UNC Charlotte creates new AI Institute
UNC Charlotte is leading in defining the future of artificial intelligence. As the Charlotte region’s educational AI leader, the University is advancing AI research, education and ethical implementation to drive innovation with real-world impact. The launch of the Charlotte AI Institute (CLT AI Institute) formalizes UNC Charlotte’s position as a hub for cutting-edge discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration and workforce development.
With a foundation of nationally recognized AI expertise, UNC Charlotte is accelerating research that spans business, health care, science and the arts while preparing the next generation of AI professionals.
“UNC Charlotte is driving AI innovation across research, education and industry collaboration,” said Chancellor Sharon Gaber. “The Charlotte AI Institute will bring together top faculty, students and partners to advance AI in ways that matter. With this initiative, we are shaping AI’s role in society and strengthening its impact in our region and beyond.”
The institute is led by Stephanie Schuckers, Bank of America Distinguished Professor in Computing and Informatics, and George Banks, professor of management and chair of the Department of Management in the Belk College of Business. In addition to facilitating AI research, the institute coordinates internal funding, hosts networking events, convenes experts for major projects and advocates for external funding.
“The name of the game for UNC Charlotte is interdisciplinary research — it’s what we’re known for. With CLT AI Institute, the University serves as a connector for our partners in industry, government, education and the nonprofit sector when they seek to collaborate with AI researchers with targeted expertise.
– George Banks, co-director, CLT AI Institute
AI Research: Accelerating the Future
The CLT AI Institute promotes existing AI research and fosters interdisciplinary collaborations to contribute to national and global AI conversations. Leaders will develop a research and innovation plan engaging researchers and industry partners to define key areas of AI expertise and align with broader priorities.
University research centers connected to AI include:
- AI Center for Human Digital Twin and Computational Health
- Center for Applied Geographic Information Science
- Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks
- Center for Innovation, Translational Research and Applications of Nanostructured Systems
- Center for Leadership Science
- Center for Trustworthy AI Through Model Risk Management
“UNC Charlotte‘s long-standing AI expertise has enabled the University to attract top talent from across the globe,” said John Daniels, vice chancellor for research. “Few institutes are so well connected to industry — and a large city — as CLT AI Institute; we are positioned to draw assets from virtually all disciplines to meet the fast-growing, AI-focused research needs of the competitive greater Charlotte region.”
“It’s important for individuals and the public in general to have an understanding of UNC Charlotte’s broad capabilities in regard to AI research. CLT AI Institute offers an effective way to work together to promote the important work that Charlotte is doing in this area, now and in the future.”
– Stephanie Schuckers, co-director, CLT AI Institute
Learn more about AI-based research at UNC Charlotte
AI Education: Training Artificial Intelligence Professionals
With AI expertise among the most in-demand job skills, UNC Charlotte offers numerous educational programs to prepare students for AI-driven careers.
- The College of Computing and Informatics offers exemplary education opportunities, including forthcoming bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in artificial intelligence; a minor in artificial intelligence for non-computer science majors; a concentration in AI, robotics and gaming for computer science majors; and a graduate certificate in applied artificial intelligence.
- The School of Data Science is a collaboration between the College of Computing and Informatics, the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences, the Belk College of Business, the Klein College of Science and the William States Lee College of Engineering. It offers a variety of interdisciplinary programs with a focus on AI. These include a bachelor’s degree in data science, North Carolina’s only B.S. in sports analytics, and an undergraduate certificate in sports analytics. Graduate programs include a master’s degree and graduate certificate in data science and business analytics, as well as an M.S. and graduate certificate in health informatics and analytics. Qualified undergraduate students may pursue an early entry option for the M.S. in data science and business analytics. A Ph.D. in data science will launch in fall 2025
- Additionally, starting in fall 2025, the W.S. Lee College of Engineering will offer a concentration in AI and machine learning in its master’s degree programs in computer engineering and electrical engineering. A concentration in machine learning in its bachelor’s degree programs in computer engineering and electrical engineering also is available.
- UNC Charlotte’s School of Professional Studies, with more than 200 programs for working adults, offers a professional certificate in AI Prompting and an Artificial Intelligence Boot Camp to prepare participants for careers in AI.