AI and Policy Analysis
Are you curious about AI’s impact on elections and power structures? Can AI help us develop public policies that improve people’s lives? Do you think judges should use AI to make better decisions? Have you thought about using your skills to protect people’s online privacy, help workers adapt to AI-driven jobs, or even prevent wars? If you love learning about technology—and you want to make a difference for communities around the world—this unique major lets you take a big-picture approach to the policy issues that affect our lives.
What will I learn?
The first year or two, you’ll mostly take classes that teach you about AI technology and how it impacts society. You’ll learn about the statistical properties of data, how machine learning works, how AI can reinforce existing biases, and the ethical issues surrounding AI in various contexts. As you advance, you’ll take more in-depth courses about topics like symbolic reasoning, formal logic, the theory of knowledge (epistemology), and how to apply ontologies (ways to understand and categorize things) using computing-based methods. The program culminates with an internship, as well as a capstone course involving a real-world challenge for you and your team to solve.
UB: A Leader in AI
- Home to Empire AI, a statewide hub for addressing societal challenges through AI.
- Home to National AI Institute funded by the National Science Foundation.
- More than 400 researchers involved with AI.
- Multiple institutes and centers focused on AI applications.
- Other degree programs like this one create a community of students focused on the study of AI for the social good.
What can I do with an AI and Policy Analysis degree?
For starters, consider the different types of organizations that hire people with expertise in AI and policy, including (but certainly not limited to):
- Public and private companies.
- Governments and elected officials.
- Research institutes and think tanks.
- Regulatory agencies.
- Global humanitarian organizations.
- Consulting firms.
- Universities.
Then, think about all the ways you can apply your skills:
- AI policy advisor, developing national strategies for integrating AI into education, healthcare, and other areas.
- AI governance or compliance officer, creating and overseeing policies for responsible and ethical AI usage, including privacy policies and risk management for new tech tools.
- Digital development specialist, closing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to AI platforms.
- Researcher, studying the impact of AI on society and preparing us for future innovations.
- Public relations, helping companies navigate the AI landscape in a way that relates to their customers and to the public at large.
Of course, you might also decide to go to law school or business school—or get an advanced degree in AI, political science or global affairs.