UB, a key player in the Empire AI initiative, backed by more than $500 million in public and private funding, has launched a new academic department focused on artificial intelligence and how it affects society.
The new programs in the Department of AI and Society, which include majors and minors leading to “AI + X” degrees, are intended to prepare UB students for the anticipated growth of AI applications across various industries.
Starting in the fall semester, students will be able to enroll in academic programs that combine the rapidly evolving field of AI with traditional academic disciplines, including communication, economics, geography, language, logic and policy analysis.
The effort is part of a $5 million state investment that will lead to hiring additional faculty with expertise in AI. UB is expected to enroll more than 300 students in the program each year by 2030.
“This is extraordinary work that has tremendous potential to improve people’s every day quality of life,” SUNY Chancellor John King said.
UB will institute seven AI-focused bachelor’s degrees, which were approved by the state Education Department, and launch two AI-focused minors in artificial intelligence, crime and society and AI ethics.
The majors will be based in their disciplines’ respective departments and will require both new and existing courses. They include AI coupled with geospatial analysis, language and intercultural competence, language technology, logic and ontology, policy analysis, quantitative economics and responsible communication.
These programs involve the departments of geography, romance languages and literature, linguistics, philosophy, political science, economics and communication.
The curriculum ranges from introductions to AI’s computational fundamentals, historical context and societal implications, to examinations of AI’s potential benefits and drawbacks for society.
Kemper Lewis, dean of UB’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, said the school is also working on spinning off additional majors and, eventually, AI-focused programs for graduate students.
“For more than four decades, UB has been a national and international leader in responsible AI research and innovation,” University at Buffalo President Satish K. Tripathi said. “Our new academic degree programs build upon this impactful legacy, providing UB students with the knowledge, skills and interdisciplinary expertise that will enable them to harness the incredible power of artificial intelligence for the betterment of society while preparing them to lead effectively and ethically in our 21st century world.”
The state also recently approved $40 million in funding to purchase the equipment needed to bring a next-generation supercomputer to UB for the Empire AI initiative to help develop a hub for artificial intelligence. It is part of $90 million in new capital funding to further advance Empire AI initiatives.
UB has already established itself as a player in AI, creating an Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Additionally, the university is planning an AI & Society Building, a new facility that will feature computer labs, offices, conference rooms and incubator space for startups.
UB currently has more than 200 faculty researchers working on AI technology to solve society’s greatest challenges, and intends to add full-time faculty for the upcoming academic year.
“Through University at Buffalo’s new degree programs, students will have the latest in AI education to help them pursue research and careers that will continue to evolve with further AI advancements,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement Wednesday.
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