UK to Launch Kentucky‘s First Artificial Intelligence Degree Program
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky (UK) will become the first institution in the Commonwealth to offer a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence, following approval from the UK Board of Trustees last week. The program is slated to begin next fall, pending approvals from the Kentucky Council on postsecondary education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Brent Harrison,a professor in UK’s computer science department,explained the degree has been approximately two years in growth. “What we’re hoping is that we’re kind of on the cutting-edge of this; we’re definitely kind of getting in early and staking our claim,” harrison said.
the new degree comes as the field of AI education rapidly expands nationally. When UK initially began planning the program, Harrison noted there were only 11-20 AI degree programs across the country. That number has as surged to approximately 70-80.
The curriculum will focus on practical request, teaching students how to utilize AI tools, understand appropriate use cases, and navigate the ethical considerations surrounding the technology. “You have to understand the capabilities but also the limitations,and really you can’t be effective using these tools unless you understand those limitations,” Harrison emphasized.
While career paths for graduates will mirror those of traditional computer science degrees, Harrison believes AI represents the future of the workforce. “These tools have really taken off and taken the world by storm, and we don’t think it’s going anywhere,” he stated.
UK currently offers a certificate in artificial intelligence, but the new degree program is expected to considerably broaden opportunities for students in the field.