Northeastern Illinois University becomes Chicago’s first public school to offer AI degree

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

The program is reportedly housed in Northeastern’s College of Business and Technology, within the Department of Computer Science. School officials said it is designed to balance theory, application and real-world relevance.

Xiwei Wang, chair of computer science, said in a statement that the program is “Designed for students from all backgrounds” and offers “a welcoming introduction to artificial intelligence with no prior experience required,” according to PR Newswire.

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What students will study

The curriculum includes programming, mathematics and data structures, along with core courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing, per PR Newswire. Students will also take supporting classes in databases, operating systems, data analysis and information processing.

The university confirmed the major also includes a writing-intensive software engineering course and training in responsible technology use, awareness of limitations and public impact. Michael Bedell, dean of the College of Business and Technology, said in the announcement Northeastern wants students “to keep people at the center of its implementation.”

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Bedell added that the school launched “Artificial Intelligence for All” last year to build AI literacy across majors, PR Newswire reported.

Graduates could move into AI engineering and development, data and analytics, AI applications and other emerging fields, or continue to graduate study, the report noted. The university said students will also build communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills.

The program is part of Northeastern Illinois University’s effort to prepare students for a fast-changing technology sector while keeping ethics in the curriculum.