Christopher Newport University to Offer Virginia’s First Undergraduate AI Major in 2026‑27

*TL;DR: Christopher Newport University will debut Virginia’s first undergraduate artificial intelligence major in the 2026‑27 academic year, training students across the entire AI technology stack.

Context The demand for AI expertise has surged across industry and academia. Universities are scrambling to embed AI curricula that blend theory with hands‑on deployment. Christopher Newport University (CNU) responded by designing a dedicated undergraduate pathway that aligns with the state’s growing tech ecosystem.

Key Facts - The School of Engineering and Computing (SEC) will roll out the AI major beginning in the 2026‑27 academic year. - Faculty members Keith Perkins and Roberto Flores led the program’s development. Perkins emphasized that students will “build the full artificial intelligence stack,” moving from data science and machine learning to cloud infrastructure, neural networks, and large language models. - Coursework includes training computer‑vision models, constructing agentic AI systems, and deploying real‑world applications to the cloud. Graduates will emerge ready for roles in AI engineering, machine‑learning development, data science, or software development, or for further graduate study. - The major is among the first of its kind offered by any Virginia university, positioning CNU as a regional pioneer in AI education. - Lab and project work will take place in the new Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC), which houses a two‑story drone lab, makerspace, and advanced research facilities. - President William G. Kelly highlighted AI’s ethical and practical importance in a 2025‑26 Honors Convocation address, linking the major to a university‑wide Quality Enhancement Plan that stresses responsible AI use.

What It Means CNU’s AI major creates a pipeline of talent equipped with end‑to‑end AI skills, a rarity at the undergraduate level. By integrating cloud deployment and large‑scale model training, the program bridges the gap between academic study and industry expectations. The initiative also supports Virginia’s broader goal of cultivating a high‑tech workforce, potentially attracting tech firms to the region and encouraging local startups.

Looking ahead, enrollment numbers, industry partnerships, and the impact of the Quality Enhancement Plan will indicate how effectively the program scales and influences AI education across the state.