The University System of Georgia is responding to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence with a new degree program.
The system’s Board of Regents voted on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to create its first baccalaureate program in the field. The Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence will be offered at Middle Georgia State University’s campus in Warner Robins.
“Our degree will prepare students to thrive in an era where AI technology is transforming industries and societies globally,” said Dr. Alex Koohang, dean of the School of Computing. “It was strategically designed to address Georgia’s key economic sectors in agriculture, aerospace, logistics, and others as they use AI more and more to optimize their operations and foster innovation.”
Dr. David Jenks, MGA’s provost, said the “first-of-its-kind undergraduate program” emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary learning and will prepare students for immediate workforce entry.
“This strategic degree directly aligns with the University System’s broader objective to develop a robust pipeline of AI professionals,” he said, “It’s designed to ensure that graduates are equipped to progress within the system and contribute directly to Georgia’s economic development as we continue to be the best state to do business.”
AI as an area of academic study is growing in Georgia overall. Last year, Kennesaw State launched a master’s program in the field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of computer and information research scientists, including AI professionals, will grow four times as fast as the average of all other occupations in the decade preceding 2031.
This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News
