FAU Receives University of Distinction Approval

Applied AI and Big Data

(Photo by Alex Dolce)

By brittany sylvestri | 11/22/2019

FAU’s “University of Distinction” plan for applied artificial intelligence and big data analytics was officially approved today by the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the State University System.

This official distinction will enhance and expand degree offerings at the University and promote AI and data-driven engagement with its region’s technology industry.

“FAU is preparing students to be competitive in a rapidly changing global economy,” said FAU President John Kelly. “This distinction will further elevate the University’s reputation in applied AI and big data analytics.”

The university is continuing to launch as well as expand a number of degree programs, concentrations and certificates that will contribute to FAU’s classification as a “University of Distinction” for its AI/data programs. Notable examples include:

The Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College launched both a major concentration in data analytics and a minor concentration in data science, which focuses on disciplinary knowledge and the emerging field of the ethics of data use.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science offers a Ph.D. in computer science with a concentration in data analytics.
In June, FAU’s Board of Trustees approved a new master’s in artificial intelligence, launched in the fall by the College of Engineering and Computer Science as the first program of its kind in the State of Florida.
In June, FAU’s Board of Trustees also approved a new master’s in data science and analytics.
In June, FAU announced a $1 million gift from Rubin and Cindy Gruber to establish The Rubin and Cindy Gruber Sandbox to house the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science’s Machine Perception and Cognitive Robotics Lab (MPCR) within the S.E. Wimberly Library at FAU’s Boca Raton campus.

“FAU’s focus on artificial intelligence and big data aligns well with the State University System’s 2025 strategic and accountability plans,” said Marshall Criser III, chancellor of the State University System. “FAU will help our state establish a more diverse AI/data workforce.”

FAU currently has more than 80 faculty researchers and $35 million in active grants in artificial intelligence and data.

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