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New technologically-advanced program is one of the first in Virginia
Christopher Newport University (CNU) is launching a new major in Artificial Intelligence (AI), available to students starting the 2026-27 academic year. This pioneering program aims to prepare students for diverse careers and advanced studies in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
Developed by SEC professors Keith Perkins and Roberto Flores, the AI major offers a hands-on approach, enabling students to build a complete AI stack. The curriculum covers essential areas such as data science, machine learning, cloud infrastructure, neural networks, and large language models. Students will gain practical experience by training computer vision models, building agentic AI systems, and deploying real-world applications to the cloud, equipping them to shape the future of intelligent technology.
Graduates of the AI program will be well-prepared for various roles in the tech industry, including AI engineering, machine learning engineering, data science, and software development. According to Professor Perkins, this major is notable as one of the first of its kind to be offered by a university in Virginia, providing students with a significant advantage in the job market.
The majority of the coursework and lab activities for the AI major will take place at CNU’s state-of-the-art Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC). This facility boasts advanced technological resources, including a two-story drone lab and a makerspace, fostering innovation and collaboration. President William G. Kelly has emphasized the university's commitment to ensuring students use AI effectively and ethically, a goal further supported by a university-wide Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focused on responsible AI integration within a liberal arts education framework.