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University of Central Oklahoma Launches Two New AI-Focused Degree Programs
The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) in Edmond is set to welcome a new wave of students this fall with the launch of two AI‑centric degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science—Artificial Intelligence and a Master of Business Administration focused on AI Management.
In a local news release, UCO’s College of Mathematics and Science, headed by Dean Dr. Evan Lemley, explained how the bachelor’s program expands the existing computer science curriculum with courses on AI fundamentals, machine learning, and data analytics. The MBA with AI Management is tailored to teach business students how to harness AI for strategic decision‑making while navigating its legal and ethical implications.
"In the College of Business there's an MBA program in AI Management, and in looking at that one, that one is really specifically addressed to legal and ethical issues around AI, using AI for strategic thinking and driving the organization forward and some other similar topics," Lemley said in the release.
Lemley also highlighted the evolution of the software engineering track within the College of Mathematics and Science. "In the College of Math and Science, we have a software engineering program that has developed a new major in AI, and it's kind of been an evolving program over the last couple of years, where the program started adding a few classes, really to deal with input from industry," he explained. "Advisory boards and industry partnerships help shape the curriculum, ensuring that entry‑level software engineers receive AI training that reflects current workplace needs."
Prospective students can enroll in the new programs starting with the fall 2026 semester. Lemley noted that new programs typically begin with a modest cohort and expand over time. "We expect this one will grow fast, and that the software engineering program is around 100 students total. I suspect that you could end up with half of those students being enrolled in that particular major," he told FOX 25.
UCO says the degrees align with Oklahoma’s expanding technology, aerospace, defense, and business sectors. "I would say in software engineering we're leading this. There's some new programs cropping up that are being proposed right now. So I think that we will not be alone for long and unique for very long because other institutions are seeing, hearing the same things we're hearing from industry and sort of watching the trends in the workforce," Lemley added.
The university confirmed that admissions for both the fall 2026 and fall 2027 semesters remain open, allowing interested applicants to apply now.
Founded in 1890, UCO is Oklahoma’s third‑largest university, serving more than 12,500 students with roughly 430 full‑time faculty. The addition of AI‑focused degrees reflects a national trend of higher‑education institutions incorporating AI coursework to prepare graduates for a workforce where AI technologies are increasingly integral.
Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who can navigate the technical, ethical, and strategic dimensions of AI. By offering both a technical bachelor’s degree and a business‑oriented master’s program, UCO aims to produce graduates who can design AI systems and manage their deployment in commercial settings.
While detailed course catalogs and faculty assignments are not yet available, the initial emphasis on industry input and interdisciplinary collaboration suggests a curriculum that blends computer science fundamentals with real‑world applications.
As the AI field continues to evolve, UCO’s initiative represents a concrete step toward integrating AI education into the broader academic landscape of Oklahoma and beyond. The new programs are expected to attract students interested in both the technical and managerial aspects of AI, potentially positioning UCO as a regional hub for AI talent development.
In sum, UCO’s launch of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science—Artificial Intelligence and an MBA with an emphasis in AI Management marks a significant expansion of the university’s academic offerings, designed to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s growing technology sectors and to prepare students for careers that require both technical proficiency and strategic insight into AI.
The university will provide further details on course structures and admission requirements in the coming months, and interested applicants are encouraged to review the UCO admissions website for updates.
In a local news release, UCO’s College of Mathematics and Science, headed by Dean Dr. Evan Lemley, explained how the bachelor’s program expands the existing computer science curriculum with courses on AI fundamentals, machine learning, and data analytics. The MBA with AI Management is tailored to teach business students how to harness AI for strategic decision‑making while navigating its legal and ethical implications.
"In the College of Business there's an MBA program in AI Management, and in looking at that one, that one is really specifically addressed to legal and ethical issues around AI, using AI for strategic thinking and driving the organization forward and some other similar topics," Lemley said in the release.
Lemley also highlighted the evolution of the software engineering track within the College of Mathematics and Science. "In the College of Math and Science, we have a software engineering program that has developed a new major in AI, and it's kind of been an evolving program over the last couple of years, where the program started adding a few classes, really to deal with input from industry," he explained. "Advisory boards and industry partnerships help shape the curriculum, ensuring that entry‑level software engineers receive AI training that reflects current workplace needs."
Prospective students can enroll in the new programs starting with the fall 2026 semester. Lemley noted that new programs typically begin with a modest cohort and expand over time. "We expect this one will grow fast, and that the software engineering program is around 100 students total. I suspect that you could end up with half of those students being enrolled in that particular major," he told FOX 25.
UCO says the degrees align with Oklahoma’s expanding technology, aerospace, defense, and business sectors. "I would say in software engineering we're leading this. There's some new programs cropping up that are being proposed right now. So I think that we will not be alone for long and unique for very long because other institutions are seeing, hearing the same things we're hearing from industry and sort of watching the trends in the workforce," Lemley added.
The university confirmed that admissions for both the fall 2026 and fall 2027 semesters remain open, allowing interested applicants to apply now.
Founded in 1890, UCO is Oklahoma’s third‑largest university, serving more than 12,500 students with roughly 430 full‑time faculty. The addition of AI‑focused degrees reflects a national trend of higher‑education institutions incorporating AI coursework to prepare graduates for a workforce where AI technologies are increasingly integral.
Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who can navigate the technical, ethical, and strategic dimensions of AI. By offering both a technical bachelor’s degree and a business‑oriented master’s program, UCO aims to produce graduates who can design AI systems and manage their deployment in commercial settings.
While detailed course catalogs and faculty assignments are not yet available, the initial emphasis on industry input and interdisciplinary collaboration suggests a curriculum that blends computer science fundamentals with real‑world applications.
As the AI field continues to evolve, UCO’s initiative represents a concrete step toward integrating AI education into the broader academic landscape of Oklahoma and beyond. The new programs are expected to attract students interested in both the technical and managerial aspects of AI, potentially positioning UCO as a regional hub for AI talent development.
In sum, UCO’s launch of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science—Artificial Intelligence and an MBA with an emphasis in AI Management marks a significant expansion of the university’s academic offerings, designed to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s growing technology sectors and to prepare students for careers that require both technical proficiency and strategic insight into AI.
The university will provide further details on course structures and admission requirements in the coming months, and interested applicants are encouraged to review the UCO admissions website for updates.
