OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Companies are actively recruiting artificial intelligence professionals and colleges are responding with AI curriculum.
MiraCosta College in Oceanside will be offering an associate's degree in artificial intelligence.
"It's here to stay. A lot of people are running away from it but this is something that is going to change society, education and businesses as a whole," said student Daniel Hinrichs.
Students said they're eager to join the program.
"In the future everything its going to be more tech," said Chaz Newton.
The AI program launches this fall and will be the first of its kind in the state.
"The world is going into AI which is amazing that MiraCosta provides even that class," said Julio Montano.
Professor Rick White says students will learn how to get the most out of AI platforms, like ChatGPT, and even personalize their results.
"You can get really good answers but what the answers are and how to reflect who you are is more about the quality of the questions you ask," White said.
He compared AI to a toolbox and says the tools inside are only useful if a person has the skills to use them. This program looks to unlock the potential of AI.
"For students that can train themselves to be consultants or coordinators and use the tools and then bring that experience into the workplaces they're in they become the most valuable assets that company has," he said.
He says these careers are projected to earn $100,000 to $200,000 a year. Students are excited to see what the future holds.
"It's probably one of the most pivotal since the internet was conceived. You need this to be part of your toolbelt," Hinrichs said.
WATCH RELATED: California leaders consider artificial intelligence to improve traffic safety, congestion