MATC Expands Artificial Intelligence Program

To better provide area employers with skilled professionals in technology, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) now offers the IT Network Specialist (AI Cloud and Virtualization) program to prepare students to obtain an entry-level position in information technology.

Taught through the STEM Academic and Career Pathway, the two-year associate degree program is the ideal launching pad for a career in IT. This program update helps students make use of artificial intelligence incorporating what it is, the ethics of AI and how to use it as a tool, and sets students up for success using and applying cutting edge technology in IT.

The IT Network Specialist (AI Cloud and Virtualization) program is available as a traditional two-year program with a combination of in-person and online classes, as an entirely online offering, or as an 18- to 20-month Accelerated Online cohort-based program where students take technical courses from the IT Network Specialist associate degree and IT Networking and Infrastructure Administration technical diploma.

Through hands-on coursework, students will work with emerging IT technologies in addition to setting up and troubleshooting computers, clouds and network operating systems. The IT Network Specialist (AI Cloud and Virtualization) program is an excellent environment for students with existing degrees, adult learners, career changers and displaced workers.

Because many MATC programs are related, students can earn the IT Networking and Infrastructure Administration technical diploma while working toward completion of the associate degree. By completing this new content students can earn an AI/AI Ethics Digital Badge to showcase proficiency in this exciting technology. This is in addition to many other digital badges the IT Networking program has to offer including:  VMware Certified Professional (VCP-DCV), Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNAv7), Microsoft Certifications, Amazon Web Services Cloud Practitioner (AWS-CP), Testout and CompTIA (A+, Network+ and Security+).

Employment opportunities in artificial intelligence are strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be 11.5 million data-related job openings by 2026. The demand for AI research scientists is expected to grow 19% by 2023 and for robotics engineers is expected to grow 9% by 2023. The projections clearly indicate the demand for AI engineers will continue to grow in the coming years. The median salary for working on computers and in IT was approximately $100,000. On average, AI research scientists earn $121,393 annually, with experienced professionals earning upwards of $200,000 yearly.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.