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Northeastern Illinois University Launches First Public AI Undergraduate Degree in Chicago
When Chicago’s first public university opens its doors to artificial intelligence, it’s not just a new degree—it’s a fresh pathway for students who’ve never written a line of code.
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) announced that it will launch a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in the fall of 2026. The program will be the first undergraduate AI major offered by a public institution in the city. Domestic applicants can submit their files through August 1, 2026.
The curriculum is intentionally accessible. It begins with foundational courses in programming, mathematics and data structures before advancing to core AI subjects—Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. Students also take supporting classes in databases, operating systems, data analysis, information processing, a writing‑intensive software engineering course, and a seminar on ethical AI development that covers responsible technology use, awareness of limitations and the broader public impact.
NEIU houses the degree in its College of Business and Technology within the Department of Computer Science. Chair of Computer Science Dr. Xiwei Wang said the program “provides a welcoming introduction to artificial intelligence with no prior experience required, while maintaining a clear pathway to advanced, career‑ready skills.” Dean of the College and Business Dr. Michael Bedell added that the major will “empower students to understand how AI works, why it works, and how to keep people at the center of its implementation.”
Graduates will be prepared for roles in AI engineering and development, data and analytics, AI applications and other emerging careers, or for continued study at the graduate level. Beyond technical expertise, the program emphasizes communication, teamwork and critical‑thinking skills.
NEIU also offers a tuition‑top‑off scholarship called NEIU For You. The award covers the cost of tuition for up to 12 credit hours per semester for qualifying students, and it applies after all other federal, state and institutional grants have been deducted.
Founded in 1867, NEIU is a minority‑serving institution and the longest‑standing four‑year public Hispanic‑serving institution in the Midwest. Its main campus spans 67 acres on Chicago’s Northwest Side, and the university also operates additional locations throughout the Chicagoland area.
The launch reflects NEIU’s broader commitment to expanding access to advanced STEM education and responds to the growing demand for AI‑qualified talent in the Chicago region and beyond. Applications close on August 1, and prospective students can review admission requirements, financial aid options and the full curriculum on NEIU’s admissions webpage. The university has not yet announced specific enrollment targets for the inaugural cohort.
While several other institutions are adding AI‑focused programs, NEIU remains the only public Chicago school offering a dedicated undergraduate AI degree. The program’s emphasis on ethical reasoning and social responsibility is intended to prepare students for the complex challenges of deploying AI systems in society. Although detailed metrics on expected graduate outcomes are not yet available, the curriculum is designed to produce workforce‑ready graduates.
In summary, NEIU’s Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence will begin in fall 2026, with applications open until August 1. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends foundational science, core AI coursework, practical software engineering and ethics, while scholarships help offset tuition costs. The initiative positions NEIU as a pioneer among Chicago public institutions in providing undergraduate AI education.
Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) announced that it will launch a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in the fall of 2026. The program will be the first undergraduate AI major offered by a public institution in the city. Domestic applicants can submit their files through August 1, 2026.
The curriculum is intentionally accessible. It begins with foundational courses in programming, mathematics and data structures before advancing to core AI subjects—Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. Students also take supporting classes in databases, operating systems, data analysis, information processing, a writing‑intensive software engineering course, and a seminar on ethical AI development that covers responsible technology use, awareness of limitations and the broader public impact.
NEIU houses the degree in its College of Business and Technology within the Department of Computer Science. Chair of Computer Science Dr. Xiwei Wang said the program “provides a welcoming introduction to artificial intelligence with no prior experience required, while maintaining a clear pathway to advanced, career‑ready skills.” Dean of the College and Business Dr. Michael Bedell added that the major will “empower students to understand how AI works, why it works, and how to keep people at the center of its implementation.”
Graduates will be prepared for roles in AI engineering and development, data and analytics, AI applications and other emerging careers, or for continued study at the graduate level. Beyond technical expertise, the program emphasizes communication, teamwork and critical‑thinking skills.
NEIU also offers a tuition‑top‑off scholarship called NEIU For You. The award covers the cost of tuition for up to 12 credit hours per semester for qualifying students, and it applies after all other federal, state and institutional grants have been deducted.
Founded in 1867, NEIU is a minority‑serving institution and the longest‑standing four‑year public Hispanic‑serving institution in the Midwest. Its main campus spans 67 acres on Chicago’s Northwest Side, and the university also operates additional locations throughout the Chicagoland area.
The launch reflects NEIU’s broader commitment to expanding access to advanced STEM education and responds to the growing demand for AI‑qualified talent in the Chicago region and beyond. Applications close on August 1, and prospective students can review admission requirements, financial aid options and the full curriculum on NEIU’s admissions webpage. The university has not yet announced specific enrollment targets for the inaugural cohort.
While several other institutions are adding AI‑focused programs, NEIU remains the only public Chicago school offering a dedicated undergraduate AI degree. The program’s emphasis on ethical reasoning and social responsibility is intended to prepare students for the complex challenges of deploying AI systems in society. Although detailed metrics on expected graduate outcomes are not yet available, the curriculum is designed to produce workforce‑ready graduates.
In summary, NEIU’s Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence will begin in fall 2026, with applications open until August 1. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends foundational science, core AI coursework, practical software engineering and ethics, while scholarships help offset tuition costs. The initiative positions NEIU as a pioneer among Chicago public institutions in providing undergraduate AI education.
