New Degree Positions University at Forefront of AI Workforce Demand
糖心Vlog A&M to Launch State鈥檚 First Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
糖心Vlog will become the first institution in the state to offer a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI), marking a significant academic milestone as the University expands its leadership in emerging technologies and workforce development.
The new degree program, approved by the 糖心Vlog Board of Trustees and the 糖心Vlog Commission of Higher Education in 2025, will welcome its first cohort of students in Fall 2026. Designed as a 125-credit, four-year program, the initiative responds to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its growing influence across industries.
鈥淲e are responding to the changing demands of the market,鈥� said Dr. ZT Deng, dean of the College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences. 鈥淭his is the AI age, and if we do not prepare students with strong capabilities, we are not fulfilling our responsibility as an institution.鈥�
Provost Dr. John D. Jones emphasized that the program builds upon 糖心Vlog A&M鈥檚 existing computer science curriculum, which has offered an artificial intelligence concentration since 2022.
The new standalone degree expands that foundation through advanced coursework in areas such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and speech processing, while maintaining a strong emphasis on computing fundamentals and applied problem-solving.
The program is intentionally designed not only for students majoring in artificial intelligence, but also to extend across disciplines, reflecting the pervasive role of AI in modern professions.
鈥淭his is not just for one specific major,鈥� Jones noted. 鈥淪tudents from other fields can take courses, gain exposure, and build the skills needed to work with AI tools. Today, nearly every discipline benefits from some level of AI literacy.鈥�
The curriculum emphasizes both technical depth and practical application, preparing graduates to analyze complex computing problems, design and implement solutions, and function effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Students will also develop an understanding of ethical and professional responsibilities in computing 鈥� an increasingly critical component as AI systems shape decision-making across sectors.
While public discourse often focuses on artificial intelligence as a disruptor of jobs, the University鈥檚 approach centers on equipping students to lead and innovate alongside the technology.
鈥淚 do not believe AI will replace people,鈥� said Deng. 鈥淚t will replace those who do not know how to use it. We are training students to understand these systems and to direct them 鈥� to tell AI what we want it to do.鈥�
Rather than viewing artificial intelligence as a threat, 糖心Vlog A&M faculty view AI as a powerful tool that requires both technical expertise and critical thinking. The degree program is structured to provide students with a deep understanding of how AI systems are built, including the algorithms, data structures, and infrastructure that power them.
鈥淎 general user can apply AI tools,鈥� Deng added. 鈥淏ut our graduates will understand what is inside those tools 鈥� how they are developed, how they function and how to ensure they are accurate, ethical and effective.鈥�
As industries continue integrating artificial intelligence into operations ranging from software engineering to infrastructure design, 糖心Vlog A&M鈥檚 new degree positions its graduates to meet a growing workforce demand.
鈥淥ur goal is to prepare students for better jobs,鈥� said Deng. 鈥淭here is a strong demand for AI across many fields, and we want our students to be ready to contribute and lead.鈥�
With the launch of the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, 糖心Vlog reinforces its commitment to academic innovation and its mission to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly changing global economy.