WORCESTER – Responding to the escalating demand for artificial intelligence (AI) expertise, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced the introduction of a specialized AI degree program. This new educational venture is designed to provide students with master’s degrees, combined bachelor’s/master’s degrees, or graduate certificates in AI, incorporating a mix of coursework, project work, and thesis research.
The AI program at WPI integrates flexible yet intensive specialization areas, encompassing topics like deep learning and generative AI. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, aiming to cultivate students’ proficiency in developing, deploying, and innovating AI technologies. Additionally, the program stresses the importance of understanding AI’s societal and ethical ramifications.
Jean King, the Peterson Family Dean of WPI’s School of Arts & Sciences, emphasized the institution’s legacy in utilizing AI and project-based learning to address major societal issues, including healthcare and environmental challenges. “This new program harnesses our strengths in AI to prepare leaders for a field critically needing skilled professionals,” King stated.
Echoing this sentiment, John McNeill, the Bernard M. Gordon Dean of WPI’s School of Engineering, highlighted the program’s versatility, allowing students to customize their AI education to suit diverse career paths.
The AI program offers three distinct educational paths:
- MS Degree: Tailored for graduates from relevant disciplines, requiring 30 credit hours, including a thesis or capstone project.
- Combined BS/MS Degree: Enabling WPI undergraduates to earn two degrees at an accelerated rate.
- Graduate Certificate: Focusing on practical AI application, involving four graduate courses in AI.
This program’s inception coincides with a sharp increase in the demand for AI-trained professionals across various sectors, from technology to healthcare. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 377,500 annual job openings in computer and information technology roles through 2032, with median annual wages for computer and information research scientists at $136,620 in 2022. Furthermore, PwC’s 2023 Global Investor survey predicts AI will add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
Elke Rundensteiner, the William Smith Dean’s Professor of Computer Science and head of the WPI Data Science Program, noted that AI is revolutionizing industries and redefining the workforce. “WPI’s curriculum and research position us to effectively prepare students for advancing AI and its application across various sectors,” she said.
With AI as a strategic research focus, WPI’s faculty and students are engaged in applying AI across multiple fields, including health, learning sciences, and robotics. The program emphasizes the use of generative AI models for research and innovation.
Applications for the AI program, set to commence in fall 2024, are now open, marking a significant step for WPI in shaping the future of AI education and research.
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