanding the impact of AI, we can ask ourselves if this is really a task we need to automate.”
Justin Farr, Professor of Practice, Auburn University Harbert College of Business
In addition to emphasizing responsible use of AI, Practical AI for Business Leaders teaches participants how to utilize AI in a safe, secure way without creating privacy risks. As Farr explained, AI requires a potentially risky amount of information to deliver accurate answers; so it’s critical to utilize AI in a safe environment.
“Upon completion of the course, not only will our students have new skills that will help them in their current role, but they will also become a more informed user when they have conversations with stakeholders, consultants and others using AI buzzwords.”
Justin Farr, Professor of Practice, Auburn University Harbert College of Business
Learn more about the Practical AI for Business Leaders course + enroll today.
Interested in learning more about Practical AI for Business Leaders?
Whether your company is already experimenting with AI or just beginning to explore the possibilities, Farr says his goal is to help professionals become smarter, more informed users of the technology.
“We’re excited to be able to offer these courses to business professionals in the Birmingham area. These opportunities allow professionals to gain valuable skills and expertise without enrolling in a full program—and apply what they learn directly to their businesses.”
Justin Farr, Professor of Practice, Auburn University Harbert College of Business
Fall 2026 registration for Practical AI for Business Leaders is now open, with the first course date scheduled for Thursday, October 15.
- What: Practical AI for Business Leaders
- When: Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Where: Auburn in Birmingham | 2013 4th Avenue North in Birmingham, Alabama
- Program Fee: $795 per participant | Learn more and enroll in Practical AI for Business Leaders.
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