The University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Science unveiled a groundbreaking initiative on Tuesday with the announcement of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This pioneering undergraduate major marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind among Ivy League institutions and stands among the earliest undergraduate degrees in Engineering and AI nationwide.According to the university, the program will equip students with essential mathematical and algorithmic foundations in AI techniques, coupled with practical experience in programming and utilizing AI tools. Offering a comprehensive curriculum, students will delve into cognitive science perspectives on intelligence, addressing the ethical considerations and solutions vital for the responsible advancement of AI technologies to serve society.

Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to select concentrations ranging from machine learning to robotics, tailored to their interests and career aspirations.Interim President of the University of Pennsylvania, J Larry Jameson, hailed the program as a significant leap forward for Penn engineers, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving the development and deployment of these transformative technologies for the betterment of humanity. Raj Singh, alongside his wife Neera, who have sponsored the degree program, expressed excitement about furthering their investment in Penn Engineering and nurturing the next generation of AI innovators.The inaugural cohort of this pioneering program is slated to commence in the fall of 2024. Applications for existing university students seeking to transfer into the 2024 cohort will open this fall, with applications for prospective students for fall 2025 becoming available in the autumn of 2024. The curriculum promises rigorous coursework covering diverse topics, including machine learning, computing algorithms, data analytics, and advanced robotics, underscoring the program's commitment to providing students with a comprehensive AI education.