Artificial intelligence and developing societal trends are reshaping the future workforce. Institutions can temper the disruption by creating academic programs that correspond to the economy’s latest needs, according to a recent webinar by Gray Decision Intelligence.
The data software and service firm’s yearly outlook on the “5 Emerging Programs to Watch” found that artificial intelligence plays a nearly ubiquitous role in the future of higher education. The nation’s aging population and growing desire to disconnect digitally is also featured in this list.
Gray DI conducts research throughout the year across all sectors and disciplines to identify a range of programs that could disrupt the status quo—ranging from disciplines that are still highly speculative to those already forming and gaining traction.
Over the past few years, the webinar accurately forecast the rise of generative AI, such as ChatGPT; data analytics; and the creator economy, which is geared toward social media content creators and influencers.
“This analysis underscores the importance of understanding which programs can help your students and your institutions succeed in this dynamic and increasingly competitive landscape,” said Elaine Millar, assistant vice president of research.
AI infrastructure
Investment in infrastructure supporting data centers focused on maximizing AI’s potential is expected to reach $5.2 trillion by 2030. The demand for data center capacity could triple by 2030, requiring construction speeds at twice that of the last two decades combined, said Mary Upchurch, executive vice president of customer success.
At the same time, more AI data centers will exponentially increase the demand for natural resources and specialized workers supporting them.
“We’re witnessing an infrastructure moment related to the physical building blocks required to support the AI explosion,” Upchurch said. “It’s a capital expenditure tsunami, driving economic development in communities and a lot of conversations regarding resources.”
Research is needed to support the scale of development of AI data centers, chiefly in the areas of water, power, land, construction and human resources.
Program offerings available today:
- Maricopa Community Colleges (Ariz.): Data Operations Certificate
- University of California, Berkeley: Certificate in Global Digital Infrastructure
- University of Chicago: M.S. in Climate and Energy Policy
Physical AI
The next phase of innovation in artificial intelligence will be developing machines that don’t “just think, but move and interact with the world around us,” said Monica Bilson, senior project manager.
ElliQ is a proactive care companion robot offered today that assists seniors with independent living.
“Most robots wait for us to talk to it,” Bilson said. “These robots do the opposite; they check in on you.”
Gray DI foresees an increase in technician jobs requiring associate degrees to maintain and repair these robots’ complex systems. More four-year programs focused on computer science will connect students’ software coding to changes in the physical world.
Program offerings available today:
- Warren Community College (N.J.): Associate degree in Applied Robotics and AI
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Mass.): Robotics Engineering Department offers a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, a Ph.D., a minor and a graduate certificate.
AI in education
Teachers will soon be teaching “AI native” students, and state and federal guidance is emerging to help educators get up to speed with the technology’s classroom potential.
Amid the various edtech tools emerging for learners, the most fundamental aspects teachers should be aware of are why, when and how to incorporate AI in the classroom.
More on AI: Faculty worry there are several ways AI is harming students
When lesson planning, “educators need their pedagogical judgment” to discern whether “AI can be leveraged or put on the side to protect students’ core development,” said Youssef Aljabi, senior manager of data science and product.
The University of Florida launched “AI across the curriculum,” a university-wide initiative where all students are taught AI literacy and teachers are offered preparation programs.
The longevity economy
Adults over the age of 50 hold considerable economic power and continue to become a greater proportion of the U.S. economy. Senior adults seeking to stay engaged in society have created the “great unretirement” movement, said Ned Caron, executive vice president at Gray DI.
Older adults “are not just consuming healthcare,” he said. “They’re buying houses, starting businesses and looking for education. Lifelong learning is here, and it’s getting longer.”
Experts will be needed across healthcare, biology and education to maximize the livelihood of older adults, who desire a more dynamic retirement than previous generations.
Program offerings available today:
- University of Texas San Antonio: B.S. in Health, Aging and Society
- Northwestern University’s Potocsnak Longevity Institute tests methods to slow down aging
The attention economy
Everyday use of laptops, tablets and smartphones has alerted users and academic researchers alike to the scarcity and value of our human focus.
With excessive screen time strongly correlated to declining mental health, new academic programs can support “digital detoxing,” where humans separate from their devices and engage with the world around them.
“The most successful institutions are going to be those that pay attention to where culture, well-being and learning are intersecting and use that insight to design programs that feel relevant, grounded and human,” said Reeghan Gilden, manager of marketing.
Program offerings available today:
- Monmouth University (N.J.): M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling aligns counseling with nature
- Georgetown University (D.C.): The Digital Wellbeing research program studies the impact of technology on health, work and play.
