Artificial Intelligence Operator Program

MISSION

In line with the vision of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, the program aims to educate qualified Artificial Intelligence Operators who are capable of working with machine learning, deep learning, big data analytics, cloud-based artificial intelligence solutions, and automation systems; managing data collection, preprocessing, and model training processes; implementing AI-assisted decision-making mechanisms; analyzing and optimizing algorithms; effectively utilizing artificial intelligence-based systems in manufacturing and service industries; and performing their professional responsibilities with a strong awareness of ethics and information security.

VISION

The program aims to educate individuals who possess a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and artificial intelligence; keep pace with and apply emerging technologies in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing; develop decision support systems using data science and big data analytics; produce AI-based solutions for Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 applications; solve data-driven problems through analytical thinking; possess the technical knowledge and competencies required to contribute to both national and international industries; work effectively in teams; communicate efficiently; and embrace lifelong learning as a fundamental principle.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students are admitted to the program either through direct transfer from the relevant departments of vocational high schools without an entrance examination or through placement by the Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) based on their Basic Proficiency Test (TYT) scores obtained within the scope of the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS). Current quotas and minimum admission scores are announced annually by ÖSYM in the Higher Education Programs and Quotas Guide.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To graduate from the program, students must successfully complete at least 120 ECTS credits and achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00 out of 4.00. In addition, they are required to successfully complete a compulsory internship of 30 working days.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENT

Students must attend at least 70% of the courses in order to be eligible to take the final examination. Each course includes at least one midterm examination and one final examination. The final course grade is calculated by weighting the midterm examination at 40% and the final examination at 60%. Students must obtain a minimum score of 50 on the final examination and achieve a minimum overall course grade of 45. Numerical grades are converted into letter grades. Letter grades AA, BA, BB, CB, and CC are considered successful, while DC and DD are considered conditionally successful. Students receiving an FF grade are required to repeat the course. In addition, project- and practice-based courses are assessed through data analysis, model development, simulation, and artificial intelligence application projects.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates may find employment in companies specializing in artificial intelligence and data science, cloud computing and big data centers, industrial automation and digital transformation projects, smart manufacturing systems and robotics applications, research and development (R&D) centers, technology development zones, companies developing AI-based software solutions, and data-driven sectors such as smart cities, healthcare technologies, and financial technologies.

DEGREE AWARDED

Students who successfully complete the program are awarded an Associate Degree Diploma in Artificial Intelligence Operations and the title of Artificial Intelligence Operator.

TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES

Students may transfer to other programs within Balıkesir Vocational School or to programs offered by other higher education institutions. Students wishing to transfer based on their central placement score must have obtained a YKS score, in the year of their initial enrollment, that is equal to or higher than the minimum admission score of the program to which they wish to transfer.

VERTICAL TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates of the program may continue their undergraduate education through the Vertical Transfer Examination (DGS) administered by ÖSYM. They are eligible to transfer to bachelor's degree programs such as Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Management Information Systems.