Mississippi State AI master’s program news adds another graduate pathway to Mississippi’s AI education and workforce landscape. Mississippi State University announced a new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program for students preparing for high-demand technology careers.
Source attribution: This post summarizes a Mississippi State University announcement. Read the original MSU source article.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi State launched a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program.
- The program is housed in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
- Students can take courses in person in Starkville or through online learning.
- The curriculum includes AI, machine learning, computing theory, and legal and ethical issues related to AI.
Mississippi State AI Master’s Program Overview
The new graduate program launches this fall. It builds on Mississippi State’s existing AI work, including an undergraduate AI concentration and a bachelor’s degree in the field.
Andy Perkins, interim head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, said the graduate program is a natural next step. He pointed to rapid advancements and growing demand in AI.
“Artificial intelligence has a rich history at Mississippi State, dating back to the founding of the Department of Computer Science in 1968,” Perkins said. “Students enrolled in the master’s program will engage with distinguished faculty actively conducting cutting-edge research in AI. 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.”
Curriculum and Student Pathways
The program is available to a broad audience of students. Mississippi State will offer in-person classes in Starkville and online learning options.
The curriculum gives students a foundation in AI and machine learning. It also includes electives in specialized application areas.
Students may tailor the program to their interests. Those interested in research may also pursue a thesis.
The curriculum includes 12 hours of foundational AI and machine learning courses. It also includes a computing theory course and a course on legal and ethical issues related to AI and computing.
Students may choose another 12 hours of electives. Those electives can strengthen fundamental knowledge or support applied AI work in domain areas.
Workforce Relevance
Perkins said the program is designed to give students practical experience.
“We are dedicated to providing practical experience that allows our students to apply AI methods in real-world contexts. 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,” he said. “The recent investments by Amazon Web Services in our region and the launch of the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program signify strong growth potential for AI careers locally and throughout the nation.”
MAIN’s statewide work supports the same broader goal. Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN) connects AI education, literacy, workforce training, responsible adoption, and practical implementation across Mississippi.