Universities are launching dedicated AI majors as employers demand trained graduates
Northwestern University announced a new artificial intelligence major on March 9, with enrollment beginning fall 2026. The move reflects a broader shift across higher education: colleges and universities are building AI into their academic offerings as the field matures and hiring accelerates.
Northwestern is not the first. Carnegie Mellon University launched the first undergraduate AI degree in 2018. Since then, at least 15 institutions have created dedicated AI majors, with more adding AI classes, tracks, and certificates across their campuses.
What students learn in an AI major
Northwestern's curriculum teaches machine learning, natural language processing, data structures, algorithms, and the mathematical foundations of modern AI. Students also study how intelligent systems are built, deployed, and used responsibly.
The program includes training in multiple programming languages and examines the human and societal dimensions of AI-including privacy, intellectual property, and sustainability concerns.
Other schools tailor their approach. Purdue University offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in AI. The arts degree focuses on ethics and how AI is changing the world; the science degree emphasizes how to build AI systems.
Schools offering AI majors
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making)
- University of Pennsylvania (Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence)
- Rice University
- University of Arizona
- Purdue University
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
- Indiana University Indianapolis
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- University of Tennessee (online program)
- University of South Florida
- Drexel University
- Florida International University
- Rhode Island College
- Grand Canyon University
Why schools are expanding AI education
Employers across tech, healthcare, government, and nonprofits are actively recruiting graduates with AI expertise. Organizations building AI systems need people trained in both the technical and ethical dimensions of the work.
Students themselves are signaling demand. As AI becomes more visible in the job market, undergraduates are asking which majors and skills will remain relevant after graduation.
For educators considering how to position your institution or program, resources exist to help. Learn more about AI for Education courses and certifications or explore the AI Learning Path for Teachers to understand how AI is reshaping academic preparation.
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