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University of Utah to Launch States First Bachelors Degree in Artificial Intelligence
The University of Utah is set to become the state’s pioneer in AI education, announcing a new bachelor’s degree that the Board of Trustees approved on June 10. Pending accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Kahlert School of Computing will welcome applicants for the fall 2026 semester.
Long a hub for computer‑related studies, the Kahlert School—part of the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering—has already offered majors in computer science, data science, software development, and computer engineering. Last fall it added an AI minor, and the David Eccles School of Business will provide an AI minor to all undergraduates starting in fall 2026. Meanwhile, the College of Humanities plans an AI‑inflected “Workplace Writing” master’s program for fall 2027.
The new major begins with core computer‑science and mathematics courses before delving into machine learning, data analysis, natural‑language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Students will build the underlying technology that powers AI applications and receive instruction on the ethical and effective use of AI systems. Several new courses will be created in partnership with the Philosophy and Mathematics departments to highlight the field’s interdisciplinary nature.
Mary Hall, director of the Kahlert School, emphasized Utah’s long history in computing. "Utah has always been at the forefront of computing education. In 1964, we were one of the first programs in the nation to offer a B.S. in Computer Science. Utah faculty were pioneers in computing technologies, from the internet to computer graphics, and beyond," she said. "It’s imperative to train students to develop and manage the technology that has disrupted all aspects of society." Hall also drew a distinction between data science and AI, noting, "Data science is about understanding and leveraging data to make decisions. Artificial intelligence is about creating intelligent systems that can act, predict or assist autonomously."
The timing of the launch aligns with Utah’s status as a top state for tech‑sector job growth, a trend highlighted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While graduate AI programs are common, undergraduate offerings that treat AI as a holistic discipline remain rare. The new major aims to fill that gap and prepare students for the expanding industry.
The Board’s approval is the first step; the university must still secure accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Once accredited, the program will open enrollment in fall 2026. Current University of Utah students interested in the major are advised to meet with a computing undergraduate academic advisor.
In short, the University of Utah is poised to launch the state’s first bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, pending accreditation. The program will begin accepting applicants in fall 2026 and represents a significant expansion of AI education in Utah, aligning academic training with the region’s growing tech workforce needs.
Long a hub for computer‑related studies, the Kahlert School—part of the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering—has already offered majors in computer science, data science, software development, and computer engineering. Last fall it added an AI minor, and the David Eccles School of Business will provide an AI minor to all undergraduates starting in fall 2026. Meanwhile, the College of Humanities plans an AI‑inflected “Workplace Writing” master’s program for fall 2027.
The new major begins with core computer‑science and mathematics courses before delving into machine learning, data analysis, natural‑language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Students will build the underlying technology that powers AI applications and receive instruction on the ethical and effective use of AI systems. Several new courses will be created in partnership with the Philosophy and Mathematics departments to highlight the field’s interdisciplinary nature.
Mary Hall, director of the Kahlert School, emphasized Utah’s long history in computing. "Utah has always been at the forefront of computing education. In 1964, we were one of the first programs in the nation to offer a B.S. in Computer Science. Utah faculty were pioneers in computing technologies, from the internet to computer graphics, and beyond," she said. "It’s imperative to train students to develop and manage the technology that has disrupted all aspects of society." Hall also drew a distinction between data science and AI, noting, "Data science is about understanding and leveraging data to make decisions. Artificial intelligence is about creating intelligent systems that can act, predict or assist autonomously."
The timing of the launch aligns with Utah’s status as a top state for tech‑sector job growth, a trend highlighted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While graduate AI programs are common, undergraduate offerings that treat AI as a holistic discipline remain rare. The new major aims to fill that gap and prepare students for the expanding industry.
The Board’s approval is the first step; the university must still secure accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Once accredited, the program will open enrollment in fall 2026. Current University of Utah students interested in the major are advised to meet with a computing undergraduate academic advisor.
In short, the University of Utah is poised to launch the state’s first bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, pending accreditation. The program will begin accepting applicants in fall 2026 and represents a significant expansion of AI education in Utah, aligning academic training with the region’s growing tech workforce needs.
