The University of South Dakota will offer a new master’s degree in artificial intelligence (AI), approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents at their June 2024 meeting, to prepare students to be leaders in the AI workforce.
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence will equip students with an advanced education in the ever-growing field of AI, including machine learning, vision, intelligent systems, robotics and agent-based systems, knowledge discovery, data mining, and the secure, trustworthy, ethical and responsible use of AI.
The program will blend theory with hands-on practical experience, preparing graduates for leadership roles in AI research, development and application across diverse industries.
“The M.S. in AI program will offer an advanced curriculum that provides students with cutting-edge AI knowledge and practical skills,” said KC Santosh, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Computer Science. “As the only public liberal arts institution in the state, students will also gain a strong foundation in critical thought, reasoning and ethics, ensuring that AI technology is developed and deployed ethically and responsibly.”
The rise of AI-centered technology has led to an increase in job openings, with numerous AI-related companies and startups making significant investments in AI research and development.
A recent Bloomberg Intelligence report projects that the AI market will grow from $40 billion in 2022 to $1.3 trillion within the next decade. Furthermore, a report by the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 projects that there will be a 39% growth rate for AI and machine learning specialists within the next five years.
The M.S. in AI program will not only prepare a skilled workforce to meet this demand, but it will also prepare students to become the leaders of this expanding field, in both the development and application of trustworthy AI. USD graduates will train the current and future workforce to integrate AI systems across all sectors of the economy, driving progress in both public and private domains.
“The M.S. in AI program equips graduates with AI expertise that can drive innovation and economic growth in South Dakota and beyond,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “AI technologies have applications in health care, finance, agriculture, manufacturing and more – all of which are vital to the state’s economy. This program continues USD’s legacy of preparing leaders who use their liberal arts education to make an impact in their communities and across South Dakota.”
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