This certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Analytics is the only one of its kind in the Commonwealth.
It’s been designed for any Western Kentucky University (WKU) student to add to their enrollment and will introduce key concepts in AI fundamentals, machine learning, applied data analysis, visualization and AI ethics.
Ray Blankenship is chair and professor of Analytics and Information Systems at WKU.
"For us, we think, you’re gonna be using AI when you get out into the real world, into the workforce and you need to be trained on how to use that AI,” he said. “How to think about the best uses of AI, 'what are some biases of AI, the ethical use of AI,' so that’s what we’re trying to accomplish with that certificate.”
He said that there are currently 10 students with the certificate on their enrollment, over 100 students expected to add it.
Blankenship also said that because of student and employer interest in AI, he believes more disciplines in the region will start to add it to their programs. This program will focus on AI in a business context.
“Most disciplines are integrating AI into their programs so you’ll be learning about how AI is used in that discipline,” he said. “For us, we’re usually on the cutting edge of technology and so we’re using those large language models and teaching students how they can be used in business.”
The certificate will replace the Computer Information Systems (CIS) minor. The minor required 18 credit hours, while the certificate only requires 12. It will also show up on a transcript for employers to see, unlike the CIS minor.
This change was made at the previous WKU Board of Regents Meeting, where the coming budget was approved, and a contract extension for University president Timothy Caboni.
Enrollment for the fall has been open for two months. Requirements for the certificate can be found here.
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