USF’s AI, cybersecurity and computing college to be an example across the nation, leaders say

*The new artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing college is expected to launch in fall 2025. ORACLE PHOTO/LEDA ALVIM*

USF’s new College of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity and Computing is still in its early stages, but task force chair Sudeep Sarkar is excited for the possibilities the college presents.

The college, expected to launch in fall 2025 after approval by the Board of Trustees, will be the first of its kind in Florida.

“We all want this college to be different,” Sarkar said. “We want it to be an example across the nation.”

Sarkar is leading a task force responsible for brainstorming ideas and exploring the logistics, according to an FAQ page.

The task force is composed of professors from different colleges at USF, faculty senate and students from cybersecurity and computing organizations.

He said the college is especially important with the growing cybersecurity industry.

“The technologies, AI, cybersecurity and then computing are embedded in almost all disciplines and it’s impacting a wide variety of sectors out there,” Sarkar said.

Task force co-chair Pritish Mukherjee said their goal is to develop the mission, vision and goals.

“Considerable effort was put into understanding the current landscape and job market for students to set them up for the best possible outcomes following graduation,” Mukherjee said.

He also said the demand for professionals in these fields is “skyrocketing.”

“USF has a unique opportunity to occupy a leadership position in the future of technology – an opportunity no other university in the state has yet pursued,” he said.

Mukherjee said there is a lot of work left, but this fall the focus will be on securing a physical space and hiring faculty.

“We are on the precipice of a new age,” he said. “Artificial intelligence is poised to become this generation’s Industrial Revolution. With this new college, USF will be at the forefront of this global revolution that will shape all of our lives and potentially change the trajectory of history.”

Sarkar said several other universities are implementing similar programs through different degrees, research programs or certifications, but having a designated college at USF will reach a broader group of students.

“There are innovative ways in which you can sort of enrich the degree programs across the campus and forming this college will enable us to sort of explore some of these,” he said.

USF currently offers a bachelor degree in cybersecurity through the College of Engineering.

While the major is offered through a department within the College of Engineering, creating a separate college for the field will allow USF to expand its offerings through more specific departments.

“Being able to form large teams of computing professionals is essential and will help us grow,” Sarkar said.

He said USF has one of the largest cybersecurity degree programs in the nation, creating a need for a college to reach these students and help them build computer and cybersecurity skills.

Sarkar also said the college will allow USF to gain additional research funds and grants to “enhance the competitiveness” of research teams.

The college will make room for stronger industry relationships as a result of the increased visibility. It will also continue USF’s “critical” partnership with The Florida Center for Cybersecurity, better known as Cyber Florida. The state-funded organization is housed at USF’s Tampa campus and supports cyber safety education through programs and certifications, according to the FAQ page.

With more than a year left before the college is up and running, Sarkar said most of the challenges he anticipates are the “mundane” ones, such as setting up a structure and filling out paperwork.

One larger challenge he expects, however, is a “good one” – recruiting faculty. With a new college, he said USF will have a larger number of students enrolling in the AI, cybersecurity and computing degree offerings, creating an increased demand for faculty.

“So, we will hire,” he said. “But will we be able to hire this many? This large number of good teaching professionals in a short period of time? That’s one big challenge that we will face.”

Lily Belcher, News Editor

Lily Belcher is the news editor for The Oracle. She's a mass communications and professional and technical communications double major. She started at The Oracle in summer 2023 as a correspondent and worked her way up to news editor. She has been freelancing for local newspapers for four years and hopes to write for a major newspaper following her graduation. Reach her at belcher20@usf.edu

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