Enrolling in college looks a little different these days. At some North Texas universities, students can now major in artificial intelligence.
UT Arlington and Texas Wesleyan University have introduced degree programs focused on AI, but university leaders say the programs go beyond a crash course in computer science. Students are also learning how to recognize biases, consider the implications of the technology and apply human judgment as AI becomes more common in the workplace.
For more than a century, UT Arlington has been training students for the workforce. This fall, the university has a new major: artificial intelligence for business.
UTA junior Usman Siddique transferred to the university for the new degree program. He sees understanding AI as increasingly important for a career in business.
“If you look at big companies, they all are using AI in businesses, and yeah, I mean, I think that’s the future,” Siddique said.
UTA information systems professor Sridhar Nerur said the program grew out of the university’s business analytics track as the market changed.
Students don’t just study statistics, data and algorithms. Nerur said they also learn the importance of keeping a human set of eyes on the technology.
“They learn to draw insight from data, but more importantly, they also learn to detect biases and how to correct for those,” Nerur said.
Texas Wesleyan University is taking a similar human-centered approach with its new humanities and artificial intelligence degree.
Christopher Ohan, associate dean of Texas Wesleyan University’s School of Arts and Sciences, said the program asks students to apply knowledge from traditional humanities fields, including political science, English and history, to emerging technology.
The program also focuses on preparing students to consider how AI should be used once they enter the workforce.
“How can I as a student be prepared to go out into the workforce and advise my boss or my associates on the implications of using the technology?” Ohan said.
Students also recognize some of the concerns surrounding the growing use of AI.
“It could be used for taking people’s jobs,” UTA junior David Olugbodi said.
UTA junior Natalia Lopez also expressed reservations about the technology.
“I don’t really feel comfortable with AI that well-implemented into the world,” Lopez said.
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into business and other industries, both universities say responsible AI starts with people.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.