RIT Launches New Major in Artificial Intelligence – Reporter Magazine

RIT Launches New Major in Artificial Intelligence – Reporter Magazine

https://reporter.rit.edu/8601/news/rit-launches-new-major-in-artificial-intelligence/

Publish Date: 2026-05-13 22:05:00

Source Domain: reporter.rit.edu

• RIT Launching New AI Program: Beginning in fall 2026, RIT will introduce a BS in Artificial Intelligence focusing on both principles and applications, offering in-depth knowledge in robotics, generative AI, and AI ethics.

• Emphasis on Technical and Ethical Learning: The program will integrate technical depth with industry insights, encouraging students to develop the tools to build next-generation AI, including courses like AI Explorations, AI Tools and Techniques, and Artificial Intelligence and Law.

• Interdisciplinary Team and Expert Involvement: Founding professor Kal Rabb, with a background in electrical engineering and a strong patent portfolio, leads the program. Rabb stresses the importance of ethical considerations in AI development.

• Student Concerns and Petitions: Some students, particularly in the College of Art and Design and Liberal Arts, have raised objections about the new AI program and its impact on their fields, questioning its ethical implications and its perceived favoritism towards tech industry trends.

• Budget Impact and Tuition Hike: RIT announced a 4.5% tuition increase for the 2026-2027 school year to support their long-term strategic initiatives, though officials deny the new AI program is directly responsible, citing instead rising energy and transportation costs.

• Environmental Sustainability Worries: Students are also anxious about the environmental footprint of AI technologies, which includes substantial energy and water usage, despite RIT’s robust sustainability efforts and existing sustainability-focused programs and research.