Doha, Qatar – The Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) is planning for a future where artificial intelligence is at the cornerstone of modern life, work and discovery. CMU-Q offers undergraduate programs in four key areas: biological sciences, business administration, computer science and information systems. In each of these areas of study, CMU-Q is ensuring graduates have the tools to shape an AI-driven world.

Artificial intelligence was invented at Carnegie Mellon more than a half-century ago, and continues to drive AI research, education, and applications globally.

Michael Trick has been a Carnegie Mellon faculty member for 35 years, and the dean of CMU-Q since 2017. As CMU-Q’s longest-serving dean, he has witnessed a profound change in the way universities must prepare students for their careers.

“We are in the midst of an AI-driven renaissance, and for many of our students, their future jobs simply do not exist yet. To prepare them, we encourage creativity, and exploration in other fields. And we challenge them to think of the impact their problems and solutions will have on others.

AI across disciplines

AI is an integral part of all four academic programs at CMU-Q. In computer science and information systems, students learn how AI works, how it can be applied, and how it can be refined and improved upon. The areas of study and research include natural language processing, machine learning, robotics, networks and systems, and cyber security, and much more. Simply put, AI touches on nearly every aspect of computer science and information systems.

Students in biological sciences also learn the basics of how artificial intelligence works. Students can opt to take courses or do research in computational biology, an area where AI has the potential to redefine the way we diagnose and treat disease. Precision medicine is possible because of AI, and this is an area where CMU-Q is training and mentoring students as scientists who can contribute to new discoveries, diagnoses, and treatments.

In business administration, students learn how to apply AI to analyze data and make decisions. AI is having a huge impact in many areas of business, and understanding how to apply these tools will be critical for new graduates. Earlier this year, CMU-Q launched a new AI+Finance certificate for students who are interested in how AI can be applied to decisions in the world of corporate and investment finance.

AI research initiatives

AI is part of the research activities in many areas of CMU-Q. Some of the current AI-related projects intersect with sustainability, improving how solar panels are cleaned and maintained and greenhouse plants are cared for. Over the years, several faculty members have also delved into language-related AI questions, including how AI can be used in Natural Language Processing (NLP) in Arabic, Turkish, and English.

Faculty members are also researching how to use generative AI to improve teaching and learning. At the heart of these research questions is the hypothesis that AI can enhance learning, particularly among those who are new to a subject. In many classes, faculty members have redesigned assignments and learning modules so students learn how to efficiently use AI tools.

Responsible AI

As AI becomes more powerful, so are the concerns about its shortcomings. Students are challenged to look at AI tools with a critical eye: how can we make AI outputs more transparent, fair, equitable and helpful. CMU-Q students receive a broad education in the arts and sciences alongside their major-specific coursework. This approach to education cultivates an awareness of the wider context of AI, and how it can be harnessed for positive societal impact.

The Future is AI

As CMU-Q begins its third decade, the world is in the midst of an AI-driven renaissance. CMU-Q’s 20-year anniversary is an opportunity to look ahead at how to have a deeper impact. CMU is a global leader in computer science, and the Qatar campus will continue to challenge the community to forge new paths in AI research and implementation. CMU-Q graduates–past, present, and future—will continue to lead the charge in a world that increasingly relies on AI-powered technology.