Board Approves North Carolina A&T University B.S. in Artificial Intelligence, First of its Kind in North Carolina
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on November 22, 2024 The University of North Carolina System Board of Governors has approved a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence (AI) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the only degree of its kind in this state and one of only a handful nationally. While some other North Carolina universities offer an artificial intelligence concentration within a computer science degree, North Carolina A&T will be the only institution with a stand-alone bachelor’s degree. And it’s not stopping there: discussions are already underway to develop graduate degrees in the same field. In recent years, AI has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionizing industries ranging from healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment. Organizations worldwide are increasingly leveraging AI technologies to drive innovation, enhance efficiency and gain a competitive edge. This rapid proliferation of AI has created a demand for skilled professionals who can harness its power responsibly and ethically. According to the most recent Hannover Research report on the AI workforce, “The AI labor market in North Carolina is projected to expand more than three times as fast as the overall labor market, creating over 20,000 new jobs.” A&T’s bachelor’s degree in AI will help address this demand with a rigorous curriculum that covers foundational principles, advanced techniques and real-world applications of artificial intelligence, ensuring its graduates are ready for the workplace upon graduation. “Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are increasingly part of everyday life with the potential for profound and far-reaching impact on virtually every facet of society,” said Chancellor James R. Martin II. “Collaborating with federal and state agencies, major industry leaders and fellow research universities, we have created a rich AI learning environment that is well informed by the latest in science and policy. Our new bachelor’s degree will prepare students for immediate impact, especially in the critical area of human interaction with AI.” Students will be able to enroll in one of two concentrations: Advanced AI Systems, offered through the College of Engineering (COE), and Applied AI in the College of Science and Technology (CoST). The concentrations offer flexible delivery formats including on-campus and online courses to accommodate diverse student needs. A&T aims to enroll its inaugural cohort in Fall 2025. “Offering this degree in an interdisciplinary curriculum positions it in a way that is aligned with the intent of scientists in the 1950s who first labeled and defined AI - scientists who included computer experts, anthropologists, technologists, engineers and others. We seek the same holistic, inclusive approach as those who first saw the value of AI,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Tonya Smith-Jackson. “I am grateful for the work of our deans, chairs and faculty, as well as the guidance of our vice provost for Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Alex Yin, for their good work in proposing this innovative program and success in seeing it approved.” As America’s largest HBCU for 11 years, A&T is widely recognized as the No. 1 producer of Black engineers and Black STEM graduates. According to the latest rankings from Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, A&T also ranks No. 9 in the nation and leads all HBCUs in graduation of Black computer science students and holds top-10 national rankings for Black graduates in closely related disciplines, like mathematics and statistics and management information systems. Industry relationships with companies like NVIDIA, Google, Microsoft, SAS, Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace and Boeing and defense agencies along with participation in major AI initiatives, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University and Duke University-led Athena AI research center, will provide opportunities for A&T students to participate as undergraduates in real-world AI research and to learn from AI professionals and researchers working at the highest levels in their fields. Graduates from A&T’s AI program will provide the state, nation and world with highly competitive, diverse talent in AI systems and technologies. “It’s nearly impossible to overestimate the impact of AI in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Stephanie Luster-Teasley Pass, COE dean. Added CoST Dean Abdellah Ahmidouch, “Our bachelor’s degree will enable our graduates to help create real world solutions to complex global issues and shape a brighter future through science and technology.” About North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically Black university, as well one of the top 25 “Most Innovative” universities in America (U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2024). North Carolina A&T is a land-grant, doctoral research university and a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. A&T is widely recognized for its leadership in producing graduates in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was established in 1891 and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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