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5 top-ranked AI programs in higher ed


AI is predicted to be a critical career field, and it also holds promise for higher ed itself

Artificial intelligence has morphed from a sci-fi movie hypothetical to a field with real potential and impact in different industries, prompting many research institutions to offer AI concentrations–or even full degrees.

AI studies offers what many experts say is a secure future in career paths from video game design and software engineering to robotics programming and military specializations.

In fact, it is now so widespread that several groups rank AI degree programs and paths of study. In addition to its general university ranking, U.S. News also ranks schools by specific programs, including top AI programs. The ranking methodology notes that the field is evolving and will require broad training, and courses will span engineering, computer science, and other related areas.

According to U.S. News, AI program ranking, the following schools are top of the list:

1. Carnegie Mellon University: The university claims it is the first in the U.S. to begin offering an undergraduate degree in AI. Andrew Moore, dean of the School of Computer Science, says “specialists in artificial intelligence have never been more important, in shorter supply or in greater demand by employers.” The bachelor’s degree in AI will focus more on how complex inputs, such as vision, language and huge databases, are used to make decisions or enhance human capabilities.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT’s Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL) focuses on advancing computing and developing new technologies.

3. Stanford University: Stanford’s AI Lab (SAIL) focuses on research, teaching, theory, and practice. Stanford AI4ALL is designed to expose high school students in underrepresented populations to the field.

4. University of California-Berkeley: The Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab brings together UC Berkeley researchers across the areas of computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, planning, and robotics.

5. University of Washington: AI studies at the University of Washington focus on the computational mechanism underlying intelligent behavior, and research areas include machine learning, natural language processing, and intelligent user interfaces.

AI programs in higher ed institutions have double the benefits–as more students study the field, more highly-qualified workers will be able to fill new positions in AI research and development. Universities themselves also will benefit, because it holds great potential to improve higher ed systems.

This potential includes:

Student acquisition: Artificial intelligence can provide 24/7 personalized assistance to students as they progress through the enrollment process. In the future, it could help schools target recruitment to students who are likely to succeed at their institution and in certain majors, leading to higher enrollment and retention rates.

Learning and instruction: AI can help instructors grade and supply struggling students with the resources they need to succeed. In the future, this could free up faculty members to oversee large classes while still engaging with students on a deeper level.

Student affairs: The technology can deliver personalized degree planning and intervene with struggling students. In the future, it could anticipate students’ academic needs based on predictive data and past performance, and then proactively supply appropriate resources, such as additional tutoring or advising.

Institutional efficiency: AI can pull together information from multiple campus systems and use the data to guide administrative decisions such as course offerings. In the future, it could help institutions understand local employers’ hiring needs and create curricula that prepares students to fill them.

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Laura Ascione

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