Program Spotlight: Taylor University launches bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence and machine learning

Taylor University will launch a new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning this fall, expanding its computer science offerings to meet growing demand for AI talent across technology, business, and research sectors.

The new degree builds on nearly four decades of artificial intelligence teaching and research within the university’s Computer Science & Engineering Department, making Taylor one of a growing number of higher education institutions developing specialised AI programs.

University leaders said the standalone degree is designed to prepare graduates for careers in AI research, machine learning, software engineering, data science, and postgraduate study.

Unlike many recently established AI programs, Taylor said the curriculum builds on a long history of AI instruction dating back to the mid-1980s, when faculty first began teaching topics including expert systems, machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing.

“AI isn’t new,” said Professor Emeritus Art White. “Many of the foundational machine learning concepts were already being taught at Taylor in the early 1990s.”

The 90-credit-hour program combines computer science, mathematics, and specialised AI coursework, with students completing subjects in machine learning, data science, generative AI, and foundation models alongside a two-semester faculty-supervised research project.

University officials said the curriculum was developed over two years in consultation with faculty, alumni, industry advisers, donors, and members of the university’s Board of Trustees. Contributors included former Intel CEO and current Gloo Executive Chairman Pat Gelsinger.

Taylor said the program places a strong emphasis on both technical capability and ethical decision-making, with students required to study the broader social and ethical implications of artificial intelligence alongside software development and algorithm design.

Assistant Professor of Computer Science Fola Ayano said the program aims to prepare students to create AI technologies rather than simply use existing tools.

“Anyone can learn to use an AI tool. We’re preparing students to build the next one,” Ayano said.

The launch reflects the rapid expansion of AI-focused higher education programs as universities respond to increasing employer demand for graduates with expertise in machine learning, large language models, and data-driven technologies.

According to Taylor University, the new degree includes specialised coursework not commonly required in comparable programs, including a dedicated course on foundation models and generative AI, as well as a two-semester research sequence designed to provide students with hands-on experience tackling real-world AI challenges.

The university said the program is intended to equip graduates with the technical knowledge, research experience, and ethical foundation needed to contribute to the next generation of artificial intelligence technologies.