Bowie State professor outlines AI degree plans, NSF‑funded internships with county

Dr. Kamarzaman Sarkar, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at Bowie State University, briefed the committee on academic programs and pathways intended to prepare students for AI and technology careers.

Sarkar described a proposed BS in AI launching next spring alongside existing BS degrees in computer science, data science, cyber operations and software engineering. He said Bowie State participates in NSF‑funded initiatives that pay students for internships and capstone experiences and cited a roughly $1,000,000 NSF grant supporting paid experiential learning that has enabled students to intern with county IT departments.

On workforce connections, Sarkar noted strong labor market demand for data science and related occupations and suggested expanding evening and adult education pathways and dual enrollment opportunities so students can progress from county schools to community college to Bowie State and into local employer roles. Council members asked about AI’s impact on jobs and the need for trustworthy, transparent AI systems for applications such as prescreening; Sarkar cautioned AI should not wholly replace human decisions in sensitive areas but can assist in prescreening and other tasks with appropriate oversight.

Sarkar invited continued collaboration and said his team may be able to send students to support county technology projects next summer.