Christopher Newport University adds artificial intelligence major, one of the first in Virginia

Christopher Newport launches artificial intelligence major

Christopher Newport University will offer a major in artificial intelligence beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, making it one of the first such programs in Virginia. The School of Engineering and Computing developed the degree to prepare students for careers or graduate studies in AI-related fields.

The curriculum covers the full AI development stack. Students will progress from data science and machine learning into cloud infrastructure, neural networks, and large language models. They will train computer vision models, build agentic AI systems, and deploy applications to production environments.

Keith Perkins, one of two professors who led the program's development, said graduates will have practical experience needed for careers in machine learning engineering, data science, and software development.

Much of the coursework will take place in Christopher Newport's new Science and Engineering Research Center, which includes a two-story drone lab, makerspace, and advanced research facilities. Students will gain hands-on experience with tools used in industry.

The university is also rolling out a campus-wide Quality Enhancement Plan focused on how to use AI effectively and responsibly. University president William G. Kelly emphasized in a recent address that students need to understand both the capabilities and ethical implications of AI systems.

For professionals considering whether to pursue advanced training, AI coding courses and specialized certifications can build skills aligned with what employers in this field expect.