Georgia University Launches Second AI Master’s Degree Program in the State

• The Kennesaw State University program will train students for careers in artificial intelligence (AI).
• The University of Georgia is the only other Georgia university to offer a master of science in AI.
• Kennesaw State anticipates students will take a year and a half to complete its 30-credit-hour program. However, it is doable in a year.

Georgia students wanting to pursue a career in artificial intelligence (AI) will now have two in-state master's degree options to choose from starting in fall 2024.

Kennesaw State University (KSU) announced its master of science in AI (MSAI) program Feb. 13. According to KSU, it is the second Georgia university to offer a master of science in AI, following the University of Georgia.

"The master of science in artificial intelligence reaffirms our university's commitment to providing cutting-edge education to our students while serving the evolving needs of the state of Georgia and beyond," KSU President Kathy Schwaig said in a press release.

"The MSAI will offer students a dynamic learning environment that fosters collaboration and creativity as we develop a new generation of AI leaders."

The degree program expands the artificial intelligence concentration within the computer science department to create an interdisciplinary program providing pathways to becoming:

• AI application developers
• Ethics researchers
• Product managers
• Research scientists
• Solutions architects
• Algorithm developers

Students will have research and internship opportunities and learn through hands-on assignments, capstone courses, and projects. KSU said the 30-credit-hour program typically takes students a year and a half to complete, but it can be done within a year.

KSU has high hopes for its MSAI graduates. The press release cited PricewaterhouseCoopers' Global Artificial Intelligence Study, saying the AI field is projected to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and information research scientist employment will grow 23% between 2022 and 2032.

"Our master's program will emphasize hands-on learning and practical experience, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in AI," Sumanth Yenduri, dean of the KSU College of Computing and Software Engineering, said in the press release.

"By embracing the limitless potential of artificial intelligence, we are preparing our students to meet the industry needs of tomorrow while catalyzing positive change across various sectors."

AI Degrees Are Here to Stay

AI undergraduate, graduate, and master in business administration (MBA) degree programs are popping up throughout the country.

MBA AI programs weave artificial intelligence and machine learning into business curriculum. Some of the most innovative MBA AI programs include Northwestern University, Villanova University, Northeastern University, and Ball State University.

AI bachelor's degrees are even coming out of community colleges. Miami Dade College in Florida announced it will offer the state's first bachelor's in applied artificial intelligence program starting in the fall of 2024. The college offers an associate degree in applied AI and two AI certificates.

Ferris State University (FSU) in Big Rapids, Michigan, also has a bachelor of science in AI program, offering courses on natural language processing, machine learning, AI architecture and design, and more.

As part of FSU's leadership in undergraduate AI, the university enrolled two virtual students "Ann" and "Fry" who will take hybrid learning classes alongside real students to complete assignments, listen to lectures, and eventually choose their majors. This will help the university learn how to best use AI to support students.