Tennessee Tech will launch a new Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence, coming to campus next year.
Computer Science Chair Jerry Gannod said the degree further recognizes AI has matured as a discipline, as the University further commits to developing in AI responsibility. Gannod said the University wanted to develop a program that focused on studying the theories and systems of emerging AI technology.
“It’s made it for us, this priority for doing what we’re already doing, which is teaching artificial intelligence,” Gannod said. “But making that a destination, making the university a destination for where students can learn about, specifically learn about artificial intelligence as a discipline.”
Gannod said the degree focuses on applied AI, using artificial intelligence to solve problems. Gannod said applied AI is an integral part of computer science. Gannod said applied AI has evolved over several years.
“I would almost say that the genesis of computer science really included this idea that artificial intelligence is part of what the discipline of computer science is,” Gannod said.
Gannod said students pursuing the new degree are required to have a core education of computer science classes, such as writing and developing programs. Gannod said the degree studies data science theories and allows students to acquire machine learning techniques.
“Approaches associated with neural networks, and, of course, large language models,” Gannod said. “To both study how AI works and then also to develop new theories and new technologies related to AI.”
Gannod said the University hopes to attract students to Tech who are interested in AI. Gannod said the University sees the need for this discipline around the county as economic growth has generated a demand in the workforce for AI related jobs. Gannod said there is projected growth for AI related jobs, so the University aims to capitalize on a competitive advantage it has with AI education.
“Really just continuing that growth,” Gannod said. “And continuing this prominence we’ve built as one of the top computing programs in the country.”