Northeastern Illinois University Becomes First Public University in Chicago to Launch Bachelor of Science Degree in Artificial Intelligence

Northeastern Illinois University will launch a new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence beginning in Fall 2026, becoming the first public university in Chicago to offer an undergraduate degree in AI. Applications are open through Aug. 1 for domestic students.

“Designed for students from all backgrounds, the Bachelor of Science in AI program provides a welcoming introduction to artificial intelligence with no prior experience required, while maintaining a clear pathway to advanced, career-ready skills,” said Northeastern’s Chair of Computer Science Xiwei Wang, Ph.D. “We believe AI should serve people — not the other way around. Ethical reasoning, fairness and social responsibility are integrated throughout the curriculum, preparing students to develop responsible and impactful AI solutions.”

The new AI major, housed in NEIU’s College of Business and Technology (CBT) under the Department of Computer Science, is designed to balance theory, application and real-world relevance.

Curriculum highlights include:

• Foundational courses in programming, mathematics and data structures
• Core AI courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing
• Supporting coursework in databases, operating systems, data analysis and information processing
• A writing-intensive software engineering course
• Ethical AI development, including responsible technology use, awareness of limitations and consideration of public impact

“Last year, we launched the ‘Artificial Intelligence for All’ course, which enabled students in any major to develop their awareness and literacy around AI through practical and accessible ways,” said Northeastern Dean of CBT Michael Bedell, Ph.D. “Now, as we launch our new major in AI, we are empowering Northeastern Illinois University students to not just learn how to use AI as a tool, but to delve deep into AI — to understand how it works, why it works, and how to keep people at the center of its implementation. Our program will ask students to consider moral and ethical challenges new technology demands that we tackle so our students become more than innovators; they will be leaders with hands-on skills as well as purpose.”

Upon graduation, students will be prepared to work in a variety of fields including AI engineering and development, data and analytics, AI applications and other emerging careers, or continue their education through graduate studies.

“Beyond technical expertise, students will strengthen communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills,” Dr. Wang said. “Our goal is that students will graduate with experience in programming, machine learning, and software development to be ready to immediately contribute to the workforce.”

Scholarships are available, including NEIU For You, a tuition top-off scholarship that covers the cost of tuition for up to 12 credit hours per semester for qualifying students. It applies after all other federal, state and institutional grants have been deducted. Learn more about financial aid, admissions requirements and other academic programs by visiting the Admissions webpage.

Top photo: Northeastern Illinois University students participating in the Computer Science Hackathon.