MGA To Offer University System’s First B.S. In Applied Artificial Intelligence

Author: Sheron Smith
Posted: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 12:00 AM
Categories: Pressroom | Students | School of Computing | Faculty/Staff

Macon, GA

Middle Georgia State University is set to become the University System of Georgia’s first institution to offer a Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI), designed to prepare students for careers in a fast-moving industry.

The USG’s Board of Regents approved the degree program on Tuesday, February 11.  MGA will launch the degree this fall and base the program on the University’s Warner Robins Campus.

Middle Georgia State (MGA) expects an initial enrollment of 65 students, with significant growth over the next few years.

“We are grateful for the confidence and support of the University System as we pioneer this AI degree program,” said Dr. Alex Koohang, dean of MGA’s School of Computing. “Our degree will prepare students to thrive in an era where AI technology is transforming industries and societies globally. It was strategically designed to address Georgia’s key economic sectors in agriculture, aerospace, logistics, and others as they use AI more and more to optimize their operations and foster innovation.”

Dr. David Jenks, MGA’s provost, said the “first-of-its-kind undergraduate program” emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary learning and will prepare students for immediate workforce entry.

“This strategic degree directly aligns with the University System’s broader objective to develop a robust pipeline of AI professionals,” he said, “It’s designed to ensure that graduates are equipped to progress within the system and contribute directly to Georgia's economic development as we continue to be the best state to do business.”

Applied AI is the practical use of artificial intelligence technologies to address real-world issues. It focuses on developing and using AI tools to improve industries such as healthcare, business, cybersecurity, and more. Instead of only studying theories, MGA students will learn and develop ways to apply AI to make tasks smarter and more efficient.

For example, Georgia agriculture industry is leveraging AI technologies in precision agriculture, pest control, and supply chain management. The aerospace sector, supported by major players such as Lockheed Martin and Gulfstream Aerospace, is employing AI in aircraft design, predictive maintenance, and advanced safety systems.

Dr. Kevin Floyd, the School of Computing’s associate dean, said applied AI also supports Georgia’s manufacturing, film and TV production, and financial industries. In addition, Robins Air Force Base, a key economic driver in the region, relies on AI for logistics optimization, contracting, predictive analytics, and advanced simulation technologies.

“By addressing the immediate and future demands of Georgia’s economy, the applied AI program solidifies MGA’s role as a leader in workforce development,” Floyd said.

Graduates of the program could build careers in a variety of areas, including market research analysis, agri-tech data science, logistics, transportation planners and distribution managers, AI solutions architects, compliance managers, and computer and information system managers, among many other roles.

Coursework in the new degree program will have several areas of focus for students to choose from: data science, advanced AI, and project leadership.

Prospective students of MGA’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence may contact Dr. Myungjae Kwak, chair of the Department of Computer Science, at myungjae.kwak@mga.edu for additional information.