The University of Pennsylvania will introduce a new online master’s degree programme focusing on artificial intelligence in spring, led by Professor Chris Callison-Burch. The curriculum will cover various AI topics and include ethical considerations, with classes offered asynchronously to accommodate working students.
The University of Pennsylvania has announced a new online master’s degree program focused on artificial intelligence, set to begin in the spring. Applications for the program will open in June.
Chris Callison-Burch, an associate professor at Penn Engineering, will serve as the faculty director for the program. Callison-Burch has observed significant growth in his AI class over the last five years, with enrollment increasing from 100 to 400 in-person students, plus another 200 joining remotely.
The program will cover diverse topics such as mathematics, computing, machine learning, applications of AI, and large-scale data sets, as stated by Vijay Kumar, the dean of Penn Engineering. Ethical considerations related to AI will also be a key component.
Classes will be available asynchronously, accommodating students who wish to work while pursuing their degree. The curriculum aims to prepare students for a variety of fields utilizing AI, including health care and drug development, and for future jobs that have yet to be conceived.
The new AI master’s program aligns with ongoing discussions around the impact of AI on various sectors. Callison-Burch noted the potential of AI to enhance productivity and creativity, but also its capacity to disrupt the workforce.
The rapid advancement of AI technologies presents a unique challenge in education, necessitating frequent updates to course materials to keep pace with the latest developments. AI-related policy considerations are also expected to be a significant area of focus for graduates entering government or corporate roles.
The announcement comes on the heels of recent labor disputes involving Hollywood screenwriters, who have voiced concerns about the use of AI in their work. These events underscore the broader societal implications of AI technology.
