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The new majors are part of larger computer science programs and come as AI is more widely adopted across many sectors.
Two prominent public universities in Kentucky, the University of Kentucky (UK) and Murray State University, are introducing new bachelor's degree programs in artificial intelligence (AI) starting this fall semester. This significant educational development is a direct response to both the rapidly changing workforce landscape, where AI is becoming increasingly ubiquitous, and a surge in student interest in this transformative technology across various sectors. The integration of these new degrees into their existing computer science education frameworks aims to prepare a new generation of professionals adept at navigating the complexities of AI. Brent Harrison, a distinguished professor of computer science and the director of undergraduate studies for computer science and AI at UK, highlighted the overarching goal of their new program. He articulated that the degree is fundamentally about cultivating a deep understanding of AI's diverse impacts and discerning its appropriate applications. Harrison expressed a proactive vision, stating that without such specialized education, critical decisions regarding AI systems might be made by individuals lacking a comprehensive grasp of their internal workings, potentially leading to suboptimal or ethically questionable outcomes. He hopes that by thoroughly educating the populace through this degree, students will be empowered to make better, more responsible decisions, thereby steering AI development onto a positive trajectory. The University of Kentucky's program has initiated with approximately 30 enrolled students this fall, with ambitious projections for growth to about 200 students in the near future. Murray State University's AI program, while starting with a smaller initial enrollment, is also poised for significant expansion, according to Matthew Tennyson, professor and department chair for computer science and information systems. Tennyson anticipates that the new degree will attract a broad range of students, including those new to Murray State and existing computer science students who might opt for the AI specialization. He emphasized that the degrees will provide a strong foundation in computing, covering essential aspects such as AI ethics, the foundational theories of the field, and both historical and cutting-edge modern AI methodologies. The curriculum integrates rigorous coursework in logic, reasoning, and the underlying mathematics crucial for computing. Harrison explicitly clarified that the UK program is "still a computing degree," designed to ensure that graduates are versatile enough to secure traditional computer science jobs in addition to specialized AI roles. The design ensures seamless transferability with other engineering majors and a robust foundation in computing, complemented by a specific focus on AI applications. The distinct advantage of the AI degree over a general computer science degree, as noted by Harrison, lies in an advanced understanding of AI application. At Murray State, Tennyson detailed that the university carefully planned the degree to avoid overstretching resources, emphasizing a key differentiator: a strong focus on language-specific AI. Their AI degree curriculum mandates specialized courses, including an 'Intro to AI' class, an 'Intro to Machine Learning' class, and a 'Deep Learning' class, with additional advanced AI electives created specifically for the program. Murray State's prior offerings, such as an undergraduate certificate, a minor in AI, and a data science and AI track within its computer science major, facilitated the relatively smooth development of this new, comprehensive AI major. Both universities ensure that while these degrees do not hold specific field accreditations like ABET, they are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, affirming their academic rigor and quality. This concerted effort by Kentucky's public universities positions them at the forefront of preparing students for the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly expanding domain of artificial intelligence.