UNT to launch new major in artificial intelligence to meet workforce demands
UNT to launch new major in artificial intelligence to meet workforce demands
Publish Date: 2026-02-19 18:00:00
Source Domain: www.dallasnews.com
Here are 6 key points from the article:
-
Introduction of AI Major: The University of North Texas (UNT) Board of Regents has approved a new undergraduate major in artificial intelligence (AI) starting this fall, joining other universities nationwide in adapting to the growing technology.
-
Economic Growth and Workforce Demands: The new AI program is expected to address growing regional work demand. The Dallas-Fort Worth area, projected to add 7 million jobs by 2050, struggles to fill openings, particularly in AI and machine learning fields.
-
Curriculum and Skills: Students will learn to design, build, and deploy AI software and systems, along with courses examining the social and ethical implications of AI.
-
Economic Impact: The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ survey indicates 59% of firms are already using AI, and an additional 19% plan to implement it. With the first-year salary for AI professionals starting at over $68,000, AI majors are expected to recover their education investment in just three years compared to the usual six-year period for other graduates.
-
Competition and Expansion: Other Texas universities, including Angelo State University, Tarleton State University, and the University of Texas at El Paso, already offer AI degrees. Other universities across the nation, along with tech giants like Amazon and Meta, are heavily investing in AI education.
-
Financial Considerations: Despite fiscal pressures, including a $45 million shortfall expected and challenges with international student enrollment, the UNT Administration sees the new AI degree as a financially viable investment due to anticipated demand and the track record of the existing master’s program, which has seen substantial enrollment.
