Penn State's New AI Major: Shaping Future Innovators

In the heart of Pennsylvania, a new chapter in education is unfolding at the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST). The college has announced an exciting new undergraduate degree program, the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Applications and Methods (AIMA), set to commence in the fall of 2025. This program is not just about learning AI; it's about shaping the future leaders of technology with a strong emphasis on ethical and socially responsible AI.

Imagine a world where AI is seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, enhancing the way we work, live, and interact. This is the vision that Penn State is bringing to life with its AIMA program. As Andrea Tapia, the dean of the College of IST, puts it, "The AIMA degree will prepare students to navigate challenges and opportunities in the age of AI." This program is designed to equip students with both the technical prowess and the interpersonal skills needed to lead in this new era of innovation.

AI technologies are revolutionizing industries by enabling faster, more strategic operations. However, with great power comes great responsibility. The AIMA program addresses this by focusing on the ethical implications of AI, ensuring that students are not only skilled in AI technologies but also understand the importance of fairness, accountability, and social justice in AI applications.

The curriculum is robust, covering essential areas such as math, computer programming, machine learning, and generative AI. Students will learn to design, implement, and evaluate AI-based solutions that extend human capabilities in complex real-world scenarios. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical AI, preparing students to make decisions that enhance social inclusion and justice.

Penn State's commitment to AI education is further demonstrated by its faculty, nearly half of whom are involved in AI research. The college is also home to the Nittany AI Alliance and the Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence, providing students with ample opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and practical projects.

Lisa Lenze, associate dean for undergraduate studies, highlights the significance of this new major, stating, "With this major, Penn State joins the ranks of institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and MIT in offering a bachelor of science degree specifically in artificial intelligence."

Through hands-on experimentation and interdisciplinary learning, students will gain the skills needed to identify problems that can be addressed by AI, develop innovative solutions, and effectively communicate these solutions to diverse stakeholders. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to lead and advance in AI-driven industries.

Sharon Huang, David Reese Professor of Information Sciences and Technology, emphasizes the transformative potential of this major: "This major empowers students to build intelligent solutions that enhance human capabilities while addressing real-world challenges. With a strong foundation in machine learning, generative AI, and ethical responsibility, students gain the skills to innovate and shape the future of AI-driven industries. It’s the perfect path for aspiring AI pioneers!"

For those interested in learning more about this groundbreaking program, students are encouraged to speak with their advisers or visit the AIMA webpage.

Key Takeaways

Penn State's AIMA program is set to launch in fall 2025, focusing on ethical and socially responsible AI.
The program prepares students with technical and interpersonal skills for AI-driven industries.
Emphasis on ethical AI ensures graduates understand fairness, accountability, and social justice.
The curriculum includes math, programming, machine learning, and generative AI.
Students will engage in hands-on projects and research, preparing them to lead in the AI field.