Stony Brook Launches One-Credit Courses on Climate and AI

Students at Stony Brook University can now enroll in innovative one-credit online courses focusing on two of today’s most pressing issues: climate change and artificial intelligence (AI). These asynchronous courses will be offered over a seven-week period, providing students with diverse perspectives through academic modules designed by faculty from various disciplines.

The first course, CIS 101: Pop-Up: Climate Change and You, will run from August 25 to October 10, 2025. Following this, CIS 102: Pop-Up: AI and You will take place from October 15 to December 8, 2025. Students are encouraged to sign up for one or both courses before the add/drop deadline at 16:00 on September 8, 2025, via the university’s SOLAR system.

According to Amy Cook, vice provost for academic affairs and professor of English, these courses embody an interdisciplinary approach to complex issues that are increasingly relevant in today’s world. “Students will gain a multifaceted understanding of these complex issues from experts on our faculty from diverse disciplines: health, social and natural sciences, engineering, the arts, and the humanities,” she stated.

The climate course was first introduced in the Spring 2025 semester. It quickly reached its enrollment cap of 50 undergraduates, indicating strong interest among students. Kevin Reed, associate provost for climate and sustainability programming and professor at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, mentioned that the pilot phase allowed them to gauge student interest and refine course content based on feedback. “We received positive feedback from our students and used that feedback and other metrics to refine the course,” he said.

Both courses have been developed with support from instructional design experts in the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. In CIS 101: Climate Change and You, students will delve into the science, politics, and ethics of climate decision-making, along with its impact on individuals and communities. Meanwhile, CIS 102: AI and You will cover the effects of AI on digital literacy, creativity, society, energy, health, and education. Participants will learn about AI’s potential and limitations, as well as strategies for effectively utilizing AI tools.

Additionally, seven faculty members from Stony Brook University have been recognized as Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers, placing them among the top 1% of researchers globally. This acknowledgment underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and impactful research.

In a related event, the fifth annual “Not All SHEroes Wear Capes” initiative recently brought together women leaders from various industries to share their experiences and challenges. Furthermore, Gábor Balázsi, a professor at Stony Brook University, has been named a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), highlighting the institution’s dedication to advancing knowledge across multiple fields.

As the world grapples with the implications of climate change and the rapid advancement of AI, these courses aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for informed engagement in these critical areas.