In an era where technology rapidly evolves, Pennsylvania College of Technology is taking significant strides to shape the future of artificial intelligence education. This institution, nestled in Northcentral Pennsylvania, is set to introduce two new minors that align with the soaring relevance of AI in modern industries.
Come fall, students at the college can enroll in Artificial Intelligence in Industry & Society and Artificial Intelligence Foundations & Applications, enriching their learning in fields that are increasingly intertwined with AI advancements. These programs are designed to supplement the school’s existing STEM offerings, which already play a critical role in supporting the AI-driven economy. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, AI could add as much as $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
Brad Webb, dean of the School of Engineering Technologies, emphasized the importance of these developments. “A lot of the majors that our students do are what’s going to allow AI to be effective as we move forward,” Webb stated, highlighting the institution’s commitment to preparing students for an AI-enhanced society.
Introducing New AI Minors
Each of the new minors offers a distinct perspective on AI. Andrea Campbell, the assistant dean of curriculum and instruction, explained that Artificial Intelligence in Industry & Society focuses on the theoretical and societal implications of AI across various disciplines. This minor aims to instill an understanding of the ethical use and AI literacy essential for future careers.
Conversely, the Artificial Intelligence Foundations & Applications minor emphasizes technical skills, including algorithm development and software creation. Campbell notes, “This is the one that students will explore the theory and hands-on experience of AI, learning about how these systems function, the study of the advanced topics, and really gain experience building and working and networking with these AI tools and libraries that are affecting all the industries that we service here at Penn College.”
Both minors share a foundational course, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, which covers key AI concepts and applications, equipping students with the critical thinking skills necessary for engaging responsibly with AI technologies. Additionally, AI in Business & Society is a course tailored to the Artificial Intelligence in Industry & Society minor, exploring AI’s transformative impact on the workplace. Students in the Artificial Intelligence Foundations & Applications minor will also take a course in Deep Learning, a key driver of technological advances like computer vision and natural language processing.
“I’m really excited for these two minors,” Campbell expressed. “I think it’s just another step in the direction of making sure that we remain a leader in applied technology education and that our graduates are leaving with relevant, supportive information needed to make sure that they are successful in their careers.”
Preparing for the AI Economy
Penn College graduates are already making their mark in AI-related fields, with many involved in automation, robotics, and IT. These professionals apply AI in their work, while others, such as network builders, contribute to the essential infrastructure.
“The types of programs we create, which are very centered in industry needs, are always going to be necessary,” Webb emphasized. He added, “We’re going to make minor, incremental changes to our programs to adopt these new technologies, and I think we’re still going to be putting out phenomenal graduates who can really make a difference across a number of industries… So I just think this is going to make us better.”
