DSU to start offering degrees in Artificial Intelligence

The state Board of Regents has approved a bachelor of science degree in Artificial Intelligence for Dakota State University in Madison.  During their meeting Tuesday, Regents also approved an Intent to Plan for a bachelor of science degree in AI for Business for the university.  Both programs are slated to begin this fall. 

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is one of the fastest growing technologies that will be faced in the 21st century.  Predictions are that one-third of the American workforce will need to switch occupations by the year 2030 due to automation and AI.  Because of the changes this may bring, Dakota State will have new degrees for those interested in developing AI skills and careers. 

Dr. Pat Engebretson, dean of The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences, said this degree represents an incredible opportunity for DSU students and the region.  He said that the role of AI in our world is ever-expanding and this degree will give the university a chance to be at the forefront of research, development, and implementation. 

Engebretson said that faculty and staff at Dakota State have been building towards this opportunity for several years by adding faculty expertise and AI-specific curriculum.  

The bachelor’s degree in AI will be offered both on campus and online; 80 enrolled students and 20 graduates are anticipated within four years.

The bachelor’s degree in AI specific to business applications DSU is planning anticipates enrolling fifteen students in the first year of the program, with ten-to-fifteen new students enrolling in the program each year as it continues. 

  Currently, there are no artificial intelligence for business undergraduate programs in any public university in South Dakota or the region. The University of Minnesota is the only institution in the region that has a similar AI program.