Artificial intelligence bachelor of science degree now available at Ohio University

Ohio University has officially launched a Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence, a new major offered through the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. This program, officially began in Fall 2024, aims to equip students with the skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving field of AI, preparing them for a wide range of careers in AI and machine learning.

Program overview: Ohio University's artificial intelligence bachelor's degree

The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence is part of Ohio University's ongoing commitment to education in cutting-edge technologies. Offered by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the program is designed to transform large datasets into actionable insights by teaching students AI theory, machine learning algorithms, and data optimization strategies.

"AI has increased in importance over the last 10-15 years, and this was the genesis of the program. We have recognized how crucial AI has become, and we aim to prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities in this field," said Dr. David W. Juedes, a professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Associate Dean for Academics at Russ College.

AI degree curriculum: core courses and learning outcomes

The AI major integrates foundational computing knowledge with specialized AI courses. Students will complete core courses such as "Concepts of Artificial Intelligence," "Foundations of Artificial Intelligence," "Statistical Learning," and "Foundations of Deep Learning." In a two-semester project, students will design and build an AI system for practical purposes, emphasizing the real-world applications of AI technologies.

In addition to AI-specific courses, the curriculum includes a full year of mathematics and science courses, ensuring students have a strong quantitative foundation. This comprehensive education prepares students to address complex AI challenges effectively, supported by seven courses on software design and development, plus two on hardware.

Interdisciplinary ai education: integrating psychology and engineering

Ohio University's AI major emphasizes the importance of understanding the human experience in AI development. The curriculum includes a psychology course to provide insights into human behavior and cognition, crucial for developing user-friendly AI applications.

"The interdisciplinary approaches to AI will be incorporated in the senior capstone projects, allowing students to explore how AI can be applied across various domains and industries," said Dr. Juedes.

Key topics in AI: foundations, machine learning, and deep learning

The AI major at Ohio University covers a range of essential topics, including: 

• Foundations of computing: Programming, data structures, software engineering tools, design and analysis of algorithms, and parallel computing. 
• Foundations of AI: Statistical learning, tree/forest-based approaches, and neural network-based approaches.
• Machine learning techniques: Supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and neural networks.
• Deep learning concepts: Convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and advanced deep learning models.
• AI system design: Application of AI techniques to solve real-world problems, focusing on building scalable and efficient systems.

Future skills development: training in large language models (LLMs)

Graduates will be well-versed in building and training Large Language Models (LLMs) , a crucial component of modern AI applications. This hands-on experience prepares them for roles in various industries where AI significantly impacts.

Why Ohio University created the AI major: industry needs and demand

Ohio University's decision to develop this major stem from AI's growing importance in research and industry. While AI has been part of Ohio University's curriculum since 1969, the rising demand for skilled professionals prompted the creation of this specialized program.

"Our new AI major is a testament to Ohio University's commitment to leading in technological education and innovation," said Russ College of Engineering and Technology Dean Patrick Fox. “With the rise in demand for AI experts, we have designed a program that stands out by combining psychology with engineering. It goes beyond learning how to code; it's also about understanding how AI can assist and propel people in the real world. Our aim is to inspire a new generation of AI thinkers who will drive positive change in all varieties of fields."

Career opportunities with an AI degree

Graduates will find numerous career opportunities as machine learning engineers, software engineers specializing in AI, and more. The program prepares students for roles across sectors, including business, industry, government, and academia.

"There are many jobs available in AI-related fields right now," Dr. Juedes said. "Our graduates will be well-prepared to pursue these opportunities, whether in the computer and software industry or other sectors where AI is making an impact."

Possible AI career paths

Machine learning engineers  design and implement algorithms to build predictive models, working on AI projects such as natural language processing, image recognition, and recommendation systems.

Data scientists  analyze large datasets to extract actionable insights and solve complex problems, utilizing statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to drive decision-making in organizations.

AI software engineers  specialize in designing and developing AI software solutions, integrating AI into existing systems and creating new AI-driven applications to improve functionality and efficiency.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) specialists  enable computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language, working on applications such as chatbots, voice recognition systems, and language translation tools.

AI consultants  advise organizations on implementing AI technologies to improve business operations, helping businesses identify AI opportunities, develop strategies, and oversee AI integration.

Algorithm engineers  design and implement complex algorithms that power AI systems, optimizing them for performance and accuracy in various applications, from finance to healthcare.

Deep learning engineers  develop models and algorithms that mimic human brain functions, working on projects involving neural networks for applications like speech recognition and computer vision.

AI product managers  oversee the development and deployment of AI products, coordinating between engineering, design, and marketing teams to ensure successful AI product launches.

AI trainers  focus on training AI models by providing data, adjusting algorithms, and refining outputs to improve accuracy, enhancing the performance of AI applications across various domains.

AI strategy consultants help businesses develop AI strategies to enhance operations and drive innovation, providing insights on AI trends, identifying opportunities, and advising on technology adoption.

AI project managers oversee AI projects from conception to completion, coordinating teams, managing resources, and ensuring project milestones are met on time and within budget.

Adapting to technological advances: evolution of the AI program

Ohio University's AI program is designed to evolve with technological advancements. As AI tools and techniques change, the curriculum will adapt to incorporate the latest developments in research and industry practices.

"The techniques and tools involved in training AI models have evolved over time, and I expect that our program will continue to adapt to those changes. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of AI education," Dr. Juedes noted.

Preparing for a career in AI: advice for prospective students

Students interested in this exciting field are advised to strengthen their mathematics skills and gain some computing experience.

"AI is an exciting field that is changing the world. There are many opportunities available, but students should be well-prepared in mathematics and have some prior experience in computing, such as programming. This preparation will set them up for success in the program," said Dr. Juedes.

Current OHIO students can transfer into the program immediately, while incoming freshmen can apply for admission for the 2025-26 academic year.

"Our first required course, AI 2100, will be offered in Fall 2024. Students have the opportunity to enroll and start pursuing this exciting field right away," Dr. Juedes said.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore the AI major's curriculum and course offerings to understand the program's scope and opportunities. Ohio University's AI degree aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic field of artificial intelligence.