OU to offer artificial intelligence degree programs | News

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education announced Tuesday that several universities, including OU, will offer artificial intelligence undergraduate degree programs, which was not previously offered in the state.

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education proposed the program for OU during a May 31 meeting.

According to a press release, Rose State College and Southwestern Oklahoma State University will also offer these programs. However, the release did not say when the universities would implement the programs.

Undergraduate degrees in AI have been offered in the U.S. since 2018 when Carnegie Mellon University became the first university to offer the degree. 

While Southwestern Oklahoma State University and OU will offer a bachelor’s degree in AI, Rose State will offer an associate’s in AI and machine learning. The degrees will be available via traditional and online courses.

Gov. Kevin Stitt said in the release that the degree programs will position Oklahoma to be a leader in AI.

“AI is reshaping every aspect of our lives, especially academics,” Stitt said. “I’m proud of the Board of Regents for ensuring Oklahoma’s higher ed students do more than just keep pace, they’ll lead the AI revolution.”

According to the release, more than 19,000 jobs in Oklahoma require AI skills, with median annual earnings of nearly $106,000, and the number of AI-related positions in the state is expected to increase by 21% over the next 10 years.

Growing demand for AI programs is fueled by the widespread adoption of machine learning technology across industries such as health care, finance, manufacturing and aerospace, the release said.

State Regents Chancellor Allison D. Garrett said in the release that Oklahoma is the first in the nation to establish a statewide committee focused on AI impacts in higher education.

Garrett represents Oklahoma on the Southern Regional Education Board’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence in Education, which reviews research and industry data to assist southern states in leading the use of AI in teaching and learning at the K-12 and postsecondary education levels as well as preparing students for AI careers.

“The goal is to equip our institutions to remain on the leading edge of the AI field and produce the skilled graduates required to meet our state’s current and future AI workforce needs,” Garrett said.

State Regents Chair Jack Sherry said in the release that AI is rapidly emerging as a vital employment sector due to its transformative impact on business operations.

“New career opportunities in areas like machine learning, data science, robotics and AI ethics are driving demand for AI expertise, and Oklahoma’s state system colleges and universities are answering the call,” Sherry said.

This story was edited by Ana Barboza. Matthew Moore and Avery Avery copy edited this story.

Shelby Emery is a part of the culture desk, covering topics that range from the local music scene to community events. Her goal as a reporter is to amplify voices in her community that are often overlooked, providing a deeper understanding of the connection they create. She is originally from Davis and can be reached at shelby.e.emery-1@ou.edu.