Registration is open now for Miami Dade College’s 2024 fall term, which includes new programs that include Florida’s First Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence.
Miami Dade College (MDC) is a public college in Miami-Dade county and is among the most diverse institution in the nation. There are 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. It is the largest college in the Florida College System with more than 100,000 students in 300 distinct degree pathways across eight campuses and multiple outreach centers.
As per Gartner, 70% of the current workforce has yet to acquire the skills for their current jobs, and 80% of the current workforce doesn’t have the skills for their current and future roles. Limited AI expertise or knowledge is identified as the biggest barrier to AI adoption. Labor market projections indicate a growing demand for AI experts. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity projected more than 1,000 annual job openings in AI in South Florida with an average hourly wage of $45.58 and average annual salary of $94,815.
MDC’s AI Center
In July 2023, at a State Board of Education meeting, Miami Dade College (MDC) received approval to offer Florida’s first Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) which will prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce as AI Analysts, Natural Language Processing Specialists, Computer Vision Analysts, Machine Learning Specialists and AI Programmers. The curriculum also trains students to pursue advanced degrees in computer science or other STEM fields. The program will begin with the Fall Semester on August 26th, 2024.
Madeline Pumariega, MDC President
“There is a significant demand for AI professionals in our state, and MDC is poised to train that future workforce,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “We are proud to be leading the way to ensure students have the skills they need to succeed.”
Miami Dade College’s innovative Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence is designed to meet the fast-growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) professionals. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will be equipped to join the fascinating work of using AI-enabled systems in the workplace to streamline business processes, enhance decision-making, and provide exceptional customer experiences. The program additionally focuses on ethical standards and socially responsible practices in the implementation of these technologies and data-driven decision making.
MDC has been leading the way in AI education. Early last year, the College announced a new Associate in Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence and two new College Credit Certificates in AI. Both the associate and bachelor’s degrees are among the first in the nation. MDC is also home to two state-of-the-art AI Centers offering access to the latest technology.
On May 16th, MDC also announced it has partnered with Intel, an industry leader in creating world-changing technology, to implement the Intel® AI for Workforce Program, aimed at educating the next generation of technologists, engineers and inventors in artificial intelligence and help them launch successful careers in their chosen fields.
The Intel AI for Workforce Program, with technology support from Dell Technologies, helps students gain critical job skills in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. Intel will provide over 225 hours of AI content, including courses on data collection, computer vision, AI model training, coding, the societal impacts and ethics of AI technology, and more. In addition, professional training for school faculty and implementation guidance is offered by Intel.
“In partnership with Miami Dade College and Dell Technologies, we are committed to the re-skilling of the American workforce and to advancing diversity and inclusion to ensure that the next generation of technologists are prepared and provided opportunities for AI education”, said Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Intel executive vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group.
MDC is using this content to develop a stackable credential pathway in applied AI that will consist of a College Credit Certificate, Associate in Science and Bachelor in Science. Applied AI courses will also be available for community members looking for upskilling opportunities at MDC’s new AI Center, which is expected to open this fall. The first course, “AI Thinking,” will be offered during the fall term.
“The AI for Workforce Program provides a pathway for meeting the growing demand for a wide range of AI skillsets. It takes students from awareness to experience and completing a practical training. Intel curriculum’s objective and flexibility makes it a great match for MDC and our students” said Dr. George Gabb, lead faculty for AI programs at MDC.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for all AI courses and programs offered. For more information on AI at MDC visit: https://www.mdc.edu/aicenter.