The University of Texas at San Antonio is creating a new college specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing and data science to streamline programs and better position students for careers in technology. Masu.
The university’s cybersecurity, AI, computer science and data science programs are currently distributed across multiple universities. By combining programs under one roof, universities will be able to leverage faculty from a variety of disciplines to help students navigate programs in these emerging technology fields, which will help found new universities. said Jonathan Halbesleben, co-chair of the task force responsible. Interview with Ed Scoop.
“It’s kind of a natural progression to bring these programs together under one university, under one umbrella,” said Halbesleben, dean of the university’s Carlos Alvarez School of Business. “We’re really trying to focus our resources and capabilities on these areas to do some really great things.”
Centralizing the program will make it easier for faculty to collaborate on research, he added. Additionally, the new university’s location in downtown San Antonio and close proximity to the university’s industry partners should help students get a jump start on their careers, Halbesleben said.
“Ensuring that UTSA students are well-prepared for their chosen careers in a dynamic interdisciplinary workforce is of the utmost importance to us,” said UTSA Interim President Heather Shipley. It’s a responsibility.” press release. “This work is driven by our commitment to fostering innovation, advancing research, and providing excellent education across related fields.”
The new university was driven primarily by workforce demand and student interest, he said. Since 2019, the university has seen a 31% increase in the number of students enrolled in AI, cyber, computing and data science-related programs, with more than 1,000 graduates from these degree fields in the last year alone, according to the release. It is said that he has produced many
The 30-person task force, made up of faculty, staff, administrators and student representatives, met for the first time on Friday to begin gathering information to jump-start the planning process. Halbesleben said the task force plans to draw inspiration from similar universities and other universities that have started programs, but much of the planning process will be guided by faculty. He added that there are plans to involve stakeholders outside of UTSA in the creation of the new university in the future.
“More than that, a lot of the inspiration comes from our faculty and really trying to leverage what they think is possible,” Halbesleben said. “There may not be a perfect model, but we can create one and actually do this step first.”