Spreading the News

If you’ve typed a single query into ChatGPT, you already know the incredible power of artificial intelligence (AI). But the question everyone wants to answer today is, what can AI do next? In reality, companies worldwide are already using algorithms powered by AI and its subset, machine learning, to develop new drugs, build self-driving cars and even personalize education. And together, the combined influence of AI and data analytics are helping to enhance financial trading, improve manufacturing processes and optimize delivery routes.

So, what does the future hold for AI and data analytics? Let’s look at the current state of AI, explore how it’s already creating a paradigm shift in the industry, and discover why leading institutions are integrating AI into their Master’s in Applied Analytics programs.

Separating AI hype from reality

AI models like ChatGPT are mind-blowingly advanced. Yet their success is causing many people to focus solely on outcomes. As a result, they’re missing the bigger picture. 

Take the example of a college student using ChatGPT. Their interaction with AI might be motivated mostly by time savings—do my homework in 30 minutes or less—instead of focusing on the broader and more holistic outcome, enhancing their knowledge of the topic they’re choosing to study.

Additionally, the rapid rise of various AI solutions over the past 12 to 24 months has raised numerous ethical questions, including concerns about data privacy and potential bias within AI models.

In the past, there has been little to no transparency in AI, meaning most people weren’t privy to how an AI engine reached its conclusions. Now, a movement called explainable AI (XAI) is looking to change that. XAI comprises a set of tools that seeks to examine and understand the accuracy and fairness of AI algorithms. The overarching goal is to use XAI to hold AI companies accountable for how they build their models and collect data.

Another related trend is human-centered AI (HAI), which centers around inserting a human (or multiple humans) into the loop for AI technology. In theory, an HAI approach will help mitigate AI’s potential adverse effects on underrepresented communities and other groups. 

The HAI movement is rapidly picking up steam, so Stanford University has created an HAI Center. Its mission is to advance AI research, education, policy and practice to improve the human condition. In addition, three of the most prominent players in the AI space—Google, Microsoft, OpenAI and Anthropic—recently formed an industry group to promote safe AI development.

Will AI eliminate careers in data analytics? 

Another part of the hype surrounding AI is widespread concern about its potential impact on the labor market. In fact, one group recently claimed that 27% of jobs are at “high risk” of being replaced by AI. 

What’s the reality? While there’s no doubt that AI is causing a significant shift in the job market, history has shown us that new technologies typically create just as many—if not more—new career paths as the ones that they eliminate. That means adults who study AI-related fields will likely have plenty of choices when finding their dream job.

For data analytics, in particular, career opportunities remain robust. A master’s in applied analytics prepares adults to work in various fields—data science, machine learning, data engineering and data mining—that will likely remain relevant for years to come. In addition, as concepts like HAI evolve, it will create new opportunities for data professionals who can monitor, improve and refine AI models to meet a greater good. 

How is AI being integrated into data analytics courses? 

As AI grows in influence and prominence, educational institutions rapidly update the curricula for their data analytics degree programs. 

For example, in one of my courses last semester at Muhlenberg College, we used a voice-powered AI tool to create articles similar to those posted on The Onion's satirical website. We then interrogated that AI model to see how it produced the content, where it succeeded and where it fell short. These projects help bring real-world problems into the classroom and give adult learners the experience and context they need to solve them.

What other tech trends are shaping data analytics? 

While AI is the hot buzzword right now, adults looking to further their education in data analytics should also look for programs that integrate these IT trends into their curricula:

• Cloud computing – Leading cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure are quickly becoming integral to data storage in data analytics, so students must know how to leverage them for maximum results.
• Data visualization – As data sets grow more complex, organizations need visually appealing ways to make information understandable and explainable. This is especially important as companies seek to extract meaning from large data clusters.
• Data ethics and privacy – Companies must understand the ethical implications of collecting and storing data while remaining compliant with an ever-growing set of federal and global regulations.
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices – Businesses collect data from almost every device imaginable today—smartwatches, wearables, smart speakers and even smart appliances. Workers who know how to integrate and extract insights from those data sources will be highly sought-after.

How does a master’s in applied analytics set students apart?  

Earning a master’s in applied analytics can help you grow in your current role or launch into an exciting new career that leverages leading-edge technologies like AI.

The Master’s in Applied Analytics program at the Muhlenberg College School of Graduate Studies is uniquely designed to help you grow your knowledge base in the field, learn how AI and applied analytics work in unison, and allow you to explore trending topics like XAI and HAI. We offer an extremely personalized learning experience, with small cohorts of 10 to 12 students and full access to faculty members and academic advisors at every step of your journey.

What does the future hold for AI and data analytics? 

I expect AI to advance significantly over the next few years. Companies will ask it to solve even more complex problems and automate additional tasks—all of which will directly affect how businesses approach data analytics. 

If you’re ready to help shape the future of AI and data analytics, schedule a time to talk with an advisor at Muhlenberg today.

Learn more by...

• Attending an Information Session 
• Scheduling an Appointment with a Graduate Studies Advisor