Students Can Now Major in Artificial Intelligence at an Ivy League University
Penn's New Undergraduate Program Prepares Graduates for Lucrative Careers in AI
Students at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania (Penn) will soon have the opportunity to major in artificial intelligence (AI), positioning themselves for "jobs that don't yet exist." Starting fall 2024, Penn will introduce the Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence, making it the first Ivy League institution to offer an undergraduate major in AI.
Penn's new program aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in high-salary AI positions. Known for its commitment to excellence, Penn consistently ranks among the top colleges for graduate salaries. By launching this innovative undergraduate major, the university is taking a proactive approach to ensure its students are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving job market.
While other universities such as Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science and Purdue's College of Science already offer AI majors, Penn's program is among the first in the United States to be offered by an Ivy League institution. In addition, renowned universities such as Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology provide AI courses and programming for interested students.
The impact of AI stretches far beyond just creating new job opportunities. It also has potential downsides, such as enabling scams and algorithmic biases. Recognizing this, Penn's AI program aims to produce graduates who can address the societal challenges associated with AI. The program offers five concentrations, namely Robotics, Vision/Language, Machine Learning, Data/Society, and Health/Systems. In addition, all AI students will be required to fulfill an ethics component, which includes courses on ethical algorithm design and the role of technology in AI and ethics.
It is worth noting that Penn's AI program is open to all students, indicating the broad and diverse impact of AI across various disciplines. The university aims to integrate AI education into different fields, recognizing that AI skills will be valuable in almost every industry. By focusing on training students for future jobs, Penn's new undergraduate degree in AI seeks to equip graduates with the necessary skills to lead in this rapidly transforming technological landscape.
As the world continues to embrace AI advancements, organizations in every sector will require professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence. With its new undergraduate program in AI, Penn is at the forefront of preparing students for these in-demand roles.
Analyst comment
Positive news:
Students can soon major in artificial intelligence (AI) at an Ivy League university, positioning them for high-salary jobs. The new program at the University of Pennsylvania aims to prepare AI leaders to tackle societal challenges and includes concentrations in robotics, machine learning, and data/society, among others. The degree will be open to all students and reflects the broad impact of AI across disciplines.
As an analyst, AI’s growing influence in various sectors will create a high demand for professionals with AI skills. Penn’s new program will likely attract top talent and contribute to the development of AI technologies and solutions. The market for AI-related jobs is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
