THUAS launches new master’s program: AI translator

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how organizations operate, make decisions, and innovate. At the same time, its swift rise creates uncertainty: what is useful, what is risky, and how do you deploy technology responsibly? The new AI Translator master’s program at THUAS responds to these questions, training professionals who can translate AI into sustainable value for organizations.

“The world of AI is evolving at lightning speed. Many organizations feel they have to do something with AI for fear of being left behind, but they don’t yet know exactly what. There is a growing need for new types of professionals”, says Mirjam Boer, program manager of Applied Data Science & AI.

From hype to lasting development

“AI receives a lot of media attention, often in the form of success stories, errors, or doom scenarios.” According to Mirjam, it is important to put these developments into perspective. “The current situation resembles the internet bubble of the 1990s. That bubble eventually burst, but what remained was a solid foundation on which to keep building. AI is also not expected to disappear. The real question is when the hype will subside and organizations will learn to work with applications that actually add value.”

The role of the AI translator

The new master’s program prepares students for a role still very much in development. The AI Translator is not a technical specialist but someone who understands what AI can mean within an organization. “The AI Translator looks not only at what is technically possible, but especially at what is appropriate and responsible for an organization and what this means for its operations.”

This requires insight not only into technology, but also into organizational processes, human behavior, and laws and regulations. AI can accelerate and support processes, but improper use can lead to ethical issues or privacy risks. “It’s not just about smart applications, but also about what is and isn’t allowed and what an organization considers responsible.” Moreover, AI is not the solution to every problem. Sometimes a clever use of Excel can be perfectly adequate. In this role, you may also advise choosing an alternative solution.

Learning in and with practice

The master’s program is strongly practice-oriented. Students work on real-world challenges from their own organization, from industry partners, or from research groups at THUAS. Research plays an important role. The focus is on practice-based research that directly supports decision-making and the application of AI in daily work.

The program uses an AI lifecycle model, covering all stages of an AI project: from initial problem analysis and research to implementation and evaluation of results. “Starting a pilot is one thing, but that’s not enough. What matters is ensuring that AI truly works within an organization.”

Making the organization AI-ready

For employers of part‑time students, participation in the master’s program offers significant benefits. “From day one, the employee works on AI-related challenges within their own organization.” As a result, the part‑time student contributes directly to making the organization AI‑ready.

For students, the program strengthens their position in the job market. “AI will become part of almost every organization. It’s better to embrace it and learn how to guide its development than to wait and see what happens.”

Responsible and human‑centered

AI will continue to evolve in the coming years, according to Mirjam. The master’s program therefore does not focus on quick fixes but on sustainable professionalization. “AI is here to stay. The real question is how we can use it wisely and with a human-centered approach.”

More information

The AI Translator master’s program will be offered full‑time and part‑time starting in September 2026.