Oregon Tech Moves Forward With New Artificial Intelligence Degree
Board approval advances plans for a future-focused bachelor’s program launching as early as fall 2026
Oregon Tech has approved the next phase of development for a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, with plans to enroll its first cohort of students in Fall 2026.
The university’s Board of Trustees approved proceeding with the program during its December meeting. The proposal also received approval from the Statewide Provosts’ Council, which includes provosts from all seven of Oregon’s public universities and Oregon Health & Science University.
The program will now advance through additional review processes, including evaluation by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Once the first cohort graduates, the degree will be eligible for accreditation through ABET.
“Oregon Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence is designed for impact, not just credentials, placing the university among the first in applied AI education,” said Oregon Tech President Dr. Nagi Naganthan. “Our goal is to prepare our graduates to be distinctive career-ready professionals who will develop and manage AI systems responsibly, ethically, and with a clear focus on improving the human condition.”
University leaders emphasized that the degree will take an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach. According to Dr. Neslihan Alp, Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Management, the program will feature multiple career-focused tracks.
“The Bachelor of Science in AI is a truly interdisciplinary program with strong AI foundations and multiple tracks that prepare students for a wide range of career pathways,” Alp said. “The first track, Applied Computing, emphasizes the practical design and deployment of AI-driven solutions, with future tracks expanding into additional applied areas.”
Students enrolled in the program will learn artificial intelligence through project-based coursework shaped in collaboration with industry partners. The curriculum will include applied laboratories, capstone projects, and real-world challenges designed to prepare graduates to contribute to organizations and communities across Oregon.
Oregon Tech officials said the university is also prioritizing the responsible use of artificial intelligence while maintaining a strong human connection in teaching, research, and applied practice. This effort includes a recent collaboration with Google Public Sector to advance AI-related research, innovation, and workforce skill development.
Additional details about the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree are expected to be released as the proposal completes its remaining state and regional approval steps.
Cover image: freepik.com
