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Rice University to Launch New AI Program

In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping various sectors from healthcare to finance, Rice University is making strides to prepare future innovators. Slated to launch in the fall of 2025, a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence is set to become available, placing students at the forefront of this technological revolution.

Commitment to ResponsibleAI Development

President Reginald DesRoches emphasized the importance of this initiative in setting future standards for AI development. He stated, "Our responsibility is to help set the standard for how AI is developed, applied, and governed in the years ahead." This new major is part of Rice's broader strategic plan to cultivate a responsible approach towards AI, ensuring ethical practices and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Amy Dittmar, the Howard R. Hughes Provost, echoed this sentiment, noting the need for students to not merely engage with AI but to influence its trajectory positively. "We are in a moment of rapid transformation driven by AI, and Rice is committed to preparing students not just to participate in that future but to shape it responsibly," Dittmar mentioned.

A Tailored Curriculum for Future Leaders

The program, housed under the Department of Computer Science, offers a well-rounded education covering various aspects of AI. This curriculum, distinctively crafted for undergraduate students, includes essential courses in AI, mathematics, programming, and even cognitive psychology and ethics. This comprehensive approach ensures that students grasp both the technical and philosophical implications of AI.

John Greiner, the assistant teaching professor of computer science, highlighted the unique nature of the curriculum. Instead of recycling existing courses, Rice is introducing new classes that provide a cohesive educational experience. According to Greiner, "With the major, we're really setting out a curriculum that makes sense as a whole."

AI’s relevance has escalated significantly, becoming commonplace in discussions around policy and global priorities. Vicente Ordóñez-Román, an associate professor of computer science involved in developing the major, underscored this shift, saying, "We see AI being discussed a lot in media. It's a national priority now, not just in the U.S. but worldwide.”

The program is aimed at students eager to be part of a profound intellectual movement and to engage rigorously with AI concepts. Professor Chris Jermaine pointed out, "Students who take the major will be at the vanguard of one of the most significant intellectual developments of the past 50 years."

Bridging Disciplines for a Comprehensive Understanding

What sets this program apart is its interdisciplinary focus. Not only does it incorporate technical training, but it also includes courses in cognitive psychology and ethics. These additions are designed to broaden students’ perspectives, allowing them to consider intelligence not just from a technical standpoint but also from a humanistic angle. Greiner elaborated, "We are including ethics courses from philosophy that are being developed specifically for the AI major."

Ordóñez-Román projects an increase in interest from students in various fields, indicating a future where majors outside traditional engineering might turn toward AI.

Leveraging Faculty Expertise and Resources

Rice's faculty is uniquely positioned to deliver this curriculum, having developed deep expertise in AI and its applications via ongoing research in fields like machine learning and natural language processing. With programs like the Ken Kennedy Institute supporting this initiative, students will have access to a wealth of resources aimed at enhancing their academic journey in AI.

Rice University’s focus on undergraduate education complements this effort brilliantly, as they have built a reputation for distinct and innovative teaching approaches. Greiner confidently states, "Rice has always been very strong in undergraduate education, and part of that is that we have always been unafraid to create distinctive courses."

As AI continues to be a top subject in news and technology, this new major represents a significant opportunity for students interested in tackling urgent questions of ethics, application, and societal impact stemming from advancements in this critical field. Rice University is committed to cultivating a new generation of leaders who will guide AI development responsibly and thoughtfully.