AI degrees among new GVSU computing programs slated to strengthen Michigan tech talent pipeline
Feb 21, 2025
Grand Valley State University plans to offer bachelor's and master's degrees in Artificial Intelligence as part of an expansion of College of Computing programs to meet the increasing demands of industry partners for graduates versed in the rapidly advancing fields.
The university's Board of Trustees on Feb. 21 approved those AI programs, as well as new bachelor's and master's programs in software engineering that are slated to launch this year. The programs will provide key educational training that aligns with GVSU's Blue Dot initiative, which includes a commitment to enhance the tech talent pipeline for Michigan.
A hallmark of the Blue Dot initiative is collaborating with industry leaders to understand their workforce needs and using GVSU expertise to develop business solutions. These new programs are an outgrowth from that industry feedback to help meet the evolving demands of today and beyond.
"These new programs reinforce Grand Valley's commitment to providing the leading edge of technological training as we work with our industry partners to prepare students for the jobs that will propel Michigan into the future," GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said. "The Blue Dot ecosystem helps the tech sector envision what is yet to be and will provide the expertise and training to make it happen."
Board of Trustees Chair Beth Emmitt, left, and President Philomena V.
Mantella both commended the new programs in their remarks during the
Feb. 21 Board meeting.
The GVSU AI programs will set themselves apart by emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach that not only includes robust technological training but also human considerations for the application of AI, university leaders said. The programs will offer concentrations in such areas as ethics and bias or cybersecurity to help prepare students for developing technologies as well as assessing societal impact.
In addition, the software engineering programs will address an educational gap in West Michigan for this field by offering a comprehensive curriculum that helps address industry needs. The programs will offer a host of specialized engineering courses, such as in Artificial Intelligence or embedded software, to foster that breadth of preparation.
Jennifer Drake, acting provost and executive vice president for Academic
Affairs, lauded the programs' interdisciplinary approach.
"It is critical for us to provide an interdisciplinary focus to these career-connected programs so that students enter the workforce equipped with advanced technological training as well as strong skills in critical and creative thinking, collaborative teamwork, problem-solving and communication that we know employers value," said Jennifer Drake, GVSU acting provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. "Understanding how the human experience shapes and is shaped by this dynamic technology will help distinguish our graduates and position them for the future."
Economic research shows the development of both the AI and software engineering programs will help meet increasing employment demands for these specialized disciplines in a variety of sectors across Michigan, leaders said. For instance, market analysis from 2024 shows nearly 16,000 AI-related job postings from about 940 Michigan employers.
This advancement of College of Computing programs also dovetails with the commitment to support the West Michigan 10-year tech strategy to grow the Greater Grand Rapids region into a major tech hub of the Midwest.
College of Computing Dean Marouane Kessentini said industry partners are
providing key insight for the college.
Experiential learning is also at the heart of these programs as part of the Grand Valley learning experience. Internships, laboratory experiences and more provide optimal training for students and prepare them to immediately contribute to the dynamic tech landscape.
"Our industry partners play a crucial role in shaping our curriculum in collaboration with our faculty experts, ensuring our students receive cutting-edge training that directly aligns with workforce needs and the recent research advances in these fields," said College of Computing Dean Marouane Kessentini. "These new programs not only address immediate talent gaps but also provide students with rich experiential learning opportunities -- including internships, research, and entrepreneurial experiences -- so they graduate ready to innovate and lead in the evolving tech landscape."
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