UNO Nears Launching Master’s Program in Artificial Intelligence
The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) is on the verge of introducing a master’s degree in artificial intelligence (AI). This follows the successful launch of their AI bachelor’s program last year, which was the first of its kind in Nebraska. The program quickly attracted students from a variety of fields, highlighting strong local interest in AI education.
Students currently enrolled in the bachelor’s program are working on projects that have practical applications, such as AI-driven tools for utility outage monitoring and specialized training simulators. These projects demonstrate the real-world potential of the skills being developed at UNO.
Building a Foundation with the Bachelor’s Degree
The AI bachelor’s program was launched amid a national scarcity of similar programs, with only 22 existing across the U.S. at the time. Martha Garcia Murillo, Dean of the College of Information Science and Technology, emphasized the need for quality, relevant education in AI. The program targets students with backgrounds in computer science and related fields to deepen their AI expertise.
One student, Ishida Abraham, who is pursuing three majors, sees AI as essential to future career paths. “The future is purely dependent on AI in one or the other way,” Abraham said, highlighting the program’s appeal to ambitious students seeking to expand their skill sets with minimal additional coursework.
Looking Ahead: The AI Master’s Degree
With the bachelor’s program gaining momentum, UNO is preparing to offer a master’s degree. This advanced program aims to provide specialization options, including data science and AI research, allowing students to leverage their individual backgrounds while focusing deeply on AI.
Dean Garcia Murillo points out that expanding AI education aligns with Nebraska’s economic goals. She stresses the importance of training a skilled workforce prepared for the demands of the state’s growing tech landscape.
The final approval for the master’s program rests with Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. If granted, the program could be available soon, providing a critical pathway for advanced AI training in the region.
Why This Matters for Educators
- UNO’s approach demonstrates how universities can quickly adapt curricula to emerging technologies.
- Offering a clear progression from bachelor’s to master’s degree supports lifelong learning and specialization.
- Partnerships with local companies during program development highlight the value of community engagement in education.
For educators interested in AI program development or professional growth, exploring comprehensive course offerings can be beneficial. Resources such as Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses provide practical options to enhance AI knowledge and teaching skills.
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