RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is expanding its computer science program with a new artificial intelligence track launching in fall 2026, aiming to prepare students for careers in one of the fastest-growing fields of technology.
University leaders say the addition comes as demand continues to rise across all sectors for professionals trained in AI and machine learning. The new pathway will be part of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and will equip students with both technical skills and an understanding of the ethical and societal impact of artificial intelligence.
“I want to be part of the team that creates an AI that changes the world,” said ATU junior Logan Dawson, who plans to enroll in the program.
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According to the university, sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education and transport are increasingly looking for graduates with specialized AI expertise. Officials say the program will help meet that demand while preparing students to responsibly develop and use emerging technologies.
Students in the track take courses such as AI Fundamentals, Advanced AI, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision and Big Data and Cloud Computing. Some of these classes will also be available as electives for information technology and cybersecurity majors.
Robin Ghosh, assistant professor of computer and information sciences, said the program will give students a competitive advantage in the job market.
“If you’re looking for a job these days, it’s not just about software,” says Ghosh. “It’s also about AI and machine learning. This AI track will help graduates gain roles related to data science. We’re not just showing our students how to use and build AI, we’re also talking about how to use AI in an ethical way.”
Students like Juan Jose Almaraz say understanding AI is key to shaping the future.
“Ultimately, a big concern with AI is that it will steal people’s jobs,” says Almaraz. “But the thing about artificial intelligence is that it needs to be studied and understood, and that’s why people are here. We need to be able to learn and understand it and use it as a tool rather than a handicap.”
Almaraz compared the rise of AI to the introduction of calculators, saying the technology has the potential to augment human capabilities rather than replace them.
The program’s launch comes amid mixed public perception about artificial intelligence. A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that only 17% of Americans believe AI will have a positive impact over the next 20 years, compared to 56% of AI experts.
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For Dawson, the future of AI comes down to how it is used.
“It’s more of a tool… it’s like a pickaxe,” Dawson said when asked about the impact of artificial intelligence on society. “It’s not something that’s going to take over everything. It’s just a tool, and it depends on how well you can use the tool. That’s really what it is.”
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University officials say the new pathway puts Arkansas Tech students at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field expected to shape the future of work and innovation.
More information about the program can be found on the university’s website.
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