AI & Cybersystems

The AI & Cybersystems Academy equips students with the skills to thrive in today’s digital world—where data, security, and innovation drive every industry. Students explore cutting-edge technologies, from artificial intelligence and data science to networking and game development, while preparing for in-demand careers right here in Kentucky and across the globe.

The Artificial Intelligence pathway is new to the state of Kentucky. The IMPACT Center has partnered with IBM to offer one of a kind programming in this emerging field. 

"The Cybersecurity pathway is a blend of programming, cybersecurity, and hardware engineering disciplines. Students will learn to research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components. The coursework explores robotics, electricity, ethical computing, and security concerns in today’s digital society." 

In Data Science, "students will apply software systems and industry software to acquire, collect, store and communicate data meaningfully to clients. Students will manage projects, work in teams, think critically, solve problems and propose solutions to design problems. Further, they will learn to apply literacy, mathematics, and science concepts and use technology to solve real-world challenging problems effectively. Through project-based learning, students will explore the future of data science and learn those habits of behavior and mind unique to professionals in the field. Data Science leverages technology, data, and communication by instilling in a new generation the knowledge, imagination, and flexibility to tackle complex issues successfully in a data-rich digital world. It is the process of designing systems that take raw data and convert it into new knowledge that can be applied to any field while considering the impact on individuals, organizations, and society." 

"The Digital Design and Game Development pathway courses provide students with a thorough understanding of techniques for designing advances in games, apps, AR/VR and other experiences. The courses will cover 2D and 3D graphics, animation, character development, program design and coding, texturing, scripting, and game setup using state-of-the-art software development tools. Completing students will have developed the skills necessary to create 3D graphics and applications that can be used for games and simulations." 

"The Network Administration pathway courses will help students learn new administration support skills or upgrade existing computer information systems skills. Students will be able to install networking software on an appropriately sized computer properly, configure the software for a simple server environment and connect it correctly to a physical network, manage a simple networking environment, effectively troubleshoot problems, add new users and attend to security concerns; and work within the ethical/professional parameters in the field of network administration." 

• BS in Computer Science 

• BS in User Experience

• WKU Certificates

  • • Game Design 

    • User Experience

• Associate in Science at WKU / SKYCTC 

• Computer and Information Technology tracks at SKYCTC

  • • General Track

    • Network Administration

    • Information Technologies

    • Information Security 

• Students in this academy will have the opportunity to take courses through SKYCTC and Western Kentucky University. Dual Credit alignments for the Kentucky Work-Ready Scholarship are in progress with these colleges. Stay tuned for updates! 

Data Science

What you’ll do: Collect, analyze, and make sense of data to solve real-world problems.

• Data Scientist – $85,766

• Computer Systems Analyst – $66,150

• Data Engineer – $100,000

• Data Analyst – $65,000

• Data Product Manager – $115,000

Artificial Intelligence

What you’ll do: Build smart machines that can learn, adapt, and solve problems.

• AI Research Scientist – $150,000

• Computer Engineer – $140,000

• AI Engineer – $150,000

• Data Scientist – $88,000

• Computer and Information Scientist – $116,000

Network Administration

What you’ll do: Keep businesses and organizations connected with reliable computer networks.

• Network Administrator – $74,054

• Computer Network Support Specialists – $61,334

• Network Engineer – $80,000

• IT Support Specialist – $50,000

• Cloud Network Administrator – $85,000

Cybersecurity

What you’ll do: Protect people, companies, and governments from cyber threats.

• Information Security Analysts – $78,201

• Operation Research Analysts – $78,000

• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – $160,000

• Security Architect – $130,000

• Incident Responder / Threat – $85,000

Video Game Design & Development

What you’ll do: Combine creativity and tech to design, code, and bring video games to life.

• Software Developer – $94,535

• Video Game Designer – $66,190

• Web and Digital Interface Designer – $51,407

• 3D Artist / Animator – $65,000

• Technical Artist –$80,000

• Code.org 

• Cyber.org 

• CISCO Academy Partner 

• IBM SkillsBuild Partner 

Curriculum supports (textbooks, modules, simulations, etc.) are still being added to all academies. Stay tuned for updates!