Mercyhurst redefines Data Science major, giving AI top billing
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) grows in popularity as a field of study in higher education and the job market surges with demand for AI specialists, Mercyhurst University is rising to meet the burgeoning interest from students.
Instruction in AI has been part of the university’s popular Data Science major for more than six years, predating the rise of AI and ChatGPT to mainstream prominence. To reflect the wide-ranging nature of the major, Mercyhurst is now updating its degree as a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, effectively immediately, said Dr. Chris Mansour, chair of the Computing & Information Science (CIS) Department. Further, the university intends to offer a technical minor in Artificial Intelligence in the fall.
“This exciting change reflects the program's comprehensive curriculum, which already includes robust coursework in core AI components—machine learning, natural language processing, and big data,” Mansour said. “Students can now earn a B.S. in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, gaining a distinct advantage in this rapidly evolving field.”
Mansour often addresses the perks and pitfalls of AI as a subject matter expert for local media and various community organizations. Case in point, he is a panelist in a program titled, “The Code of Tomorrow: Navigating AI's Ethical Frontiers," presented by the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society at Mercyhurst University. The discussion is Jan. 14 in Walker Recital Hall beginning at 7 p.m.
"AI holds the promise to not only transform the way we live but to elevate the human experience,” Mansour said. “The real potential lies in its ability to empower creativity, expand human decision-making, and solve the most complex challenges of our time. Our responsibility is to ensure this future is guided by ethics and a commitment to the betterment of all humanity."
Mansour shared various AI tools the CIS Department has implemented to benefit students, systems, and communities. Among them:
- AI Advising Assistant: This AI tool guides students to prepare for appointments with their academic advisors, tailoring course recommendations based on their major requirements and interests. The result is better-prepared students, streamlined advising processes, and a noticeable increase in both student and advisor satisfaction.
- AI Study Buddy: This bot provides students with a virtual teaching assistant for Mansour’s classes. Through the chat function, and using only Mansour’s teachings, students can ask the bot to clarify lessons, provide practice tests, and interact with it to brainstorm project ideas, allowing for a deeper understanding of the materials and higher levels of preparedness. It is accessible 24-7, so students can work at their own pace and schedules, like nights and weekends when Mansour may not be available to answer questions.
- AI American Sign Language Translation Project: Overseen by Dr. Mahesh Maddumala, this student project uses AI to bridge communication gaps for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. As a person communicates via American Sign Language (ASL), the new translation system conveys the gestures into sentences. Thus, beyond its technical merits, the project has significant social implications. It paves the way for more inclusive communication technologies to reduce barriers in education, healthcare, and public service for ASL users.
“By integrating AI into hands-on learning and research, we equip students with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven future while creating solutions that address real-world challenges,” Mansour said.
In a related development, Mercyhurst’s Master of Science in Data Science has been ranked 17th in the nation by Fortune Recommends. Even more impressive, the program secured the 4th spot for affordability, making it an accessible and high-value option for aspiring data scientists.
PHOTO: Dr. Chris Mansour engages with students in Mercyhurst classroom.