AI

In the AI revolution era, where there is a growing need for data day by day, it is unfortunate that there is still storage of data scientists coming out of universities. In such cases, it is fundamental not only for the data scientist coming up with AI apps but for the rest of us living with them. There are more than 500 universities across the United States that offer data science degrees programs. Along with this, there are nearly 980 individual programs, with Masters in Data Science that is being popular. 

The supply of data scientists emerging from universities is growing with the strong demand for data scientists at American Companies continues to outstrip supply, according to Martial Herbert, the dean of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University. The CMU has been at the forefront in trying to supply data scientists and AI experts by strengthening its data science degree programs to tackle the data needs. This is the first university in the US that started off with its bachelor’s of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence. 

While coming to other streams, it has been the same. Artificial Intelligence has an upper hand everywhere, such as Finance has no value these days without AI, Political Science has become political science and AI. Artificial Intelligence is lending its hand from the agricultural sector to helping the military forces. Herbert says that, with the vision of the field, CMU will be developing more new disciplines that are AI-based. The new discipline such as Masters in Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation will take root in the CMU, enabling students to apply Artificial Intelligence broadly in the field. 

So it’s not just, you learn those tools and then you can just apply them to various applications, essentially building those disciplines. We will have degrees in all of those combinations, says Herbert. But there are few programs that are difficult to benefit from AI such as English literature, or Renaissance Art. And it is also clear that subjects like Journalism and Arts can benefit from Artificial Intelligence too. 

Herbert says that his vision is beyond creating degree programs that are a hybrid of traditional programs and AI, but to see AI topics taught even at levels of school including k-1 and 2. Since Artificial Intelligence plays a great role in society, having citizens who can understand how it fits in and can work with AI can in turn help the community to great extent. 

In the era of technology, students need to learn and understand AI realizing its capabilities and limitations. The collective surge in capabilities around computer vision, natural language processing, traditional machine learning, and advanced analytics are demanding data-based automation and innovation in the world. After the pandemic’s hit, the digital transformation has accelerated to heights and it is important to understand the fundamental limitations of AI technology as it exists today. 

Since ethical issues are also important, CMU's programs also include elements about the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence. And these ethical issues are vital to be taught before students arrive at university, according to Herbert.