With classes available in person and online, the master’s curriculum includes foundational AI and machine learning courses as well as electives covering computing theory, legal and ethical issues and applications in different areas. There is also an optional thesis for students interested in research.
“Our faculty bring a wealth of experience to the program, including specializing in fundamental AI research and applying AI methods in areas such as robotics, cybersecurity, bioinformatics and agriculture,” Perkins said in a public statement.
The master’s program comes alongside a wave of investments in AI education at Mississippi State. In fall 2024, the university launched a bachelor’s degree in AI, focused on machine learning, neural networks and natural language processing. The university also offers a concentration for computer science students to learn about AI without pursuing a degree.
In November 2024, Mississippi State earned a three-year, $1.2 million National Science Foundation grant to teach K-12 students and teachers how to train AI to classify and analyze images, eventually working with 15 teachers and 60 students in an extracurricular program culminating in creating and presenting their own smart device.
“Most AI projects for K-12 students focus on AI concepts, but ours is unique because we want students not just to be consumers of AI but creators of intelligent solutions and contributors of AI fairness,” Yan Sun, a professor heading the program, said in a public statement.
In addition, the university received a $2.2 million grant last month to support AI and machine learning workforce and research initiatives, including new faculty and development of a graduate certificate in data center construction management. Mississippi State was one of seven higher education institutions included in the statewide Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program grants.
“We are dedicated to providing practical experience that allows our students to apply AI methods in real-world contexts,” Perkins said in a public statement. “By equipping our graduates with the latest knowledge in AI technology and preparing them for the evolution of this field, we are confident they will emerge as leaders in the industry.”
