The new artificial intelligence and cybersecurity college is expected to open in the fall of 2025. ORACLE PHOTO/LEDA ALVI
USF’s new College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing has just begun its development. However, task force chair Sudeep Sakar is excited about the possibilities that the college offers.
The first college of its kind to be established in Florida, the college is expected to open in the fall of 2025, after being approved by the Board of Trustees.
Sarkar said, “We all want it to be different.” “We want to make it an example for the entire nation .”
Sarkar leads a task force that is responsible for brainstorming and exploring logistics, according to a FAQ page .
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The taskforce is composed of professors and students from different colleges in USF.
He said that the college is particularly important in the growing cybersecurity industry.
“The technologies – AI, cybersecurity, and computing – are embedded in almost every discipline and they’re impacting a variety of sectors,” Sarkar said.
Co-chair Pritish Pritish Mukherjeesaid that their goal was to develop the mission and vision.
“ A considerable amount of effort was put in to understand the current landscape and the job market for the students, so that they could be prepared for the best outcomes after graduation,” Mukherjee stated.
He said that the demand for professionals is “skyrocketing” in these fields.
He said that USF had a unique chance to be a leader in the future of technologies, an opportunity that no other university has pursued in the state.
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Mukherjee says there is still a lot to do, but the focus this fall will be on hiring faculty and securing physical space.
He said: “We are on a precipice of an age.” “Artificial Intelligence is poised to be this generation’s Industrial Revolution. USF’s new college will put it at the forefront of a global revolution that could change the course of history and shape our lives. .”
Sarkar explained that several other universities have similar programs, whether they are through different degrees, certifications or research programs. However, having a designated college will reach a larger group of students.
“There’s innovative ways to enrich degree programs on campus, and forming this new college will allow us to explore some of them,” he said.
USF offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity through the College of Engineering.
The major is currently offered by a department in the College of Engineering. However, a separate college will allow USF the opportunity to expand its offerings with more specific departments.
“Forming large teams of computing experts is essential to our growth,” Sarkar said.
USF offers one of the nation’s largest cybersecurity degree programs, which creates a need for colleges to reach out to these students and help develop their computer and cybersecurity skills.
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Sarkar said that the college would also allow USF to receive additional research funds and grant to “enhance competitiveness” for research teams.
As a result of increased visibility, the college will be able to build stronger relationships with industry. The college will also continue USF’s “critical” relationship with The Florida Center for Cybersecurity (also known as Cyber Florida). According to the FAQ page, the state-funded organization housesd at USF’s Tampa Campus supports cyber safety education by way of programs and certifications.
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Sarkar said that with more than a month to go before the college opens, the majority of the challenges are “mundane”, such as setting up the structure and filling in paperwork.
He expects a bigger challenge, but it’s a good one – recruiting faculty. He said that with a new college USF would have a greater number of students enrolling for the AI, cybersecurity, and computing degree programs, creating a demand for faculty.
“So, we’ll hire,” he said. “But will we be in a position to hire so many?” How can we hire this many good teachers in such a short time? This is a big challenge we will have to face .”