The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) announced it will be offering a new undergraduate degree, the bachelor of science in Artificial Intelligence Methods and Applications (AIMA), beginning in the fall 2025 semester.

According to the college, the program will prepare students to utilize the strengths and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in responsible and ethical ways, while transforming the way people live, work, and interact.

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Through the use of AI, the AIMA major will prepare students to design, implement, evaluate, and deploy solutions that “extend human abilities in complex real-world applications,” according to the college.

“As AI increasingly becomes an important driver of the global economy, demand is high for well-trained professionals who have both the technical and interpersonal skills to lead in this new era of innovation,” dean of the College of IST Andrea Tapia said in a release. “The AIMA degree will prepare students to navigate challenges and opportunities in the age of AI.”

With the help of AI technologies society is working more efficiently and strategically in new, inventive ways. However, this expansion also calls for careful consideration of the possible drawbacks and biases of AI technology, the accountability of AI judgments, and how AI might continue to expand.

“The College of IST is excited to announce this degree program to current and prospective students,” associate dean for undergraduate studies Lisa Lenze said in a release. “With this major, Penn State joins the ranks of institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, and MIT in offering a bachelor of science degree specifically in artificial intelligence.”

The Nittany AI Alliance and the Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence are housed within the College of IST, which has a long history of research and teaching within the field. Almost half of the IST professors are already engaged in AI-related research.

“With a strong foundation in machine learning, generative AI, and ethical responsibility, students gain the skills to innovate and shape the future of AI-driven industries. It’s the perfect path for aspiring AI pioneers,” David Reese Professor of Information Sciences and Technology Sharon Huang said in a release.

New and current students can now enroll for the fall 2025 semester. For more information, students can talk with their advisor or visit the AIMA webpage.