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Cal State Monterey Bay has introduced an artificial intelligence minor to its catalog for the 2026-27 school year, designed to equip students with ethical AI technology skills for various academic and professional fields.
Cal State Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is set to launch a new minor in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the 2026-27 school year. This four-course sequence program will be offered through the School of Computing and Design, a part of the College of Science. A key component of the curriculum includes a class where students will develop an AI-powered prototype relevant to their specific field of study, emphasizing practical application from the outset.
A CSUMB spokesperson highlighted that the AI minor was developed in direct response to the escalating integration of AI across diverse disciplines. The program is carefully crafted to ensure that students gain hands-on experience with various AI technologies and practices. Crucially, there will be a significant emphasis on promoting ethical and responsible use of AI, preparing students to navigate the complex moral and societal implications of this rapidly advancing technology.
The curriculum is designed to empower students to leverage AI technology as a strategic 'advantage' in both their academic pursuits and future professional careers. The skills and knowledge acquired through this minor are highly versatile, intended for application across a wide array of majors. These include, but are not limited to, science, mathematics, business, psychology, kinesiology, social studies, and education, demonstrating AI's interdisciplinary relevance.
The introduction of the new AI minor, however, did not come without internal discussion and some surprise. Social sciences and global studies professor Angie Tran expressed her astonishment to KSBW, noting that both she and many of her colleagues and librarians were unaware of the minor's development until it was advertised outside the school's library. Tran further indicated that a significant portion of the faculty within her department holds critical views regarding AI's broader implications.
This development at CSUMB unfolds against the backdrop of the wider California State University (CSU) system's $17 million contract with OpenAI for ChatGPT Edu, an initiative dubbed the 'AI-Empowered University,' which is slated to conclude on June 30, 2026. In response, CSUMB faculty have organized a petition, gathering over 3,300 signatures, to advocate against the renewal of this contract. The petition articulates significant concerns, focusing on the ethical, labor, and environmental impacts associated with large-scale AI integration in education.
Despite the faculty's petition and expressed concerns, the university spokesperson clarified that the AI minor's development is distinct from the CSU's OpenAI contract. Instead, it is a strategic response to prevailing 'industry trends' and an observable surge in student interest. The spokesperson revealed that the number of students enrolling in AI and machine learning courses this academic year has notably doubled compared to the previous academic year, indicating a clear and growing demand for such specialized education.
Beyond degree-seeking students, the College of Extended Education and International Programs at CSUMB is also extending its AI offerings to the broader professional community. They will provide two non-credit AI Certificate Courses specifically tailored for professionals, managers, and executives seeking to enhance their AI knowledge. Participants can complete one or both courses to earn a CSUMB digital badge. Importantly, these certificate courses focus on practical AI applications without requiring coding, distinguishing them from the minor's more in-depth exploration of AI system mechanics for current CSUMB students.