TN TECH – Tennessee Tech University will launch a new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in fall 2026, becoming the first institution in the state to offer a baccalaureate-level degree in the theories, systems and development behind the emerging technology.

The new major, housed in Tech’s Department of Computer Science, further positions the university as a statewide leader in AI. The program was approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission on Oct. 26. It builds upon what was formerly the data science and artificial intelligence concentration within the computer science major.

“When I started here at Tennessee Tech, we had the data science concentration. Eventually that changed into the data science and artificial intelligence concentration, and we’ve seen steady growth in that concentration over the past several years,” said Jerry Gannod, chair of Tech’s Department of Computer Science. “With the confluence of everything happening within artificial intelligence, both nationally and also here on campus, it really became the right time to do this.”

While the new degree will initially build on existing coursework, Tech faculty have already begun developing an expanded curriculum to reflect the depth and breadth of modern AI.

“This is an elevation, so we’re not changing it drastically on day one,” said Doug Talbert, professor of computer science and co-director of Tech’s Machine Intelligence and Data Science (MInDS) Center. “But we are beginning a planned evolution.”

Talbert said the curriculum will include the addition of courses in parallel programming, deep learning and human-AI interaction, with further expansion over the next three years.

“We’ll be rolling out even more advanced AI topics that are not currently covered in any courses on campus,” added Bill Eberle, professor of computer science and co-director of the MInDS Center. “This isn’t an applied AI degree. Our students want to build it, code it and understand the inner workings of it. We’re developing a program that emphasizes the foundations and engineering behind intelligent systems.”

That distinction of offering a foundational AI program, rather than an applied AI emphasis, makes Tech’s new major the only one of its kind in the state of Tennessee.

The new degree will complement the work of the MInDS Center, an on-campus hub launched in 2024 to address a national focus on AI education and workforce development. The center brings together faculty, students and industry partners to advance machine learning, data science and ethical AI applications.

“MInDS is a focal point for AI on campus,” Talbert said. “So, you’ll see that many of the ideas that inform where the major goes will come out of faculty associated with the center and from our advisory board, which has great expertise in artificial intelligence. It’s a way to create greater AI synergy across campus.”

Joseph P. Slater, dean of Tech’s College of Engineering, said the program represents a major step forward for the university’s role in this rapidly growing field.

“While AI is used throughout the curriculum across Tennessee Tech’s degree programs already, this dedicated Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence is focused on understanding AI under the hood, ensuring its safety and engineering the next generation of intelligent technologies,” Slater said. “This program will leverage our STEM expertise and the recently launched MInDS Center to ensure our graduates can be leaders in the continued evolution of AI systems that will be both secure and reliable. This is critical for all sectors of the economy, from manufacturing and energy to healthcare and research, and graduates will be able to find career opportunities in a variety of industries.”

Gannod said he hopes the program will raise the visibility of Tech’s computer science excellence and further strengthen the university’s standing as a leader in AI education and research.

“This is a great way for us to position ourselves within the state as a leader in AI talent development,” he said. “We’re building something distinctive—something that will attract students who see their future in this field and want to help shape it.”