Abilene, Texas — McMurry University is preparing to launch what it calls the first master’s degree program in artificial intelligence in Abilene, aiming to meet a growing demand for skilled workers as major technology companies expand across West Texas.
The university announced a new AI in Business master’s program as AI data centers and other technology operations continue to grow in the region.
McMurry University President Dr. Lynne Murray said the timing is tied to that expansion and the need to develop local talent.
McMurry University President Dr. Lynne Murray said the timing is tied to that expansion and the need to develop local talent. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall)
“McMurry University. You know, we've been here 100 years, so we've pioneered a lot of things. This, at this moment in time, just seemed like the right thing, because we know that Oracle and OpenAI and other companies are coming into town, and we want them to look at the talent here first before trying to hire outside of Abilene or West Texas,” Murray said.
University leaders said the program is designed not only for new graduate students, but also for current McMurry students through a “four plus one” option intended to speed up the path to a master’s degree.
University leaders said the program is designed not only for new graduate students, but also for current McMurry students through a “four plus one” option intended to speed up the path to a master’s degree. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall)
“What’s interesting about this graduate program is that we're offering it for our current McMurry students as what we call a four plus one, which means we'll get them that master's degree in a year, because it's so important to have skilled workers in AI that are knowledgeable about what's happening and can apply it to businesses, whether it's with strategic initiatives, running operations, creating efficiencies,” Murray said.
Dr. Murray also said the university views the program as a way to broaden access to a fast-growing field, pointing to McMurry’s ranking for social mobility.
(Dr. Murray also said the university views the program as a way to broaden access to a fast-growing field, pointing to McMurry’s ranking for social mobility. KTXS/ Tavish Lefall)
“I don't know if you know this, but McMurry University is number five in the country on U.S. News and World Report's rankings for social mobility. And so one of the neat things about our AI in Business master's degree is that it's based in the STEM fields so that it allows not only that technological infrastructure that's necessary, but it also creates accessibility for veterans and for international students to also take advantage of these courses,” she said.
Dr. Murray said the curriculum was shaped with input from Abilene business and industry leaders. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall)
Dr. Murray said the curriculum was shaped with input from Abilene business and industry leaders.
“You know, I've been president at McMurry University now for almost two years, and I've been very warmly welcomed and gotten to know industry leaders and businesspeople throughout Abilene. And so they've helped us to really think about the curriculum we're going to offer here in our AI in Business master's program,” she said.
University leaders said the curriculum has already been developed and faculty preparation is underway. (KTXS/ Tavish Lefall)
University leaders said the curriculum has already been developed and faculty preparation is underway.
Dr. Murray said the university has also completed accreditation steps needed to move forward.
“We're getting the faculty and the curriculum has been developed. And we've just passed the SACS accreditation necessary to launch this program. So we are excited,” she said.
Murray said the university plans to officially launch the AI program in the spring of 2027.