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UA Little Rock Launches Standalone Bachelor’s in Artificial Intelligence

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • UA System Board approved the AI bachelor’s degree in January 2026.
  • The program began its first semester in fall 2026.
  • Curriculum includes machine learning, robotics, and AI governance.

The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved a new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence at UA Little Rock in January 2026. The program began enrolling its first students for the fall 2026 semester, reflecting a broader trend in higher education toward specialized technology degrees.

The AI degree at UA Little Rock was established as a standalone program, following formal approval by the university’s governing board. This program was developed in response to rapid expansion in AI-related job opportunities across various sectors, according to the UA System Board of Trustees.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence complete a 120-credit-hour curriculum. The program blends technical coursework with practical projects and requires completion of two capstone courses before graduation.

The curriculum addresses a range of subjects, including machine learning, AI governance, robotics, deep learning, and natural language processing. These areas are designed to prepare students for roles in industries where artificial intelligence is increasingly applied.

What the numbers show

  • Board approval for the degree was granted in January 2026.
  • The inaugural semester for the AI program was fall 2026.
  • The degree requires 120 credit hours, including two capstone courses.

UA Little Rock’s AI program builds on the university’s established research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity. This foundation supports the technical and applied focus of the new bachelor’s degree.

Philip Huff, an associate professor at UA Little Rock, played a key role in developing and launching the artificial intelligence program. His involvement contributed to shaping the curriculum and integrating hands-on learning experiences for students.

The program’s creation aligns with the university’s ongoing efforts to address workforce needs in technology fields. By offering a dedicated bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, UA Little Rock aims to support students pursuing careers in emerging technology sectors.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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