The University of Tennessee, Knoxville will add four forward-looking bachelor’s degrees that will prepare students to work in artificial intelligence, data science and other emerging fields.
Three of the programs will be housed in the new College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies, which will focus on customizable degree courses in research areas such as AI.
Degrees in data science, artificial intelligence, customizable research, environmental engineering, and more are all designed to prepare students to fill gaps in the workforce.
Three require internships to complete, which is consistent with UT’s goal of keeping graduates working in Tennessee.
“All four are student-centered. I think all four are what you might call “workplace-driven.” I believe these are academic programs that will bring more students to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and send more students to Tennessee to work on projects and problems that really matter,” said the UT System Board of Governors. said Dr. John Zomczyk, president of UW-Knoxville. February 29th committee meeting.
The program must be approved by the UT Board of Regents at its March 1 meeting and by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission on May 16.
Here’s what you need to know about the four degrees that will be offered this fall if approved.
Bachelor of Science in Data Science
- college: Emerging and Collaborative Studies already offers a minor in data science.
- What is your degree?: This degree teaches students how to use data to create meaningful information, models, and analysis.
- What students learn?: Students develop skills and understanding of data science through statistics, data modeling, core data mining, and machine learning skills for extracting, preparing, and visualizing data.
- Required subjects: Nine core courses in data science make up the majority of the program, with students taking one of the eight core courses in sequence each semester and a final capstone project at the end. In addition, students fulfill volunteer core curriculum requirements, take approved electives, and complete six research, internship, or service credits.
Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence
- college: Emerging research and joint research
- What is your degree?: This program provides a basic understanding of AI concepts, data sources, and tools across a variety of disciplines. This degree teaches students not only about AI technology, but also about the privacy and ethical aspects of AI.
- What students learn: Students learn about AI practices, models, ethics, machine learning skills, and computing skills. This program focuses on real-world applications while providing a less technical context for AI to reach a broader range of students.
- Required subjects: The 120-credit hour program includes 27 hours of core courses, plus a required 6-12 hours of research, internship, or service credit.
Bachelor of Science in Innovative Interdisciplinary Research
- college: Emerging research and joint research
- What is your degree?: Customizable degree programs with stackable certificates that prepare students for a variety of opportunities in the workforce. According to Zomczyk, this degree allows students to design their own degree program pathway in a flexible and adaptable way across a variety of disciplines, making it ideal for the “modern student.”
- What students learn: Current list of eight certificates: Applied Artificial Intelligence, Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Music, Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare, Applied Cybersecurity, Data Science, Game Craft, Sustainable Development, and Emerging Topic Literacy.
- Required subjects: Students in the program complete 27 credit hours in core courses and a required 6-12 hours of research, internship, or service credit. Students earn degrees by completing electives, minors, or stackable certificates. Earning the certificate requires 12 credit hours, including 101 courses and courses on three topics.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
- college: Tickle College of Engineering already offers a minor in Environmental Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering.
- What is your degree?: This program prepares students for a career in environmental engineering to solve environmental problems and adapt to rapidly changing challenges within society and the environment.
- What students learn: Areas of focus include fluid mechanics, microbiology, environmental chemistry, environmental contaminants, environmental systems engineering, and risk assessment. Other topics include air pollution, energy systems, and hydrology.
- Required subjects: It takes 128 credit hours to complete the degree. Students take 41 hours of foundational science, mathematics, and engineering courses, 30 hours of required core classes in environmental engineering, 4 hours of laboratory work, 25 credit hours of required support courses, and 4 hours of senior design project courses. Masu.
Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Send email to keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @specialk2real.
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