Miami Dade College launching three new AI programs

After opening its AI Center less than a month ago at its Wolfson Campus, Miami Dade College’s (MDC) School of Engineering and Technology is launching three new college-level artificial intelligence (AI) programs this fall – the first of their kind in the state.

Approved by the Florida Department of Education, MDC will be the first in the US to offer an associate degree in science in applied artificial intelligence.

Using the AI centers in Wolfson and North campuses as hubs, the AI degree will prepare students to fill the rising demand for professionals with technical expertise, such as AI developers or AI specialists.

This program provides students with an understanding of AI’s lifecycle management and the ethical considerations relevant to its design and implementation. Students also learn machine learning, data collection, classification, natural language processing, the functions of AI virtual assistants, and techniques used in AI for computer vision as domains to build AI solutions, among other concepts and popular tools.

MDC also received approval to offer two new college credit certificates in AI for those seeking to learn the fundamentals of AI and sharpen skills. The 9-credit in artificial intelligence awareness is designed to provide students from any field with an understanding of AI concepts and applications.

Students will learn about AI’s role in various industries and how these technologies may be applied in their fields. The 18-credit program in artificial intelligence practitioner is designed for students seeking to develop the technical skills required for real-world AI applications. The program covers data management, machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.

“Now, what we’re doing in the summer is working with the faculty to start teaching VR and VR-enhanced courses that you can actually take a portion of the classroom virtual reality,” said Antonio Delgado, MDC’s vice president of innovation and technology partnerships, “where you’re interacting with the faculty and other students from anywhere in the world.”

In recent years, the global artificial intelligence market has experienced significant growth. By offering these new programs, MDC is creating pathways for students to gain knowledge about AI technologies and develop a range of skills, from basic awareness to technical expertise.

“We had representatives from so many different local companies, from the food industry, fashion and healthcare companies, learning on how to incorporate AI into their businesses,” said Michael Mannino, the AI Centers’ manager. “From an industry perspective, we feel that we have to also disrupt the market to let companies understand, especially in small-medium companies, how can we support them and so they don’t stay behind.”

In an effort to make AI education more accessible and affordable for local residents, MDC’s School of Engineering and Technology will offer scholarships for all new AI courses offered in the fall 2023 semester, which begins Aug. 21. MDC will also host an information session on the new AI programs and scholarships available at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at the MDC AI Center Wolfson Campus, at 300 NE Second Ave.

“Miami Dade College will continue leading the way in artificial intelligence training in South Florida, and beyond,” said Madeline Pumariega, the college’s president. “As AI continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to prepare a workforce with the necessary skills to succeed in this dynamic, in-demand industry.”

Details: www.mdc.edu/aicenter/programs/.