WPI to offer degree in artificial intelligence

Photo | Grant Welker Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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By Isabel Tehan

Worcester Polytechnic Institute will soon offer a master’s degree in artificial intelligence.

The Worcester university will allow students in the program to specialize in aspects of the technology ranging from machine learning to generative intelligence, according to a Thursday press release from WPI.

“WPI has long led higher education as a place where students and faculty have used AI and project-based learning to tackle big challenges in health care, justice, manufacturing, the environment, and other fields,” Jean King, dean of WPI’s School of Arts & Sciences, said in the press release. “We are excited to focus our AI strengths into this new program, which will prepare students for leadership roles in a transformational field that faces a critical shortage of qualified professionals.”

The program will put a strong emphasis on the ethical implications of AI and will encourage students to pursue a multidisciplinary approach to the degree, including research.

Undergraduate students will have the option to get a dual bachelor’s and master’s degree in AI. A graduate certificate option will be offered.

“AI is transforming existing disciplines, giving rise to new industries, and reshaping the workplace,” Elke Rundensteiner, professor of computer science and founding head of the WPI Data Science Program, said in the press release. “Our curriculum, faculty, and research at WPI make the university well positioned to prepare students to both advance AI techniques and apply them to science, engineering, medicine, automation, and other industries for economic growth and the betterment of society.”

The program will begin in fall 2024. WPI has begun accepting applications for enrollment.