Artificial Intelligence Major.

Artificial Intelligence Major

Artificial Intelligence Major.

Overview of Artificial Intelligence Major

What is Artificial Intelligence?

 Artificial intelligence refers to the intelligence, characteristics, traits, and specific behaviors exhibited by devices and computer programs. AI enables these devices to simulate human cognitive abilities. It allows them to deduce, think, learn, and react to situations they are not pre-programmed for, which can be expressed as "Unsupervised."
 Artificial intelligence, abbreviated as "AI," is a branch of computer science. One of the most common definitions of AI is the design and construction of programmed systems that understand their surrounding environment and take actions that increase their chances of successfully achieving their intended tasks.
 Many computer scientists and AI inventors have formulated various definitions for artificial intelligence, which may differ from one scientist to another but all revolve around the same concept. Some of the common definitions of AI include:

• The science and engineering of making intelligent machines.
• The ability of a system to correctly interpret data, learn from it, and use the acquired knowledge to achieve specific goals and tasks through flexible adaptation.

 AI is considered one of the modern and cutting-edge technical sciences. It emerged in the 20th century, bringing with it significant achievements. In due course, machines are expected to be able to perform all tasks that humans do. Initially, AI was used in various fields, including logistics operations and data mining. Nowadays, it is even used in medical diagnosis, and the tasks performed by AI increase as technology advances. These are among the primary reasons why AI is expected to be a highly sought-after major in the future.

Do My Traits Lead Me to the AI Major?

 If you want to know how suitable the AI major is for your personality, scientific capabilities, and practical skills, ask yourself the following questions and consider the results. Don't worry if this major is not a perfect fit for you; there are dozens, if not hundreds, of other majors that may align with your interests and aspirations.

• Do I have sufficient analytical skills?
• Do I possess logical thinking skills?
• Am I a patient person?
• Am I passionate?
• Do I like to develop myself and keep up with technological advancements around me?
• Do I have good communication and interpersonal skills?
• Am I willing and eager to study a computer science-related major?
• Am I skilled and precise in handling technological devices?
• Am I highly observant and quick in performance?
• Can I handle office work and bear routine tasks?

Regarding scientific capabilities, you should have:

• The ability to learn English, as many courses in this major are taught in English, along with technical terms that must be learned, understood, and used.
• The ability to formulate problems and handle numbers is achieved through analytical and logical thinking skills.
• The ability to deal with graphs and statistics.
• The skills to work on, create, and design programs and systems.
• It is also important to have a good understanding of cognitive sciences such as psychology and philosophy, as building AI systems requires a deep study of the human mind, communication skills, perception, and emotions.
• Good skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, commonly referred to today as STEM skills.
• Computer skills.

Specializations and Branches of the Artificial Intelligence Major:

 The Artificial Intelligence major branches out from Computer Science; the field of Computer Science leads to the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, and without Computer Science, AI would not exist.

What is Computer Science?
 Computer Science is defined as the field where students analyze systems, and algorithms, study computer hardware and software, and the complex processes that occur within a computer. Studying this major includes acquiring skills in planning, analysis, organization, comparison, proof, problem-solving, and designing programming languages. It is the science that studies computing, data processing, theories, and applications.
 You might also be curious about the specializations that accompany the Artificial Intelligence major, i.e., the specializations that fall under Computer Science.

What are the specializations of Computer Science?

• Information Security.
• Software Engineering.
• Computer Applications.
• Computer Information Systems.
• Design and Visual Communication.
• Artificial Intelligence.
• Mobile Computing.
• Programming.

Do I need to be familiar with Computer Science to pursue an Artificial Intelligence major?
 Computer Science is foundational knowledge for Artificial Intelligence. You can read everything you need to know about the Computer Science major via the link below:

Computer Science: A Comprehensive Guide

Artificial Intelligence Major Courses:

The subfield of Artificial Intelligence revolves around:

• Specific technical problems.
• Application of special tools.
• Differences in opinions and theories.

The study content of the Artificial Intelligence major focuses on various fields, including expert systems, technical pattern recognition, self-correction, self-learning, neural networks, genetic algorithms, logic, and AI applications in solving problems in operations research, manufacturing systems, and robotic systems.

The study content of this major also includes:

• Data Mining.
• Advanced Mathematics.
• Engineering.
• Robotics.

 Generally, the curriculum, courses, and study plan for the Artificial Intelligence major include the following:

• Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals.
• Machine Learning.
• Human Languages Technologies.
• Distributed Systems.
• Intelligence Systems for Pattern Recognition.
• Smart Applications.
• Computational Mathematics.
• Data Analysis.
• Algorithm Engineering.
• Data Mining.
• Information Retrieval.
• Computational Neurosciences.
• Social and Ethical Issues in Computer Technology.
• Robotics.

 Note that these courses and their names and content may vary from one university to another, and some might include more or fewer courses. Some may be at an advanced level, while others have multiple tracks, but they all aim to achieve the same educational goals in studying Artificial Intelligence.

