Kyungpook National University launches AI major linked to Samsung hiring

Kyungpook National University (KNU) is establishing a new "Mobile AI Engineering" major, designed as a conditional contract program for employment at Samsung Electronics. This initiative aims to nurture AI talent by offering a pathway from admission to a master's degree and subsequent employment at Samsung.

Students in the program can earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in as little as five years. Those who meet specific criteria will be eligible for employment at Samsung Electronics. The "Mobile AI Engineering" major will be part of the IT College's Department of Electronic Engineering. It expands upon the existing "Mobile Engineering" major, which has been operating since 2011, by integrating it into a bachelor's-master's program.

The program is structured to allow students to complete the curriculum in a maximum of five years, combining a four-year bachelor's degree with a two-year master's degree. The department will admit 20 students, with 13 selected through the upcoming early admission process. Students will study fundamental electronic engineering, software, and AI technologies in their undergraduate years, followed by advanced research aligned with Samsung Electronics' industry and job demands during their graduate studies. The program also includes internships at Samsung.

Initial enrollment in the program comes with significant financial support. Students will receive full tuition scholarships for their first three years. For fourth and fifth-year students who pass Samsung Electronics' hiring process and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, Samsung will provide a loan scholarship. Additional benefits include priority dormitory placement, subsidized living expenses, and support for presenting at domestic and international academic conferences.

This contract program is a key component of KNU's "Chunma Brand College" strategy, which aligns with the government's "Make 10 Seoul National Universities" initiative. KNU has identified "Physical AI" as its specialized field, designing colleges that link companies with education, research, practical training, and recruitment. KNU plans to expand its portfolio of company-tailored contract programs to four by 2030, leveraging existing industry-academia collaborations with companies like LG Electronics and DB HiTek.