Bachelor of Science in artificial intelligence at UI approved by Faculty Senate – The Argonaut

The University of Idaho has approved a Bachelor of Science in artificial intelligence, starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, in response to competition from other Idaho colleges.
The B.S. program is part of the College of Engineering’s computer science department and is a four-year, 120-credit degree that leverages existing CS department programs and will emphasize how to develop and use AI technologies.
Students can choose an area of emphasis which includes AI infrastructure & operations, secure AI, AI cyber, robotics AI, general AI studies, and AI in data science.
A minor in AI, requiring 19 credits, focuses on theory and fundamentals, different from the B.S. program, which is more programming and math-intensive.
The curriculum, developed over a year, includes efforts to streamline prerequisites and minimize the need for new faculty, with two current searches.
A freshman-level course, AIML 1101, discusses AI ethics, system fundamentals, and responsible use, potentially becoming a general education requirement.
The Faculty Senate approved both the B.S. in AI and the minor in AI, aiming for Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity and ABET accreditation.
There are hopes for expanded partnerships with North Idaho College and UI’s Coeur d’Alene campus.

You may have missed