Want to Major in Artificial Intelligence? CNU Now Offers It
Want to Major in Artificial Intelligence? CNU Now Offers It
https://cnu.edu/news/2026/05/01-cnu-sec-artificial-intelligence-major/
Publish Date: 2026-05-01 11:07:00
Source Domain: cnu.edu
- New AI Major at Christopher Newport University (CNU): Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, CNU’s School of Engineering and Computing (SEC) is introducing a new major in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Leadership in AI Education: Professors Keith Perkins and Roberto Flores led the development of the new major, which aims to provide students with the skills to navigate the full AI stack.
- Practical Experience and Real Projects: The curriculum focuses on hands-on experience with computer vision models, agentic AI systems, and deploying applications to the cloud.
- Ethical AI Education: The initiative aligns with President William G. Kelly’s emphasis on the ethical use of AI, which was highlighted in his Honors Convocation speech in the 2025-2026 academic year.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Much of the coursework and lab work will take place at CNU’s new Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC), equipped with advanced technology, including a drone lab and makerspace.
- Preparation for Various Career Paths: Graduates will be prepared for careers or further studies in AI, machine learning engineering, data science, and software development.
- Virginia’s Innovation in AI Education: The CNU AI major is among the first of its kind in Virginia, positioning the university as a leader in technologically-advanced educational programs.
- University-wide AI Strategy: The new major supports a university-wide Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focused on fostering responsible AI usage through liberal arts education.
