Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become present in many parts of our everyday lives —including the workplace. Global management consulting firm McKinsey projects that automation could take over 30 percent of tasks by 2030, and much of that shift will happen though Generative AI, which is a type of artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, that can create new content (text, videos, and images, for example) following a user’s prompt or request. Meanwhile, the Future of Jobs Report 2023 noted that 75 percent of companies expect to integrate big data and AI into their business processes within the next five years, which will impact employees at all levels.
Fortunately, the rise of AI in the workplace is expected to yield job prospects in the future. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is helping students meet the demand for professionals with AI expertise by launching a new online bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence in fall 2025. Students can choose from two tracks within the program’s future-focused curriculum: AI Applications or AI Developer.
We spoke with Elena Gortcheva, PhD, portfolio director of Data Science programs at UMGC about why now was the time for UMGC to introduce a bachelor’s degree in AI, what students will learn in their coursework, how the degree will help them excel in their career, and more.
Why was it important for UMGC to add an AI bachelor's degree program to its curriculum?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is underway with a key technology—artificial intelligence. The projections in market value show unprecedented growth of AI; the greatest obstacle to the growth of this sector is the lack of a skilled workforce across all industries. UMGC is adding the bachelor’s in artificial intelligence degree to directly address the AI skills gap. The BS in Artificial Intelligence aligns with UMGC’s commitment to offering high-quality, workplace-relevant academic programs that expand the range of credentials and career opportunities for working-adult and military-affiliated learners.
What type of coursework can students expect to take on in their AI classes?
The UMGC BS in Artificial Intelligence degree program offers two distinct tracks, catering to both those who want to leverage AI's power and those who want to build it. This unique dual-track approach allows students to tailor their education to their specific career goals.
The AI Applications track empowers students to become expert AI users. Students gain the ability to strategically integrate and leverage existing AI tools across various industries through coursework that emphasizes ethical interaction, maximizing productivity, and unlocking creative potential. This track equips graduates to translate business needs into actionable AI solutions, making them valuable assets in maximizing the impact of AI within their chosen fields.
Meanwhile, the AI Developer track offers a deep dive for students interested in AI’s technical side. This track is grounded in foundational AI concepts and responsible development practices and equips graduates with the technical skills to craft and implement innovative AI solutions. By delving into advanced Machine Learning (ML) and building expertise in areas like data science and mathematics, AI Developer track graduates are prepared to design and deploy cutting-edge AI applications, shaping the future of this transformative technology.
What skills will students learn in this degree program?
Students will learn various AI and ML techniques and applications as they earn their BS in Artificial Intelligence, including Python and associated libraries, deep learning, robotic process automation, and ChatBot. They will also discover generative AI techniques such as content creation, prompt writing and engineering, and generative adversarial networks (GANs).
Our curriculum also includes AI ethics, lessons in AI bias, governance, and responsible AI. Students will also gain critical skills in data management, analytics and visualization, decision-making, and communication.
What jobs and career paths will this program help students prepare for?
Our AI Applications Track is geared toward students seeking an end-user-focused or managerial role. Some of the positions our programs can help prepare them for are AI product manager, AI sales and marketing specialist, AI ethics specialist, and AI trainer.
The degree program’s AI Developer track is designed for students looking for a technical AI career. This program can help prepare students for roles such as AI or Machine Learning engineer, AI research scientist, computer vision engineer, robotics specialist, and deep learning engineer.
How will what students learn in their AI courses apply in the workplace?
Both tracks can be applied directly to any industry sector, whether it’s government, for-profit, or non-profit. The Applications and Developer tracks also fit with any employment field—business, management, cybersecurity, and information technology, are just a few of the fields they can be applied to.
The BS in Artificial Intelligence program is designed with industry input and geared toward making sure the next generation of AI professionals are well-trained and ready to contribute to the workplace on their first day! Our modern and career-focused curriculum will allow you to gain in-depth experience and to use machine learning and AI techniques and help solve real problems that today’s—and tomorrow’s—organizations face.
Assignments have a project format and provide hands-on experience so that students can apply what they have learned with different AI emerging tools and software. We are following the industry trends in this direction, and students get exposed to cutting edge technology, including Python, Amazon Web Services, Tableau, SQL, IBM Watson Cognitive, and Google Colab. Students will also use Generative AI/Large Language Model platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Meta Llama, Anthropic Claude, and Perplexity.
As an industry expert, what do you think is the most important AI trend today that will affect graduating students?
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and Claude are redefining how work is done in fields like marketing, programming, research, and design. Students who can effectively leverage generative AI for problem-solving, content creation, and decision-making will have a significant advantage.
What advice would you give new students still deciding if they want to pursue this degree?
Consider taking a few courses in the Undergraduate Certificate in AI Foundations to test the waters. Additional math and programming are not required until after the undergraduate certificate. It will help you attain a comprehensive understanding of AI, from introductory concepts to practical techniques and examples and their modern applications. The certificate prepares professionals from any discipline with the minimum skill set that employers require today.
Additionally, I recommend learning how to use AI tools effectively; AI won’t replace you, but someone who knows how to use AI might. Students should also develop problem-solving and adaptability skills to thrive in an AI-augmented workforce and stay updated on AI regulations to navigate future career opportunities. It will be helpful to also understand AI ethics and responsible AI practices to ensure AI is used fairly and transparently.
What excites you about this program?
Two things in particular that have me excited are the possibility to prepare professionals with hands on skills, ready for the workforce and also having the flexibility in the curricula to bring domain knowledge from any employment field and tailor to student’s future career.
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
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