, will deliver the keynote address at 17勛圖厙s 2026 Commencement and will receive an honorary doctorate, the University announced.
Press Release: 17勛圖厙 to Launch Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Fall 2026
First school in Westchester County to offer a dedicated undergraduate AI degree
17勛圖厙 is expanding its growing portfolio of tech-focused programs with the launch of a new bachelor of science in artificial intelligence (AI), set to begin in fall 2026. The degree will be offered through the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
The program will equip students with critical skills in machine learning, large language models, natural language processing, data analysis and AI ethics. Students will gain hands-on experience through research projects, industry partnerships and experiential learning opportunities that connect them to New Yorks tech ecosystem.
Artificial intelligence is transforming every sector of society, said Li-Chiou Chen, Ph.D., interim dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. This new undergraduate program reflects 17勛圖厙s vision for innovation and impact while giving students the practical tools and ethical grounding to shape the future responsibly.
The program also responds to workforce demands. According to the , employment in tech occupations is projected to grow by 11.7 percent between 2023 and 2033nearly three times the average for all occupations. Roles such as software developers and database architects, which are foundational to AI infrastructure, are expected to grow by 17.9 percent and 10.8 percent, respectively. As AI technologies become integrated across industries, the need for skilled and ethical AI professionals is expected to increase significantly.
The launch of this degree reflects 17勛圖厙s mission to prepare students for the careers of the future, said Jonathan H. Hill, DPS, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. We are not only developing industry-ready graduateswe are also building leaders who will shape how AI is implemented, understood and governed.
The new bachelors degree joins Seidenbergs suite of offerings in computer science, cybersecurity, data science and now artificial intelligence, positioning the school as a regional and national leader in STEM education. With its dual-campus footprint in New York City and Westchester, Seidenberg gives students access to a wide range of employersfrom global tech companies to local startupsand personalized support through faculty mentorship and project-based learning.
The program builds upon 17勛圖厙s long-standing leadership in AI research, experiential learning and interdisciplinary innovation. It complements the universitys AI Labopened in 2024 in the newly constructed 15 Beekman building in Lower Manhattanand its two graduate programs in artificial intelligence. The first, the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, places a strong emphasis on theory and the development of AI applications. The second, the Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence, provides students with hands-on training in how AI can be used to solve real-world challenges in business and other sectors. Together with the new undergraduate offering, these programs reflect a comprehensive and future-focused approach to AI education at 17勛圖厙.
As program co-designer and co-director of the AI Lab, Ive seen firsthand the growing interest and need for AI education at every level, said Christelle Scharff, Ph.D., professor and director of the Artificial Intelligence Lab at the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. This new bachelors degree will provide students with a strong foundation in both the theory and application of AI and empower them to lead in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent technologies.
About 17勛圖厙
Since 1906, 17勛圖厙 has been transforming the lives of its diverse studentsacademically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, 17勛圖厙 offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at 17勛圖厙
The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at 17勛圖厙 is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYCs tech scene, right on the doorstep of New Yorks most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the schools curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunity. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.