The Demand and Stagnation Rates of the Artificial Intelligence Major:

 The growing demand for technological majors continues to increase significantly overall. Our world has become a small village due to technology, and we cannot overlook our urgent needs. Technology has become the primary reliance for all aspects of life and our daily activities, making it almost impossible to read, study, work, or even engage in recreational activities without it.
 It is difficult to categorize this major among those that might become stagnant or oversaturated because it is one of the future's most sought-after fields.

What does demand for a major mean?
 Demand for a major means that the job market needs it, and thus its graduates can find employment.

What are stagnation and saturation?
 Stagnation and saturation occur when a major reaches a point of sufficiency in the job market of a particular country, making it difficult for its graduates to find jobs.
 Based on future predictions, the Artificial Intelligence major is expected to see a significant increase in demand. It is already experiencing high demand today. Unfortunately, this major is not available in most Arab countries but is taught as introductory and training courses or as part of more popular Computer Science majors. It is worth noting that AI itself is taught as a subject within the Computer Science curriculum and related fields.
 Reports and statistics indicate that the Artificial Intelligence major is expected to create more than 50 million jobs by 2022. Therefore, we can include AI among the university majors that meet the needs of the job market, both locally and globally, with fields like engineering, mathematics, and AI leading this list.

What are the future majors?

 You can read more and learn about the following future majors:

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Astronomy.
• Dental Technology.
• Renewable and Alternative Energy.
• Robotics.

Advantages of Studying Artificial Intelligence:

• Developing analytical and logical thinking skills.
• Gaining high problem-solving abilities on academic, professional, and personal levels.
• Enhancing competencies in Computer Science, particularly in data mining and information retrieval, which are prominent research topics recently.
• Opening doors to exciting and modern career, academic, and scientific paths.
• Working in one of the fastest-growing fields.
• Creating new future majors that were previously unavailable.
• Contributing to the flourishing of civilizations.
• Using technology correctly for our benefit.
• Developing new and improved methods for data and information preservation.
• Transforming information into knowledge and understanding.
• Acquiring extensive scientific knowledge, as graduates of this field get insights into various topics such as network systems, robotics, physics, mathematics, and calculus.
• Accessing job opportunities in leading global technology companies like Microsoft, Oracle, and Facebook.
• Inventing applications that simplify our scientific lives.
• Increasing demand for the major across all times and places.
• Supporting human workers by taking on dangerous tasks.
• High salaries.
• Challenging the human mind and understanding its capabilities.
• A lucrative field with high profits that doesn't require significant capital.

Disadvantages of Studying Artificial Intelligence:

• The presence of this major poses significant challenges and barriers to some cognitive sciences, such as philosophy, as AI claims to replicate and refine human cognitive abilities, which contradicts philosophy.
• High costs associated with this major.
• Facing many difficulties in developing software.
• A limited number of experts, scientists, and graduates in this field.
• Reduced social life and less interaction with people due to full-time study, work, self-development, and research.
• This major might lead to reduced human resources, and increasing unemployment rates due to full reliance on technology.
• Requires intense concentration and long hours of continuous work.
• A high level of intelligence and academic excellence is needed to prove one's competence and self-improvement.
• A somewhat difficult and complex field of study.
• It might become an addiction, taking over a person's thoughts and life.

Career Fields in Artificial Intelligence

• Specializing in programming
• Systems analysis and design
• Supervising computer and robotics operations
• Specializing in databases
• Working in education
• Computer engineering
• Specializing in machine learning

Possible employment sectors include:

• Ministries
• Schools
• Universities
• Libraries
• Research centers
• Companies
• Industrial institutions
• Professional institutions
• Artistic institutions

 Additionally, one can work in teaching and training others in the use of software and artificial intelligence.

Top Universities Offering Artificial Intelligence:

 Unfortunately, this major is not available in most universities in Arab countries. However, it is taught in top European universities, including:

1. Carnegie Mellon University: Founded in 1900, Carnegie Mellon is a private research university located in Pennsylvania, USA. It is one of the best universities for studying computer science and artificial intelligence.
2. Stanford University: Founded in 1885, Stanford is a private research university in California, USA. It opened its doors on October 1, 1889, and teaches in English, the official language of the United States.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Established in 1861, MIT is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was founded to keep pace with the technological advancements in the United States.
4. University of California, Berkeley: Founded in 1868, Berkeley is a public research university in California. It is one of the leading technological universities.
5. Harvard University: Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in America. It is a private, non-profit institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a prestigious academic reputation. Harvard consistently ranks among the world's top universities.
6. Yale University: Founded in 1701, Yale is a private research university in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. It is the third oldest and most prestigious university in the United States, known for its historic buildings from the 18th century. Yale was established to preserve European culture, traditions, history, and societal values.
7. Cornell University: Founded in 1865, Cornell is a private research university in New York. It aims to discover new information and knowledge and contribute significantly to theoretical and applied sciences.
8. University of Maryland: A public research university established in 1856, located in the USA. It is the main university in the Maryland university system and a member of the Association of American Universities.
9. Columbia University: Established in 1754, Columbia is a private research university in Manhattan, New York. It is the oldest university in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. Columbia contributes to economic growth through research in the private sector and awards the annual Pulitzer Prize for achievements in journalism, literature, and music composition.
10. The University of Texas at Austin: Founded in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin is a public research university in Texas, USA. It is the fifth-largest university by student enrollment.