Texas universities expand AI bachelor's degree offerings as job demand grows
The University of North Texas will launch a bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence this fall, joining a small but growing list of Texas schools offering undergraduate AI programs as employers hire more workers in the field.
Dr. Lotfi Ben Othmane, who will teach the new courses, said the program builds on foundational skills in software engineering and computer design before moving to specialized AI content. "We need to lower the bar in the foundation and give them that chance," he said.
UNT already offers a master's degree in AI, which is common among Texas universities. Undergraduate AI degrees remain rare. The University of Texas at San Antonio started offering one in 2024, followed by UT El Paso, UT Dallas, and Angelo State University. Texas A&M and UT Austin allow students to earn a computer science degree with specialized AI courses and certificates instead.
Texas expects AI jobs to increase 27% over the next decade, according to the nonprofit Think Tank 2036.
Student demand is driving curriculum decisions. Othmane said his students recognize the market need and ask instructors to teach AI skills. "They know it's needed in the market," he said.
For educators developing curriculum in this space, AI for Teachers Courses can help integrate AI education into existing programs. Understanding AI Coding Courses is also essential, since foundational software engineering remains central to bachelor's programs.
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