Penn State joins growing list of universities to offer AI major. ‘New era of innovation’
Penn State students will soon be able to major in artificial intelligence through a program the university says is about “harnessing the power of AI to transform the way people live, work and interact with the world.”
Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology’s Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Methods and Applications (AIMA) program will prepare students to use the strengths and benefits of artificial intelligence, or AI, while balancing a socially responsible and ethical use, the college announced in a press release earlier this month.
The major puts Penn State in a small but growing group of universities to offer bachelor’s degrees in AI in recent years. In January, CNBC identified at least 14 colleges or universities, including two others in Pennsylvania — University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon.
Andrea Tapia, dean of the College of IST, said the degree will prepare students how to navigate both the challenges and the opportunities “in the age of AI.”
“As AI increasingly becomes an important driver of the global economy, demand is high for well-trained professionals who have both the technical and interpersonal skills to lead in this new era of innovation,” Tapia said.
Students will learn how to design, implement, evaluate and deploy AI-based solutions, the release states, that extend human abilities. It will include math, computer programming, machine learning and generative AI, while focusing on the socially responsible and ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
Nearly half of the IST faculty are already involved in AI and AI-related research, the release states, and the college is also home to the Nittany AI Alliance and the Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence.
“Through experimentation and practical projects, students will identify problems that can be addressed by AI technologies, learn the AI methodologies and skills needed to develop solutions, and master the ability to communicate solutions and risks to a variety of stakeholders. This interdisciplinary focus on AI problem solving, programming and algorithm development is critical to leading and advancing organizations in diverse AI-driven industries,” the release states.
Sharon Huang, David Reese Professor of Information Sciences and Technology, said the major will empower students to build solutions enhance human capabilities while tackling real-world challenges.
“With a strong foundation in machine learning, generative AI and ethical responsibility, students gain the skills to innovate and shape the future of AI-driven industries. It’s the perfect path for aspiring AI pioneers,” Huang said.
