The university’s Board of Regents recently approved the creation of a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, as well as a Master of Science in AI. The programs, which are set to begin in the fall, will be housed in OU’s School of Computer Science.
“We are thrilled to offer these cutting-edge programs in artificial intelligence,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “As AI continues to transform industries from healthcare to finance to transportation, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is skyrocketing. By launching these degrees, we are positioning our students for success in the jobs of the future.”
The undergraduate program in AI will provide students with a foundational education in computer science, mathematics, and statistics, along with specialized coursework in machine learning, data science, and AI ethics. The curriculum will be designed to be highly interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from across the university.
The master’s program, meanwhile, will offer advanced training in AI research and development. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, or robotics, and will complete a capstone project or thesis.
Both degrees are designed to be highly market-driven, with input from OU’s corporate partners in the tech industry. This ensures that graduates will possess the exact skills and knowledge that employers are seeking.
“We have seen tremendous interest from companies in hiring OU students and graduates for AI-related roles,” said Dr. Subhashini Ganapathy, director of the School of Computer Science. “By launching these programs, we are meeting a clear need in the market and providing our students with a pathway to in-demand careers.”
The launch of the AI programs is part of a broader initiative by OU to expand its offerings in emerging tech fields. The university has also recently introduced programs in data science, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
As the field of artificial intelligence continues to grow and evolve, the demand for skilled professionals with a deep understanding of AI concepts and techniques will only intensify. By launching these innovative degree programs, OU is positioning itself at the forefront of AI education and preparing its students for leadership in this transformative field.