Alabama A&M Unveils State’s First Bachelor’s in Artificial Intelligence

Alabama A&M University announced that the fall 2026 semester will mark the debut of a standalone bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence. The program replaces the AI concentration that has existed within the computer science department since 2022, expanding it into a full curriculum.

Dean Z.T. Deng of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences said the university is reacting to market demand. “We are responding to the changing demands of the market,” he explained. “This is the AI age, and if we do not prepare students with strong capabilities, we are not fulfilling our responsibility as an institution.”

The new degree will cover deep learning, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and speech processing. Core computing fundamentals and applied problem‑solving remain central, and students will study ethical and professional responsibilities in computing.

Deng emphasized that AI will not replace workers outright. “I do not believe AI will replace people,” he said. “It will replace those who do not know how to use it.” The program therefore focuses on teaching students to understand AI systems and to issue precise commands, effectively becoming the operators of future technology.

Industry analysts note that AI talent shortages are driving universities to create specialized degrees. Alabama A&M’s move positions the school as a regional hub for AI education, potentially attracting students from across the Southeast.

Graduates will enter a job market where employers seek professionals who can integrate AI into existing workflows, evaluate algorithmic bias, and ensure compliance with emerging regulations. By embedding ethics alongside technical training, the program aims to produce well‑rounded practitioners.

What to watch next: enrollment numbers for the inaugural class and partnerships with tech firms that could provide internships or collaborative research opportunities.