Rice University to Launch Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence

Rice University announced it will launch a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in the fall of 2025. This degree, housed in the computer science department, focuses on interdisciplinary and ethical approaches to AI. The program is expected to enhance student learning opportunities significantly.

Rice University is making waves as it plans to launch a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence starting in the fall of 2025. This new program will be housed in the university’s department of computer science, nestled within the George R. Brown School of Engineering. Boasting a focus on interdisciplinary and responsible approaches, it’s one of the few such degree programs in the country.

Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost, expressed enthusiasm for this initiative. “We are in a moment of rapid transformation driven by AI, and Rice is committed to preparing students not just to participate in that future but to shape it responsibly,” she noted. This major is part of Rice’s broader ambition to stand at the forefront of ethical AI while impacting various fields such as health and sustainability.

John Greiner, an assistant teaching professor, has been named the director of this new AI program, supported by Vicente Ordóñez-Román, an associate professor who played a key role in its formulation. Up until now, students at Rice could only access AI studies via electives or graduate programs. This new bachelor’s opens the door to a more comprehensive understanding, merging engineering, math, and courses on ethics related to AI.

“We’re really setting out a curriculum that makes sense as a whole,” Greiner elaborated. “We’re actually creating a brand new curriculum.” The new required courses aren’t just repackaged versions of existing ones but are specially designed for this major, aiming for an integrated learning experience.

Further enhancing this program, Rice offers connections to its developing AI ecosystem, including the Ken Kennedy Institute dedicated to AI solutions and ethical practices. Earlier this year marked the launch of Rice Nexus, their innovation factory focused on AI.

Ordóñez-Román highlighted the depth of expertise at Rice, citing ongoing work in areas ranging from natural language processing to quantum machine learning. This concentration of talent is crucial, and they plan to leverage this strength to bolster the new AI program’s offerings.

In summary, Rice University is set to introduce an innovative Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence by fall 2025, aimed at cultivating ethical and interdisciplinary AI experts. This program builds on existing strengths within the institution, bringing new curricular offerings while leveraging extensive expertise in the field. With a focus on responsible AI, the university aims not just to adapt but to lead in the domain of artificial intelligence education.

Original Source: houston.innovationmap.com