Overview
Florida International University (FIU) is launching a new bachelor's degree in data science and artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare students for careers in rapidly evolving tech industries.
New Degree Launch at FIU
- FIU will offer a new bachelor's degree in data science and AI starting Fall 2024.
- The program aims to give students foundational knowledge in both data science and AI.
- The degree is designed in response to industry demand and community feedback.
- AI relies on data science for intelligent decision-making.
Degree Structure and Concentrations
- The curriculum includes courses in computer science, statistics, and mathematics.
- Students can specialize in one of three concentrations:
- Computational and Big Data Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Statistical Modeling
Career Opportunities and Industry Impact
- AI and data science skills are needed across sectors like construction, business, and health.
- Data scientists had a median wage of $108,020 in 2023.
- Employment for data scientists is projected to grow 35% through 2032.
FIU's Facilities and Research Initiatives
- Students will have access to a new Data Science Learning Center with NVIDIA A100-based servers.
- The technology supports learning on platforms similar to those used by large language models.
- About 20 FIU faculty members conduct grant-funded, AI-focused research.
FIU’s Strategic Vision
- The new degree and upcoming Innovation Complex reflect FIU’s commitment to advancing education and research in AI.
- FIU aims to produce leaders in emerging technologies.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Data Science — Field focused on extracting insights from numerical data using statistical methods.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) — Technology that enables machines to make intelligent decisions based on data insights.
- Big Data Analytics — The process of examining large datasets to uncover patterns and trends.
- Statistical Modeling — Using mathematical models to represent data relationships and predict outcomes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Interested students should explore FIU’s admissions process for the new degree.
- Stay informed about the launch of the Data Science Learning Center and related resources.