The University of Texas at San Antonio is creating a new college dedicated to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer science and data science in an effort to streamline programs and better position students for technology careers .
The university’s cybersecurity, AI, computer science, and data science-related programs are currently spread across multiple colleges. By bringing programs together under one roof, the university will be better positioned to leverage faculty from different disciplines and help students navigate programs in these emerging technology areas, said Jonathon Halbesleben, co-chair of the task force responsible for the creation of the new college. an interview with EdScoop.
“It’s kind of a natural progression to really bring these programs together under one college, one umbrella,” said Halbesleben, who works at the university as dean of the Carlos Alvarez College of Business. “We’re just trying to focus our resources and our capabilities on these areas so that we can really, truly do great things.”
By centralizing programs, faculty will be better positioned to collaborate on research, he added. Additionally, the new college will be located in downtown San Antonio and in close proximity to the university’s industry partners, which should help students jumpstart their careers, Halbesleben said.
“Ensuring that UTSA students are well-prepared for their chosen careers in a dynamic, transdisciplinary workforce is our most important responsibility,” said Acting Director of the Institute. UTSA, Heather Shipley, in a statement. Press release. “This initiative is driven by our commitment to fostering innovation, advancing research and providing educational excellence in related disciplines. »
The new college was largely driven by workforce demands and student interest, he said. Since 2019, the number of students enrolled in programs related to AI, cybersecurity, computer science and data science at the university has increased by 31%, and these fields of study have produced more than 1,000 graduated last year alone, according to the release.
The 30-person task force of faculty, staff, administrators and student representatives met for the first time Friday to begin gathering information to jump-start the planning process. Halbesleben said that while the task force plans to take inspiration from other universities that have launched similar colleges and programs, much of the planning process will be guided by faculty. He added that there are plans to involve stakeholders outside of UTSA in creating the new college.
“Beyond that, a lot of the inspiration will come from our professors and our actual efforts to harness what they think is possible,” Halbesleben said. “There may not be a perfect model, but we can create that model and be among the first to actually take that step.” »
