What the study found
The study found that a newly developed interdisciplinary artificial intelligence (AI) engineering curriculum was expected to be effective, practical, and positively validated by educators and industry representatives. It also found that educators who helped design the program reported greater ownership and a stronger systemic understanding than those who did not participate.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the study provides a validated transferable reference model for AI engineering programs. They also say it offers the first understanding of how participatory design may affect quality perceptions in interdisciplinary settings and provides practical guidance for institutions developing domain-specific AI programs.
What the researchers tested
The researchers evaluated the development of a new undergraduate AI engineering program worth 210 credits across seven semesters. They used formative evaluation, including curriculum mapping and focus group interviews with 19 experts, made up of educators and industry representatives, to examine perceived quality, consistency, practicality, and effectiveness.
What worked and what didn't
The abstract says the conceptual program was viewed as likely to be effective and practical, with positive validation from educators and industry. It also reports that the interdisciplinary structure was seen as a strength for employability, while stakeholders identified practical challenges that would need attention during implementation.
What to keep in mind
The summary describes perceptions of the program rather than a full implementation outcome. It also notes that practical challenges were identified, but the abstract does not specify all of them.
Key points
- A new undergraduate AI engineering curriculum was developed as a 210-credit, seven-semester program.
- Curriculum mapping and focus group interviews with 19 experts were used to evaluate the program.
- Educators and industry representatives viewed the curriculum as effective and practical.
- Educators who took part in design reported more ownership and systemic understanding than nonparticipants.
- The interdisciplinary structure was seen as supporting employability, but implementation challenges remained.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Experts validated an interdisciplinary AI engineering curriculum
- Authors:
- Johannes Schleiss, Anke Manukjan, Michelle L. Bieber, Sebastian Lang, Sebastian Stober
- Institutions:
- Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-02
- DOI:
- 10.1002/cae.70151
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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