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The University of North Texas will become the fourth Texas college to adopt an artificial intelligence degree program, responding to significant workforce demand and student interest.
The University of North Texas (UNT) is setting a significant precedent in higher education by launching a new undergraduate degree program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) beginning next fall. This makes UNT the fourth institution in Texas to offer such a specialized AI major, following similar programs initiated by Angelo State University, Tarleton State University, and the University of Texas at El Paso in 2025. This strategic move by UNT's Board of Regents is a direct response to a burgeoning demand within the workforce for AI expertise and a noticeable surge in student interest in existing AI-related courses. David Keathly, associate chair of Undergraduate Studies for UNT's College of Engineering, noted the traditionally slower pace of higher education compared to industry trends but anticipates a rapid increase in AI programs across the nation. UNT's College of Engineering has observed a steadily growing fascination with AI, reflected in the popularity of its elective courses and the increasing enrollment in its graduate AI program, which commenced in 2021. The national conversation and advancements in AI technology have undeniably fueled this academic expansion. According to internal briefing materials presented by UNT, the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area alone experiences approximately 2,000 job postings each month that specifically require an AI background. This robust local job market presents a compelling case for the new degree, promising graduates a median first-year salary of $68,208, which is projected to rise to $105,335 by the fifth year, indicating strong long-term earning potential. Keathly emphasized that the timing for launching this program is critical, especially given the proliferation of large language models and AI tools developed by diverse companies over the past year. AI has transitioned from a niche technology to a fundamental component across various industries, impacting operations from code generation to customer service chatbots. A 2025 McKinsey Global Survey corroborates this trend, revealing that two-thirds of surveyed companies have already integrated AI into at least one business function. This widespread adoption underscores the necessity for a well-trained workforce capable of navigating and innovating within the AI landscape. A distinctive feature of UNT's new AI curriculum is its interdisciplinary approach. Recognizing that AI's influence extends far beyond the technology sector, some core AI courses, such as an introductory "Applied AI" class, will be open to students from all majors. This open-enrollment strategy aims not only to equip non-AI specialists with essential tools and understanding but also to foster valuable networking opportunities between AI majors and students from various industries seeking AI integration. This cross-pollination of ideas and skills is expected to enrich the educational experience and prepare students for a collaborative future. Furthermore, the program will delve into specialized areas of AI, with courses like "AI in Games" exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and video game development, building upon UNT’s existing video game programming certification. Critically, the curriculum mandates a course focused on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. This commitment to ethical AI consumption and social responsibility is a cornerstone of the department's philosophy, as demonstrated by its sponsorship of a research group actively publishing findings on these vital topics. This ensures that UNT graduates are not only technically proficient but also ethically conscious developers and users of AI technology, a crucial aspect in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.