UK launches state's 1st Bachelor of Science in AI

From smartphones to self-driving cars, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how the world works — and now, Kentucky students can be trained at the forefront of that transformation.

The Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky has launched the Commonwealth's first Bachelor of Science in AI. The undergraduate degree program, housed in the Department of Computer Science, will welcome its first class in Fall 2026.

AI and machine learning specialists are projected to be the third fastest-growing occupation globally from 2025 to 2030. UK moved quickly to meet this growing demand — joining forward-thinking colleges and universities preparing students for the evolving global workforce.

"AI is powerful technology that is growing rapidly, and in order to not only meet the talent demand but develop experts who will advance science and mitigate unintended consequences, we knew we needed to provide a dedicated degree program in this area," said Rudy Buchheit, Ph.D., Rebecca Burchett Liebert Dean of the Pigman College of Engineering. "In addition to the being the first in the state to offer an AI degree, we will be one of few universities in the nation to offer a bachelor's degree in AI — making UK a destination for students looking to specialize in this field."

The program is designed to prepare graduates with the technical skills, ethical grounding and real-world experience needed to use AI effectively and responsibly across a variety of industries.

Brent Harrison, Ph.D., associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in computer science, is among the faculty leaders who helped design the new AI major — building on UK's long-standing strengths in computing and innovation.

The 120-hour degree combines a strong foundation in computer science with advanced coursework in AI, machine learning and data analytics. Students will gain technical expertise in programming, algorithms and computational modeling, with a focus on Python — the leading programming language in AI development.

"When you enroll in this program, you're going to come out of it really knowing how AI works and knowing how to use it in the right way," Harrison said. "I think that is especially important for entering into the job market."

At its core, the degree is grounded in computing — equipping graduates with the same foundational principles of computer science while applying them to AI-specific challenges such as data-driven decision-making, automation and human-computer interaction.

"Creating machines that can understand, think and learn from their surroundings has historically (and currently) been a computing problem," Harrison said. "In order to address these, you still have to understand how to be an effective programmer."

Recognizing the broad societal impact of AI, the program also places a strong emphasis on ethics. All students are required to complete a dedicated AI ethics course, with ethical considerations integrated throughout the curriculum.

Harrison said his personal philosophy is to address the ethical implications of every new AI topic he introduces — an approach that has become a consistent theme across many of the department's classrooms. "We really want to make sure that not only are our graduates effective users, but that they are ethical and responsible users of AI."

Students in the AI major will have access to hands-on research opportunities across campus, learning from computer science faculty who are leading cutting-edge, interdisciplinary projects that span areas such as digital humanities, interactive storytelling and human-centered machine learning.

"I think what makes AI at UK special is the faculty," Harrison said. "We have so many interesting, ongoing projects — from Brent Seales' work in digital humanities to Stephen Ware's research at the intersection of AI, storytelling and game design."

As industries across Kentucky increasingly adopt AI-driven technologies — from health care and agriculture to manufacturing, automotive and bourbon production — the demand for a skilled, AI-literate workforce continues to grow.

"AI isn't going anywhere, and our job is to make sure our graduates are prepared to create positive change in the Commonwealth and beyond," Harrison said. "We want them to enter the workforce ready to shape policy and help decision-makers make informed choices."

Interested students can now apply to the Bachelor of Science in AI. For more information on how to enroll, visit the program webpage.

UK also offers an Undergraduate Certificate in AI. The program is open to all undergraduates and allows students to gain AI skills tailored to their unique goals.


The program is designed to prepare graduates with the technical skills, ethical grounding and real-world experience needed to use AI effectively and responsibly across a variety of industries. Photo courtesy of Pigman College of Engineering.