Nebraska's first Artificial Intelligence degree program now offered at UNO

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) – Applications are now open for the new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

The school recognizes that Artificial Intelligence is where much of the technology world wants to go, and it’s where they want their students to be able to go too.

The course is very flexible, which allows students to choose the area they will study and then take AI courses.

“The great thing about this degree, unlike many technology courses, is that we have deliberately designed it to be a welcoming degree,” said Mahadeven Subramania, head of the computer science department. “The requirements are relatively lower compared to courses such as other computing courses and computer science courses. Once you get the basics down, you can branch out into whatever you want to do. Lots of it. A lot of AI is being used in medicine, if you want to do that, maybe you can add it.”

While speaking to Subramania at length, he shared that this is a very important project for him. He has been an advocate for creating this program and ensuring that Artificial Intelligence is used for the right reasons.

“We really need to make sure that these AI systems are within these protective barriers,” Subramania said. “Especially as AI penetrates some of the sensitive areas which are civic areas.”

Subramania said he spent a lot of time working on this program and wants to teach about all sides of the ethical debate.

Martha Garcia-Murillo, dean of the College of Information, Science and Technology, said another reason they made this degree is to give Nebraska students a competitive advantage in all areas.

“They can really get a huge benefit from using this technology,” Garcia-Murillo said in reference to agriculture. “If we are very visionary, Nebraska could have a huge advantage as more and more farmers begin using this technology. This can actually not only significantly increase production but also reduce costs.”

As one of the only AI programs in the Midwest, Garcia-Murillo praises its uniqueness and hopes students from around the world will consider UNO for the new program.

“At the end of the day, everyone who pursues higher education wants to contribute, to do good,” Garcia-Murillo said. “So this is something that is really important to us to make sure that our students who are working with this technology in all the different areas of their interests are being utilized to have a positive impact.”

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