News Summary
Rhode Island College has initiated the state’s first bachelor’s degree program in artificial intelligence, addressing the surge in interest within this fast-evolving field. The program aims to equip students with essential skills for developing AI applications while emphasizing ethical practices. Alongside the degree, RIC also offers two minors in AI, reflecting its commitment to provide varied educational pathways. The initiative is backed by a significant bond issue aimed at technological upgrades, positioning RIC as a pivotal resource in the AI workforce landscape.
Providence, Rhode Island – Rhode Island College (RIC) has launched the state’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on artificial intelligence (AI), responding to the rising interest in this rapidly evolving field. This program seeks to equip students with essential skills to develop advanced AI applications similar to those of Midjourney, which utilize large language models to generate content.
The newly established AI degree program incorporates a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes ethical considerations in the development and application of artificial intelligence. This approach ensures that graduates not only understand how to create AI systems but also grasp the associated risks and responsibilities. The program’s integration of ethical discussions, such as the traditional trolley problem regarding AI decision-making, is led by Associate Professor Leonardo Pinheiro, who teaches the course “Application and Impact of AI.”
In addition to the main degree program, RIC offers two minors related to artificial intelligence, reflecting the institution’s commitment to provide diverse educational opportunities within the field. This initiative aligns with the college’s Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies, which recently benefitted from a $160.5 million bond issue approved by Rhode Island voters aimed at upgrading facilities and technology at both RIC and the University of Rhode Island.
Currently, RIC boasts an enrollment of 386 students engaged in AI courses. This number includes a blend of double majors and those pursuing minors, highlighting the growing interest in AI education. Tim Henry, the associate professor and head of the AI program, has noted that the curriculum focuses on preparing students for a workforce that is increasingly integrating AI technologies.
The introduction of RIC’s AI degree comes amid a broader focus on ethical AI usage throughout the K-12 education system. Initiatives like the LIFT AI Act aim to address the implications of AI and ensure that its implementation is responsible. Furthermore, to address community concerns regarding the potential misuses of AI—including data accuracy and bias—the Rhode Island AI Task Force has been established by Governor Dan McKee, chaired by former U.S. Representative Jim Langevin. This task force is tasked with investigating responsible AI use within the state and is currently conducting a survey to gather public insights on AI concerns, with responses accepted until May 9, 2025.
Concerns about artificial intelligence have been widely discussed, including issues related to data security, accuracy, and the ethical implications of data collection and AI deployment. To mitigate these issues, educational institutes like RIC are highlighting the importance of ethical responsibilities in technology development.
Students at RIC are already putting their skills to practical use by exploring real-world applications of AI. For instance, RIC junior Sonya Cheteyan is developing AI-driven chatbots and predictive models using programming languages like Python. This hands-on experience is crucial as AI technologies become more integrated into various sectors, sparking significant public interest and raising questions about their future applications and implications.
As the demand for skilled professionals in artificial intelligence continues to grow, Rhode Island College’s innovative program positions itself as a vital resource for students aiming to navigate the complexities of this transformative field. With a focus on both technical mastery and ethical practice, RIC’s AI program is set to play an important role in shaping the future of technology in Rhode Island and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- Rhode Island Current
- Google Search: Rhode Island Artificial Intelligence
- Brown Daily Herald
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island AI program
- What’s Up Newp
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Artificial Intelligence
- Rhode Island Current
- Google News: AI policy Rhode Island
