MANKATO — Minnesota State University is answering a rapidly expanding need for skilled robotics and artificial intelligence professionals by launching two new programs this fall.
MSU’s new robotics engineering bachelor’s degree program is the first and only robotics degree program in Minnesota, and its artificial intelligence master’s degree program is the first and only graduate program of its kind in the Minnesota State system.
Mohammad Alam, dean of MSU’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology, said it’s important for the university to keep pace with industry demands.
“We try to offer programs that are niche and that support emerging needs from industry and governmental agencies,” he said. “We also like to keep pace with national trends and want to make sure we produce graduates who support those needs.”
He anticipates 25 students will round out both the robotics and AI programs come fall. For the new AI program, MSU already has 13 applicants, Alam said.
Rajeev Bukralia, associate professor and graduate coordinator in the Computer Information Science department and program director for the new AI program, said Minnesota has many Fortune 500 companies headquartered here that are seeking AI experts.
“But AI and its growth trajectory isn’t limited to big companies,” he said. “Even smaller companies and mid-sized companies are looking at the potential of AI to create better opportunities for them. So as a state institution of higher education, we want to help address the growing demand for AI professionals in the industry.
“If we produce well-trained and well-rounded AI professionals, then they will have a positive impact on the world, which is another part of our mission.”
As for the new robotics bachelor’s degree, Xuanhui Wu, chairman of the Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology department, said you can look no farther than statewide high schools for droves of students interested in robotics.
There’s strong demand from students for a college program in Minnesota, Wu said.
“If a student in Minnesota would like to pursue a degree they need to move out of state,” he said. “We see a lot of high school kids with an interest in robotics. We have a strong need from students and we want to compete with neighboring states.”
Upon completion of the two-year AI masters and the 4-year robotics bachelors, MSU graduates should have no problem finding jobs, faculty say.
The demand for AI professionals will continue to grow, Bukralia said.
“We want to make sure our students have the opportunity to learn about this exciting field for their career prospects,” he said, “but also to make a positive impact on society.”
Wu said most engineering majors have no problem finding jobs after graduation, and he expects the same to be true for the MSU robotics graduates.
“The introduction of these cutting-edge degree programs will provide exceptional opportunities for students to stay in the forefront of the latest technological advancement in the emerging fields of robotics and AI,” Alam stated in a press release.
Alam went on to say that the curricula offers a robust theoretical foundation, coupled with practical skills essential for developing impactful robotics and AI solutions in a variety of industries, including agriculture, construction, finance, health care and manufacturing.
Students will gain hands-on experience in planning, designing, building, evaluating and deploying robotics and AI solutions for various applications. Additionally, Alam stated in the release that these programs emphasize responsible robotics and AI practices by exploring the ethical, legal, social and organizational implications of AI applications.
Alam said that through industry-based research projects, students will tackle real-world challenges, preparing them to navigate the complexities of robotics and AI deployments in various sectors.
“MSU is the second largest public university in the state of Minnesota and it is the flagship in the Minnesota State system, so it’s important for us to stay ahead of the curve,” Bukralia said. “We want to deliver programs in emerging fields that can help address the needs of the industry and of society.”