Rochester Institute of Technology to Offer Bachelor's Degree in AI
Rochester Institute of Technology will launch a bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence this fall, giving undergraduate students formal training in machine learning, natural language processing, and analytics.
The four-year program combines technical coursework in math and computer science with classes in psychology, art, and ethics. Students will also study domain-specific applications, including robotic systems and AI law and policy.
All students must complete two semesters of full-time, paid work experience through RIT's cooperative education program. The university partners with Google, Apple, IBM, and Microsoft for student placements.
RIT is simultaneously launching a six-course AI minor for students in other majors.
Industry demand driving curriculum
AI job postings have accelerated sharply. Positions grew from 20,600 in 2010 to 180,900 in 2018, and exceeded 1 million by 2025, according to LinkedIn data analysis.
Matt Huenerfauth, dean of RIT's College of Computing and Information Sciences, said the degree "is informed by industry needs, and expertise from across our college, and features the hands-on curriculum that is a hallmark of an RIT education."
Part of a broader shift
RIT has taught AI courses since 1986 and created a master's degree in the field in 2023. The school was among the first universities to offer undergraduate programs in information technology and software engineering.
Multiple universities have announced undergraduate AI programs in the past two years, including the University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, University at Buffalo, Louisiana State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Rogers State University, and Kean University.
For education professionals developing curriculum or evaluating AI training options, resources on AI for Education and an AI Learning Path for Teachers offer practical guidance on integrating AI into academic programs.
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