- University of Utah trustees approved the state's first AI bachelor's degree program.
- The program, pending accreditation, will start in fall 2026, covering AI fundamentals.
- It aims to meet tech sector demand, joining existing computing programs at the university.
SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah is on track to offer a first-of-its-kind bachelor's degree program in artificial intelligence this fall.
After receiving the nod from the U.'s board of trustees during a meeting earlier this month, the proposal from the Kahlert School of Computing awaits a final decision from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the U.'s accrediting body.
If approved, the AI bachelor's program — Utah's first — would begin accepting applicants for the upcoming fall 2026 semester.
"Utah has always been at the forefront of computing education. In 1964, we were one of the first programs in the nation to offer a B.S. in Computer Science. Utah faculty were pioneers in computing technologies, from the internet to computer graphics, and beyond," Mary Hall, director of the Kahlert School of Computing, said in a statement. "It's imperative to train students to develop and manage the technology that has disrupted all aspects of society."
But what will the degree actually look like in practice?
Foundational coursework will include computer science and mathematics before building toward core AI areas like machine learning, data analysis, natural language processing, computer vision and robotics, according to a release from the U.
It will also pair technical training with theoretical aspects, exploring the ethical and effective use of AI.
The U. is hopeful the addition of the degree will help meet an ever-growing demand for workers in an expanding sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Utah consistently ranks among the top 10 states for tech sector job growth.
The new major joins four other undergraduate programs offered through the Kahlert School: computer science, data science, software development and computer engineering. Additionally, the school introduced an AI minor last fall designed to complement other majors.
The David Eccles School of Business will also offer an AI minor in the fall 2026 semester, available to all U. undergraduates, regardless of major.
While graduate programs in AI are becoming common — UVU in 2024 launched the Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute and an AI master's program — undergraduate programs are not, with only a small number of programs strictly dedicated to AI.
Current U. students interested in pursuing a major in AI can find more information here.
