The National University of Technology (NUTECH) has a strong focus on collaboration with industry and it is important to prepare graduate students with research skills that can meet the needs of the modern industry. In this context, applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a critical part of physical technologies in industries like: transportation, communication, manufacturing, embedded systems and more. AI and its varied branches (pattern recognition, machine learning, robotics, automated planning, computer vision, natural language processing, and so on) provide an unprecedented foundation for engineers to build systems that can perceive, plan, and interact with the world to achieve design goals.

The Computer Engineering Department at NUTECH aims to offer a new first-of-its-kind program in Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Engineering (MS AIE) in Pakistan. Our new MS AIE degree will combine the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning with Engineering domain knowledge. The curriculum of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Engineering (MS AIE) program has been designed keeping in view the best national and international practices.

MS AIE students at NUTECH will gain the expertise to design and develop AI-driven systems that operate effectively within engineering constraints. The program emphasizes the integrated design of system functionality and AI components including algorithms and computing platforms to create solutions that are adaptable, resilient, and reliable, preparing graduates to lead innovation in intelligent system design.

Aim

The aim of this working paper is to seek approval from the Academic council for the MS AIE curriculum and launching of the program from FALL25.
 

The 30 credit hours MS AIE program is intended for students who want to gain knowledge deeper than a bachelor's degree. It is also appropriate for students planning for doctoral study and wanting research experience. During the master’s the students will have the opportunity to work under the direction of doctoral scientists and engineers in high-tech lab settings, assisting in developing innovative projects through on-going collaborations within and beyond the department. 

The proposed curriculum for the MS AIE program at NUTECH is based on the roadmap provided by Higher Education Commission (HEC), best national and international practices and is aligned with the recommendations of various stakeholders. More precisely, our MS AIE program offers an interdisciplinary approach that will train graduates to thrive in a highly competitive technical workforce. The 30 credit hours of MS AIE are composed of core courses, electives that can be partitioned into different domains and Thesis. However, the students shall be required to complete the deficiency courses if required. 

The details MS AIE curriculum: study scheme, prerequisite courses and list of electives is attached as Annexure A and thesis requirements are given in section 8.

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

The educational objectives of MS AIE program are stated as below:

1. Innovative Problem-Solving: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply advanced AI techniques and tools to design and implement innovative solutions for complex real-world problems across various industries.
2. Leadership and Collaboration: Graduates will exhibit leadership in AI-driven projects and work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, effectively communicating AI concepts and solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
3. Lifelong Learning and Research: Graduates will engage in continuous learning and contribute to the advancement of AI through research and development, staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies in Artificial Intelligence and related fields.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

The MS AIE program prepares students to attain the educational objectives by ensuring that the student should be:

1. Able to understand theoretical and practical knowledge of both AI and Engineering and allied domains.
2. Able to do research and provide innovative solutions of complex engineering problems using state-of-the-art methodologies.
3. Able to demonstrate satisfactory interpersonal skills with the help of effective oral and written communication.
4. Able to engage in continuous learning and conduct research that advances the field of AI, while staying informed about emerging trends and technologies in AI and related domains.

Bachelors/ master’s degree must be accredited by PEC/ HEC (as applicable) in relevant disciplines as mentioned below:

1. Computer Engineering
2. Computer System Engineering
3. Software Engineering
4. Electrical Engineering
5. Electronics Engineering
6. Data Engineering
7. Mechanical Engineering
8. Civil Engineering
9. Telecommunication Engineering
10. Avionics Engineering
11. Any other relevant discipline duly recommended by the admission committee along with deficient courses (Annexure A) as per HEC policy.

Applicants should have a minimum CGPA of 2.0 (on a scale of 4.0) or 50% marks where CGPA is not given.

A student has the option to pursue MS by undertaking a 6-credit hour MS Thesis. Registration in “MS Thesis” is allowed provided the student has:

1. Earned at least 18 credits.
2. Passed the “Research Methodology” and “Applied programming” courses.
3. CGPA is equal to or more than 3

The minimum duration for completion of MS AIE degree is 1.5 years and maximum duration is 4 years. 
 

To become eligible for award of MS AIE degree, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Passed the “Research Methodology” and “Applied programming” courses.
2. Must have completed and passed 24 credit hours of coursework (including core courses) along with 6 credit hours of thesis or 30 credit hours of coursework (including core courses).  
3. Must have earned CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of at least 3 on a scale of 4.0.

The requirements for launching of MS AIE program in FALL24 are as follows:

1. Faculty: The number of existing faculty is not sufficient to manage the teaching load of multiple programs in the Computer Engineering department. At least 2 x New faculty may be hired during the upcoming recruitments in the first quarter of 2025.
2. Infrastructure: Facilities/space for classrooms, labs, workshops, and seminar halls are already available. The new program does not require immediate extension of the NUTECH infrastructure. 
3. Lab Equipment: Existing teaching laboratories will be upgraded as per requirements of the program.
4. Library: Books of some courses listed in Annexure A are available either in hard or soft copy in the library, however addition of books to the library is necessary for the remaining courses. Online resources from HEC will be utilized to the maximum in this regard.
5. Hostel: Availability of hostel accommodation as per provision of NUTECH

The recommended approval for the MS AIE (para 4) curriculum, study scheme, and program launch requirements (para 5) for the FALL25 term is documented in Annexure A.