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This fall, Northeastern will roll out 24 artificial intelligence, or AI, combined majors, which will replace its undergraduate data science majors.
Northeastern University is set to launch 24 new artificial intelligence (AI) combined majors beginning this fall semester, a strategic move that will completely replace its existing undergraduate data science majors. This significant curriculum overhaul is intended to more accurately reflect the evolving scope and comprehensive depth of the academic programs, as communicated by Christo Wilson, associate dean for academic programs and student experience, in an email to Khoury College of Computer Science undergraduates on August 25. The new combined majors are interdisciplinary, incorporating AI with a diverse range of fields such as mathematics, biochemistry, and journalism, indicating a broad application of AI across various disciplines.
For students currently enrolled in data science programs, Northeastern University offers clear transition pathways. They have the flexibility to either seamlessly switch to the newly introduced AI degree programs, aligning their studies with the updated curriculum, or they can choose to continue their current course of study and graduate with a data science degree as initially planned. Special guidance is provided for international students holding F-1 or J-1 visas. Those interested in changing their major title to reflect the AI update are strongly advised to consult with the Office of Global Services. This step is crucial to ensure they obtain an updated I-20 form, which is necessary for their visa compliance and accurately reflects their revised academic program.
The new Bachelor of Science in AI program at Northeastern is meticulously designed to immerse students in the intricate processes of designing, developing, and applying intelligent systems. These systems are characterized by their ability to learn, reason, and act autonomously. The program is fundamentally interdisciplinary, drawing heavily from the foundational principles of computer science, advanced statistics, and probability theory. A particularly rigorous and integral component of the curriculum is its focus on AI ethics, ensuring that students not only understand the technical aspects of AI but also its societal implications and responsible development. It's important to note that while undergraduate data science majors are being replaced, the university's Master of Science in Data Science will continue to be offered without any changes, catering to graduate-level specialization.
Northeastern University's initiative to introduce comprehensive AI degree programs is reflective of a broader, accelerating trend within higher education. The Boston Globe has reported that several other prominent institutions in the region are also on track to launch their own dedicated AI degree programs within the next two years. This includes Wentworth Institute of Technology, Endicott College, and Suffolk University. This collective movement among universities underscores the increasing academic and industry demand for specialized AI education and signals a widespread commitment to preparing students for the future of technology and its applications across various sectors.
Northeastern University has been proactively and strategically positioning itself as a vanguard and leader in the field of AI within higher education. A notable initiative in 2025 saw Northeastern become one of the very first universities to provide all its students, faculty, and staff with a free, institutional membership to Anthropic’s Claude, a leading AI tool. This move demonstrates a strong commitment to integrating cutting-edge AI resources into the academic environment. Beyond degree programs, the university also offers an AI Applications Certificate program, which has achieved impressive enrollment numbers since its launch last fall. Furthermore, an innovative AI Regulatory and Governance certificate program is slated for release in the spring of 2027, further solidifying Northeastern's diverse offerings in the AI domain.
Northeastern University's cooperative education (co-op) program has demonstrated remarkable success and growth in securing AI-related placements for its students. During the 2025-26 academic year, a substantial 1,508 students, accounting for 14% of all total co-op placements for that cycle, were successfully hired by companies specifically offering opportunities in artificial intelligence. This represents a significant upward trend. In comparison, since 2022, the university had typically recorded approximately 450 to 500 AI-related co-op placements per year, which constituted about 5% of the total yearly placements. The recent figures highlight a nearly threefold increase in AI co-op placements, underscoring the university's effective bridging of academic learning with practical industry experience in the rapidly expanding AI sector.