KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 13, 2024

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia today approved a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) degree program at Kennesaw State University, beginning in the Fall 2024 semester.

Only the second school in Georgia with a master’s degree in AI, Kennesaw State will help meet the increasing demand for professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence. The interdisciplinary MSAI will be housed in the College of Computing and Software Engineering, expanding on the existing Artificial Intelligence Concentration in KSU’s Department of Computer Science.

“The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence reaffirms our University’s commitment to providing cutting-edge education to our students while serving the evolving needs of the state of Georgia and beyond,” said Kennesaw State President Kathy Schwaig. “The MSAI will offer students a dynamic learning environment that fosters collaboration and creativity as we develop a new generation of AI leaders.”

The MSAI will incorporate existing curriculum and research strength in computer science, data science, information technology and software engineering. The interdisciplinary program will prepare students for jobs such as an AI application developer, ethics researcher, product manager, research scientist, solutions architect or algorithm developer.

“At a time when technological advancements are transforming business and industry at an unprecedented pace, we recognize the significance of artificial intelligence in shaping workforce readiness,” said Ivan Pulinkala, KSU’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The MSAI degree will not only equip our students with the necessary skills and expertise to thrive in diverse career fields, but also empower them to be at the forefront of innovation and problem-solving.”

MSAI graduates will enter the artificial intelligence field that is expected to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Global Artificial Intelligence Study. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of computer and information research scientists, including AI professionals, will grow 21 percent between 2021 and 2031 – a much faster rate than the 5 percent average for all occupations.

“Our master’s program will emphasize hands-on learning and practical experience, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges in AI,” said Sumanth Yenduri, dean of the College of Computing and Software Engineering. “By embracing the limitless potential of artificial intelligence, we are preparing our students to meet the industry needs of tomorrow while catalyzing positive change across various sectors.”

Along with their coursework and research opportunities, the master’s degree students will gain AI knowledge through internships, collaborative assignments, and capstone courses and projects. The 30-credit hour MSAI program typically will take full-time students a year and a half to complete, but it will be possible to complete in one year (three semesters).

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.