UNT to launch new major in artificial intelligence to meet workforce demands
UNT to launch new major in artificial intelligence to meet workforce demands
Publish Date: 2026-02-19 18:00:00
Source Domain: www.dallasnews.com
This fall, University of North Texas students will be able to major in something new: artificial intelligence.
The UNT Board of Regents approved the AI major on Thursday, which comes as universities nationwide are making strides to incorporate the rapidly-expanding technology into classrooms. The new undergraduate program is an opportunity to drive economic growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, school officials say.
“We know this program will prepare students to thrive in a ridiculously rapidly evolving world,” Michael McPherson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said during the meeting. “It will also address a growing and critical need in our society.”
The undergraduate program will be housed in the College of Engineering. Students will design, build and deploy AI software and systems, according to UNT documents. The curriculum will also guide students in assessing the social and ethical implications of AI.
The Education Lab
Meeting workforce demands
UNT President Harrison Keller has made it a priority to identify and meet the region’s workforce needs. As North Texas is projected to add 7 million jobs by 2050, employers are struggling to find Texans to fill open jobs.
University officials say there is a demand for professionals in AI and machine learning fields. An analysis found that there are about 2,000 postings per month in the Dallas-Fort Worth region related to artificial intelligence, according to UNT.
The first-year salary for someone with this credential is just above $68,000 a year, and that number jumps to $105,000 after five years. While the average UNT graduate breaks even on their degree in six years, a student with an AI degree is anticipated to recoup their education investment in three, McPherson said.
“It is the Keller way, if I might, to be on the vanguard,”…
