The College of Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Tulsa has launched a Bachelor of Science degree in applied artificial intelligence, structured as a double-major curriculum that students can add to their existing program without extending their time to graduation or accumulating additional credit hours. The move positions The University of Tulsa among a growing number of institutions racing to formalize undergraduate AI education amid surging employer demand for graduates with hands-on AI training.
The program is built around a broad set of competencies spanning both the technical and ethical dimensions of modern AI. Core subject areas include neural networks and deep learning, AI ethics and responsibilities, and domain-specific applications that mirror real-world industry use cases. The curriculum is intended to equip students not only to build and deploy AI systems but also to develop the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate their impact and limitations across different professional contexts.
The University of Tulsa designed the degree specifically to complement existing programs within the college, including engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity. By integrating applied AI coursework into these established disciplines, the college aims to produce graduates who can bring AI fluency to a wide range of technical fields rather than treating AI as a standalone specialty. The university says the program is delivered in small class settings, with personalized mentorship from faculty intended to give students direct access to guidance that larger programs often cannot provide.
The launch comes as universities nationwide grapple with how to embed AI literacy into undergraduate education without creating entirely separate, resource-intensive degree tracks. The University of Tulsa’s approach — threading AI training through existing credit structures — offers a model that lowers the barrier to entry for students who may be hesitant to take on additional coursework or delay graduation. College officials say the degree is designed to be as accessible as possible while still delivering rigorous, application-driven preparation.
KEY QUOTES:
“This new AI degree will equip our students with both the technical foundation and strategic perspective required in today’s rapidly evolving workforce. By grounding students in the principles, ethics and real-world applications of artificial intelligence, we are giving them a versatile skill set that enhances any career pathway.”
Andreas A. Polycarpou, PhD, Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Tulsa
