Opening: Practical Orientation and Era Significance of UNO’s Artificial Intelligence Program
OMAHA, Neb. — From optimizing energy consumption with an AI assistant developed for the Omaha Public Power District to honing athletic skills through an AI archery coach and training simulator, students enrolled in the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)’s Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program are not merely learning about AI—they are developing projects that solve real-world problems. What makes this initiative even more impactful? It is part of a broader effort to prepare Nebraska’s workforce for an era where AI is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a foundational tool across every industry, from healthcare to manufacturing.
Industry Support: Local Enterprises Facilitate Program Approval
“Local companies have been extremely enthusiastic about this program. They wrote many of the support letters that were crucial in getting us through the approval process,” says Mahadevan Subramaniam, a professor at UNO.
Program Background: A Young and Scarce Undergraduate AI Program
The program is only one year old. Martha Garcia-Murillo, Dean of the College of Information Science and Technology, notes that when the program was established, there were only 22 other similar undergraduate AI programs across the United States.
Founding Purpose: An Educational Response to the Rapid Advancement of AI
“AI is evolving so quickly, and we needed to step up to continuously provide high-quality, relevant education in this field,” Garcia-Murillo stated.
Program Development: Faculty Support and Cross-Disciplinary Practice (Including Application in Syringe Assembly Equipment)
Leveraging the expertise of a strong faculty specialized in AI—such as Professor Subramaniam, also known affectionately as “Professor Subu”—the university developed its Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program. Beyond projects focused on energy and sports, students are also exploring how AI can enhance critical manufacturing sectors. For example, some students are developing AI-powered quality control algorithms for Syringe Automatic Assembly Equipment, a key tool in medical device manufacturing. These algorithms use computer vision to detect microscopic defects in syringe components (such as uneven plunger seals or tiny cracks in barrels) in real time. This not only ensures the equipment meets strict healthcare safety standards but also boosts assembly efficiency by cutting manual inspection time by up to 60%.
Training Orientation: Attracting Talent in Computer Science to Deepen Expertise in AI
“The undergraduate program was primarily designed with this goal in mind: we want to encourage more professionals with backgrounds in computer science to pursue a major in AI,”
Subramaniam explains.
Student Appeal: Abraham’s Cross-Disciplinary Choice
The program became available this year, and students like Ashita Abraham were drawn to the opportunity it offers.
Student Perspective: Abraham’s View on the Future of AI
“The future will be purely dependent on AI in one way or another,” says Ashita Abraham, a senior in the bachelor’s program.
Academic Plan: Abraham’s Path to a Triple Major
After enrolling in the AI program, Abraham is now pursuing three majors simultaneously.
Curriculum Articulation: Abraham’s Advantage in Pursuing the AI Major
“Since I have already completed most of the coursework in computer science and cybersecurity, I only need to take two or three additional AI courses plus an AI capstone project to earn the AI major,” Abraham says.
Development Plan: Advancing to a Master’s Program Following the Success of the Undergraduate Program
Buoyed by the success of its undergraduate AI program, UNO is now working to launch a master’s degree in AI. The goal is to cater to students seeking specialization in specific tracks, such as data science or AI research.
Master’s Program Goal: Enabling Specialized Breakthroughs in AI Based on Students’ Backgrounds
“We want to give every student the opportunity to leverage their unique academic and professional backgrounds to specialize in AI,” Subramaniam remarks.
Regional Value: The Dean’s View on AI Education and Nebraska’s Economy
Dean Garcia-Murillo believes that the addition of the master’s program will further contribute to Nebraska’s economic development.
Significance of Educational Investment: AI Talent as a Core Pillar of the State’s Workforce
“It is essential for the state of Nebraska to continue investing in cutting-edge education and degree programs like this, because we are cultivating the workforce that will drive the state’s growth,” Garcia-Murillo emphasizes.
Conclusion: Long-Term Value and Future Outlook of UNO’s AI Program
As AI transforms industries from healthcare to agriculture—whether by streamlining supply chains, improving public services, or unlocking innovations like AI-enhanced Syringe Automatic Assembly Equipment—UNO’s initiatives are not just educating students: they are ensuring Nebraska remains competitive in a global economy where AI expertise is in high demand. For students like Abraham, and for local businesses eager to hire AI talent, this program is more than a pathway to a degree—it is a bridge to a future where AI does not merely “exist” but empowers people to build better, more efficient, and more inclusive communities. And with the upcoming master’s program, this bridge will only grow stronger, directly connecting Nebraska’s talent pipeline to the tech-driven opportunities of tomorrow.
What benefits does artificial intelligence bring to component assembly machines?
