New UTSA college to focus on AI, data science
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Higher education in San Antonio is evolving to meet the fast-growing need for a workforce with knowledge about artificial intelligence and technology.
Driving the news: The University of Texas at San Antonio will create a new college focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing, data science and other similar fields, the university recently announced.
- Officials have not determined an opening date yet.
Why it matters: Employers are seeking workers with AI and data science skills to take full advantage of the benefits of the technology.
- While existing UTSA programs in this field are currently spread across four colleges, the new hub will create a place for students and faculty to connect.
What they're saying: "These disciplines will remain intertwined for the foreseeable future," UTSA's president, Taylor Eighmy, said in a statement.
- Given the demand, the new college "will greatly accelerate UTSA's economic and workforce impact here in San Antonio, across Texas and nationally," he said.
Flashback: Last fall, UTSA launched a dual degree in medicine and AI — considered the first such degree in the nation.
- Meanwhile, UTSA's School of Data Science is the only one of its kind at a U.S. Hispanic Serving Institution and will begin a new certificate in data engineering this summer.
By the numbers: Nearly 6,000 UTSA students are enrolled in AI, cybersecurity, computing, data science and related fields already — a 31% increase since 2019, per the college system.
The big picture: Companies across industries are racing to figure out how to use AI to their benefit, including in health care, manufacturing and more.
- Demand for people with data science and natural-language processing skills is currently outpacing supply, a recent McKinsey study found.
State of play: Texas is a top state employing data scientists.
- The U.S. members of the Forbes AI 50 list, a showcase of promising AI companies, come from just four states — including Texas.
What's next: A task force led by two UTSA deans will examine partnership and research opportunities, regional workforce needs and more to help establish the new college.