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It's no secret that students across the country are using artificial intelligence in new and transformative ways to complete schoolwork. Now, students at Kennesaw State University in Georgia will be able to major in AI.
Kennesaw State University (KSU) announced the approval of Georgia's first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. This new program, set to launch in fall 2026, will make KSU the first institution in the state to offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in AI. The degree will be available at KSU's Marietta campus and online, aiming to prepare students for the rapidly expanding AI job market, further solidifying KSU's commitment to leading in technological education and workforce development within Georgia.
The Bachelor of Science in AI program is strategically designed to address the escalating demand for skilled professionals in artificial intelligence across various industries. Ivan Pulinkala, KSU's provost, emphasized that AI is a driving force for innovation in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, public safety, and business services. The curriculum is tailored to equip students with the essential training needed to contribute to Georgia's economic competitiveness. Graduates will be prepared to fill roles that require building and applying AI-driven technologies, thereby meeting critical employer demands and fostering state-level innovation and growth.
Kennesaw State University's new bachelor's program in AI is not an isolated offering but rather an extension of its already robust artificial intelligence education framework. The university has a history of integrating AI into its computer science curriculum, including an existing AI concentration within its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Furthermore, KSU launched a successful Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence in 2024. The new undergraduate degree leverages these established foundations, creating a comprehensive pathway for students to develop expertise in AI from foundational concepts to advanced applications, reinforcing KSU's leadership in AI academic programs and ensuring a seamless educational progression.
University leaders designed the new AI degree to provide a highly practical and career-oriented educational experience. The program incorporates several key features to ensure students gain real-world applicability and professional readiness. These include a dedicated first-year experience course to onboard students effectively, a writing-intensive class specifically adapted for computing disciplines, and a crucial applied AI capstone project. In this capstone, students will collaborate directly with industry partners, applying their AI knowledge to solve real-world problems within their chosen minor field. Additionally, students will have ample opportunities to undertake internships or engage in undergraduate research for academic credit, providing invaluable hands-on experience before graduation and further enhancing their career prospects in the competitive job market.
The interdisciplinary nature of the AI degree is a cornerstone of its design, combining a strong foundation in computing with a required minor in a field where AI applications are rapidly growing. Yiming Ji, interim dean of the College of Computing and Software Engineering, highlighted that this approach will empower students to ethically and effectively apply artificial intelligence in diverse real-world settings, crucial in an era where technology transforms industries at an unprecedented pace. The significance of this program is underscored by external data: a Georgia Chamber of Commerce report from the previous year projected the creation of 186,000 new STEM jobs in Georgia over the next five years, driven partly by AI. The report also indicated that more than 60% of Georgia executives plan to increase their investment in AI technologies within the next three years, signaling a clear and growing demand for the skills this new degree will provide and the importance of ethical considerations in AI development.