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New technologically-advanced program is one of the first in Virginia
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is set to launch a pioneering Artificial Intelligence (AI) major, making it one of the first universities in Virginia to do so. The new program will be offered by the School of Engineering and Computing (SEC) beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, aiming to prepare students for successful careers or advanced graduate studies in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
Developed under the leadership of SEC professors Keith Perkins and Roberto Flores, the AI major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the full artificial intelligence stack. The curriculum will guide students through various stages, from foundational data science and machine learning concepts to advanced topics like cloud infrastructure, neural networks, and the large language models that power modern AI systems. Students will gain invaluable practical experience by training computer vision models, building agentic AI systems, and deploying real-world applications to the cloud, ensuring they graduate with the skills to actively shape the future of intelligent technology.
Upon completion of the AI major, graduates will be exceptionally well-prepared to pursue diverse career paths or further their education. The program equips them for roles in AI development, machine learning engineering, data science, and software development. Professor Perkins emphasizes that this major distinguishes CNU as one of the pioneering institutions in Virginia to offer such a specialized and technologically advanced program, providing students with a significant advantage in the competitive job market.
A substantial portion of the course and lab work for the new AI major will be conducted within CNU’s cutting-edge Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC). This modern facility provides an ideal environment for innovative learning and research, featuring a unique two-story drone lab, a versatile makerspace, and an array of technologically advanced resources specifically designed to foster collaborative research and practical application for engineering and computing students.
The introduction of the AI major aligns with Christopher Newport University's broader commitment to fostering responsible technological advancement. President William G. Kelly highlighted the importance of ethical AI use in his Honors Convocation speech, stressing the university's responsibility to educate students on both the effective and ethical application of AI. To further this goal, a university-wide Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is also in progress, focusing on effective and responsible AI integration, ensuring that a liberal arts education prepares students to navigate an increasingly AI-influenced world with a strong moral compass.