The proliferation of artificial intelligence applications, in particular, in recent years has contributed to unprecedented advancements in industries such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing and more, as Organizations are harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to streamline processes and drive innovation. Amid the dynamic expansion of AI, as well as data science and cybersecurity, the demand for skilled professionals is reaching unprecedented heights.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, there are approximately 3.5 million job vacancies in cybersecurity and data science, highlighting the critical need for expertise in protecting digital assets and extracting meaningful insights from large datasets. In Texas alone, there are more than 46,000 job opportunities in these fields, as Cyberseek reports.
Computerworld analysis indicates a significant increase in job creation, with around five million positions emerging in 2022, spanning data science, AI/machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, product management and digital social media. Looking ahead, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 36% increase in data scientist jobs and a 35% increase in cybersecurity jobs nationally over the next decade.
In Texas, the growth trajectory is impressive, with a projected 26.5% increase in AI and data science jobs, highlighting the state’s central role in training the future workforce in these transformative areas.
In an email to UTSA faculty and staff, the interim dean and the senior vice president for academic affairs Heather Shipley announced the formation of AI, Cybersecurity, IT and Data Science Planning Advisory Working Group lead a planning exercise to create the new college. The task force is responsible for investigating student interests, regional workforce needs and partnership opportunities; explore multidisciplinary research opportunities; and recommend a collegial organizational structure that aligns these programs to improve student success, career preparation, and transdisciplinary research.
Jonathan Halbeslebendean of the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, and Jian Wei Niu, interim dean of University College, will chair the task force. Founding Director of the School of Data Science David Mongeau will guide external benchmarking and outreach through community charettes with San Antonio stakeholders and investigation of best practices at peer and aspiring institutions.
Shipley noted that similar initiatives led to the creation of the College for Health, Community and Policy in 2019 and the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design in 2021.
“Ensuring that UTSA students are well-prepared for their chosen careers in a dynamic transdisciplinary workforce is our most important responsibility,” Shipley said. “This initiative is driven by our commitment to fostering innovation, advancing research and providing educational excellence in related disciplines. Specifically, it seeks to amplify synergies between academic and research fields, fostering transdisciplinary collaboration that is essential to developing our students’ capacity to address complex and multifaceted challenges as future leaders in these fields.
UTSA has been a pioneer in the fields of AI, cybersecurity, computer science and data science. THE School of Data Science, established in 2018, is the only school of its kind at a Carnegie R1 U.S. Hispanic institution. He achieved significant milestones including securing $1.2 million for student training and research programs, hosting the 2023 Academic Data Science Alliance national annual meeting, and designing of a new certificate program in data engineering, which will be offered starting this summer. Saint Peter Ithe home of the School of Data Science in downtown San Antonio, is now a hub for more than 1,000 students and researchers.
Veronica SalazarUTSA Director of Business Development and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs, highlighted the strategic alignment of this initiative with UTSA’s investment in Downtown San Antonio and the San Antonio Technology Corridor. city.
“Through this initiative, we are not only investing in the intellectual capital of our students, but also contributing to the growth and vibrancy of downtown San Antonio,” Salazar said. “This initiative demonstrates UTSA’s commitment to providing a dynamic hub in the heart of our city for education, research and engagement, strengthening our role as a key player in the development of San Antonio . »
