Nebraska’s First Artificial Intelligence Degree Program Now Open for Enrollment

Highlights

• Current and prospective students can enroll in the program now and begin working toward a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree in the Spring 2025 semester.

• Administered by the computer science department, the BSAI degree is designed to produce graduates who can design, implement, and manage AI systems across a broad range of sectors.

• UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA: “The BSAI program at UNO is not just about teaching students to use AI, develop AI solutions, or create AI technology. It’s about preparing them to lead in a world where AI will be the driver of innovation and economic growth.”

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) announced today enrollment is now open for its Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (BSAI) program for the Spring 2025 semester.

The degree, which is designed to equip students with the skills needed to lead in the fast-evolving field of AI, is the first of its kind in Nebraska and one of only a few in the Midwest.

As Nebraska’s economy continues to grow and evolve, so does the demand for a highly skilled workforce equipped to navigate and capitalize on the advancements in artificial intelligence. The program aims to meet that demand head-on, providing students with the tools, knowledge, and hands-on experience necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

“The BSAI program at UNO is not just about teaching students to use AI, develop AI solutions, or create AI technology,” UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, said. “It’s about preparing them to lead in a world where AI will be the driver of innovation and economic growth. This program will set the standard for AI education in the region and beyond. I am immensely proud of the College of Information Science and Technology and the Department of Computer Science for leading this charge.”

Leading the Charge in AI Education

Administered by UNO’s Department of Computer Science in the College of Information Science and Technology (IS&T), the BSAI degree is designed to produce graduates who can design, implement, and manage AI systems across a broad range of sectors.

The need for a specialized AI workforce has never been more urgent. As breakthroughs in AI technology continue to emerge, the demand for professionals who understand both the potential and the challenges of AI has skyrocketed.

According to PwC’s 2024 AI Jobs Barometer:

• Jobs that require AI specialist skills carry up to a 25% wage premium in some markets.

• Growth in jobs that require AI specialist skills has outpaced all jobs since 2016 (well before ChatGPT brought fresh attention to AI), with numbers of AI specialist jobs growing 3.5 times faster than all jobs.

• Sectors with highest AI penetration are seeing almost fivefold (4.8x) greater labor productivity growth. Rising labor productivity can generate economic growth, higher wages, and enhanced living standards.

Omaha Chamber of Commerce CEO Heath Mello said the degree will have a positive impact on the Omaha business community.

"Cities that embrace emerging technologies like artificial intelligence become magnets for top talent and innovation, transforming not only their economies but also the quality of life for their residents,” Mello said. “By launching this groundbreaking AI program, UNO is positioning Omaha to be a leader in the tech revolution, creating a ripple effect that will drive growth, attract new businesses, and foster a vibrant, future-ready workforce."

The BSAI curriculum will equip students with a deep understanding of machine learning, AI ethics, generative AI, and data governance. With opportunities to tailor their education through free electives, students can integrate AI with disciplines like business, computer science, education, information systems, and even philosophy.

This approach ensures that graduates are ready to enter the workforce as AI specialists who can stay on the cutting edge of technology developments, while also prioritizing ethical decision-making.

A Magnet for Talent and Innovation

For businesses looking to stay ahead in an AI-driven economy, the BSAI program will create a steady flow of skilled professionals who can help organizations navigate this new frontier. In turn, this talent development will help reverse Nebraska’s brain drain by encouraging both in-state and out-of-state students to stay in the state and contribute to its growth.

“This degree is a game-changer for Nebraska,” IS&T Dean Martha Garcia-Murillo said. “It will attract students from all over the state—and the country—who want to be part of the next wave of AI innovation. And it will give Nebraska employers the talent they need to compete in a global market.”