According to the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report from Microsoft and LinkedIn, the need for Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent is at an all-time high, with technical AI talent hiring up 323% in the past eight years.
The business leaders surveyed in the report indicated finding non-technical talent with AI proficiency is equally important, with 66% stating they wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills and 71% saying they’d rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills than a more experienced candidate without them.
At the University of Kentucky, this call for more AI talent is being answered by the Pigman College of Engineering Department of Computer Science, in collaboration with various departments across the campus.
Starting this spring, undergraduate students across the University have the opportunity to enroll in the new AI certificate program. The 12-credit certificate offers mostly hands-on, in-person coursework and is open to students from all UK colleges.
The certificate program aims to arm students with the AI literacy necessary in today’s world. Despite popular belief, AI systems do not operate independently and require human participation to reach decisions.
Brent Harrison, director of the AI certificate and associate professor of computer science, said his department recognized that there was a need to not only educate those building the systems, but those utilizing them as well.
“It's quickly becoming apparent that AI will be a mainstay in our lives,” said Harrison. “Because of this, AI competency and understanding are skills that are important for everyone.”
Students can tailor the AI certificate to meet their unique goals or interests. It offers degree-seeking undergraduates an opportunity to explore AI technologies from several perspectives, and a healthy variety of courses.
“This certificate is designed so that students can take classes that best suit how they see themselves interacting with AI systems,” said Harrison. “If a student wants to learn how to use programming to develop AI models, then we have classes that can teach that. If a student wants to focus on learning how AI models can be used in practice rather than programming, there are classes that can cater to them as well. This certificate aims to make learning about AI accessible to anyone that is interested.”
The accessibility factor is another cornerstone of the certificate. The program is not limited only to those pursuing engineering or computer science degrees, but can be taken by any student at UK.
“The AI certificate can enhance any program of study at UK,” said Judy Goldsmith, professor of computer science and associate chair of the Department of Computer Science. “We designed this certificate with all undergraduate students in mind and were intentional in creating a pathway without programming prerequisites.”
The certificate requires an introduction to AI course, an introduction to machine learning course, a computer and data ethics course and one elective course. Each required area of coursework provides options without programming prerequisites. So, students from all majors can begin enrolling as early as spring semester.
To apply for the certificate, interested students must complete an application and an interview with the director of the AI Certificate. Admission is rolling and course registration is not contingent upon acceptance into the program. Any required courses completed in the past or prior to acceptance into the certificate program can still be counted for meeting the requirement(s).
For more information about the certificate and to apply, click here.
