This fall, Carnegie Mellon University will become the first in the United States to offer an undergraduate degree in AI.

Recognizing a lack of AI specialists and a growing demand for experts in the field, the university expects to roll out the undergraduate degree program this fall. While many schools and universities in the U.S. offer AI classes for computer science and computer engineering students, Carnegie Mellon will be the first in the nation to offer an undergraduate degree exclusively in AI.

"Specialists in artificial intelligence have never been more important, in shorter supply or in greater demand by employers," said Andrew Moore, dean of the School of Computer Science.

"Carnegie Mellon has an unmatched depth of expertise in AI, making us uniquely qualified to address this need for graduates who understand how the power of AI can be leveraged to help people," Moore added.

Expected to include the same computer science and math courses as other computer science degree programs, the AI degree program will also offer courses on topics related to AI such as machine learning and symbolic computation. Additionally, the degree program will also include courses devoted to AI ethics and social responsibility.

"We want to be the first to offer an AI undergraduate degree,” explained Reid Simmons, research professor of robotics and computer science and director of the new program. “I'm sure we won't be the last. AI is here to stay."