The rise of artificial intelligence is changing how industries operate and how universities prepare students for the workforce. At the University of North Texas, faculty researchers see an economic paradigm shift requiring a complete rethinking of undergraduate education.
This fall, UNT is launching one of the state's few standalone Bachelor of Science degrees in Artificial Intelligence offered by a public university.
The program expands on the university's existing Master of Science in AI—Texas' only standalone program—creating a pipeline from foundational learning to advanced corporate or research roles.
Why an AI degree
For years, AI was part of computer science programs as one piece of a much larger curriculum, but faculty say the field has outgrown that structure.
“When you look at a traditional computer science program, it becomes more difficult to maintain the courses you need for accreditation while also trying to add depth in something as complex as AI,” said David Keathly, associate chair for undergraduate studies in UNT’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Separating AI into its own degree allows UNT to explore machine learning, predictive systems and applied AI development without being constrained by general requirements.
It creates room for interdisciplinary work across campus, supported by UNT’s AI Institute, where computing connects with fields like healthcare, transportation, and social sciences instead of staying siloed inside engineering.
Built around employer needs
The shift toward a dedicated AI degree is driven directly by employers.
“The domain has expanded so much in the last few years,” Clinical Assistant Professor Subharag Sarkar said. “The job requirements nowadays show companies are looking for employees who know how to use these new technologies really well and implement them in day-to-day work.”
That includes everything from building custom AI systems to integrating machine learning into existing products—not just using off-the-shelf tools.
Faculty noted another reality shaping the program: hiring systems rely on automated screening, meaning specialized credentials can help students stand out earlier in the job pipeline.
That’s why UNT structured the degree to signal depth in AI—rather than burying it inside a broader computer science label.
From the classroom to real systems
Inside the program, AI is treated less like a theory and more like something students build.
Courses introduce foundational concepts like search algorithms, recommendation systems, and fraud detection models—used across finance, transportation and digital platforms today.
But learning doesn’t stop at lectures.
Students enter a required two-semester capstone experience where teams spend nine months taking a project from concept to working prototype. These projects often involve real clients, industry partners or community organizations. Current projects include:
- AI tools to clear traffic accidents faster and reduce roadway congestion
- Cybersecurity research modernizing Department of Defense hiring systems
- Research on responsible AI development and emerging AI regulations
Made for a changing field
One challenge of designing an AI degree is that the field changes too quickly for a fixed curriculum.
UNT faculty say the solution is flexibility—providing a strong technical core, then allowing electives and interdisciplinary options to evolve with new technologies. This includes emerging areas like agentic AI and new applications of machine learning.
The university has expanded access points beyond the major. Students in other disciplines can pursue stackable credentials, including an Applied AI certificate for non-computing majors or nondegree-seeking individuals needing AI literacy.
“The expectation of the change of the market and the adoption of AI is going to be very high over the next five years,” said Lotfi Benothmane, program coordinator for the new bachelor’s degree. “We adapt based on the demands.”
Interested? Learn more here
UNT’s new AI bachelor’s degree isn’t just about keeping up with a trend; it reflects a shift in how technology is reshaping nearly every profession.
Faculty members aim to train students to use AI and prepare them to build what’s next.
For admissions, click here. | To register for fall classes, click here.
To learn more about the program, visit UNT’s website.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with the Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.