AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin just launched one of the first Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence programs in the country.
There's no question that AI is changing the workforce. The need for skilled AI professionals is greater than ever. According to UT, 97 million new AI-related jobs are expected globally over the next two years.
This new program is focused on creating AI experts for the next generation.
"We're focused on educating AI professionals who are going to be building the next generation of AI systems, making sure that AI is leveraged to the best effect in mobile devices and in everything that we do around us," Ken Fleischmann, a professor in UT's School of Information, said.
Fleischmann teaches the only required course in the online program, Ethics in AI. He said his one course has over 400 students – 10 times larger than his average grad course.
"I'm very passionate about technology," Joshua Fonseca Rivera, an AI student, said.
Fonseca Rivera, who is a software engineer, just wrapped up his first semester in the program.
"I'm really looking for companies that are making a difference to climate change," Rivera said. "It's a little hard to find companies that are hiring my specific skill set unless you are really knowledgeable. So I'm trying to get to that point where I can really contribute and make a difference."
The first group of graduates could walk the stage as soon as this time next year – perfect timing, as the demand for AI experts increases rapidly.
"I think that students will get great placements with really high salaries, but also be really able to do important things in the world, in many cases in the industry. But I also hope that some of our graduates will go into jobs in government and nonprofits," Fleischmann said.
Fleischmann said right now, the program has over 640 students, and as applications come in, UT expects that number to double – maybe even triple – next semester.
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Program details
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program started in January. It's a 30-credit-hour online master’s program that can be completed over the course of 18 to 36 months.
According to UT, the program requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution. Typical degrees might include computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, electrical engineering or similar, and demonstrate a strong understanding of select topics such as discrete math, data structures, algorithms and complexity, introduction to data mining (CS 363D), linear algebra and probability and statistics.