New Artificial Intelligence Undergraduate Degree Will Put Drexel Students at the Forefront of Rapidly Advancing Field

Drexel University is launching an undergraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), joining a small but growing number of universities creating dedicated AI majors for undergraduates.

Scheduled to begin accepting students for fall 2026, the new program will be led by the College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) and is a collaborative effort with the College of Engineering (CoE) and others across the University.

The new program stands as a model for the interdisciplinary cooperation anticipated with the formation of a new academic unit combining CCI, CoE, and the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, a proposal approved by Faculty Senate at its May 6 meeting. At the heart of this new academic unit is bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and better prepare students for an evolving workforce.

“The new AI and Machine Learning degree exemplifies the kind of forward-looking, interdisciplinary collaboration that will define the future of higher education,” said Kapil R. Dandekar, interim dean of the College of Engineering. “By integrating foundational engineering principles with advances in computing and insights from across the University, we are equipping students to lead in a world where AI touches nearly every field—from health care and infrastructure to advanced manufacturing and the arts. This program reflects our shared commitment to preparing graduates who are not only technically proficient but also ethically grounded and impact driven.”

Drexel has been conducting AI research and education for many years; the new undergraduate program leverages that expertise to bring students expanded opportunities in this rapidly advancing field.

“We think it’s a perfect time to introduce a degree that focuses primarily on this area,” said Dario Salvucci, professor of computer science and one of the faculty members helping shape the program. “The idea of a standalone AI degree is relatively new, but it reflects the reality of how AI has evolved to have an impact on every discipline.”

Drexel’s new AI/ML major will offer students an opportunity to blend technical depth with interdisciplinary applications. Students will be able to explore how AI intersects with natural sciences, media, design, business, engineering, and other disciplines. As planned, the program will also provide ample flexibility for electives to support dual interests.

“AI and ML are now part of the everyday toolkit in many professions,” said Ali Shokoufandeh, interim dean of CCI. “These aren’t just technologies for computer scientists but doctors, lawyers, artists … they are all using machine learning to analyze data, make predictions, and support decisions. That’s why we built this program to connect with other disciplines. We want to be one of the first universities to pioneer this discipline.”

Dedicated undergraduate degrees in AI are still relatively new, but they're gaining traction as demand grows for specialized expertise in this transformative field. With this program, Drexel joins a small group of leading institutions—including top research and Ivy universities—offering majors designed to prepare students to shape the future of AI across industries.

As interim deans, Shokoufandeh and Dandekar are part of Drexel’s Academic Transformation team that is helping to integrate CCI, CoE and Biomed into a single academic unit that, among other synergies, supports establishing more programs such as the new AI/ML that are inter-disciplinary.

In addition to core courses in machine learning, intelligent algorithms, and systems design, students will engage in critical topics such as data ethics and social aspects of AI. The program will also address increasing interest in transparency, explainability, and responsibility in AI-driven systems.

The degree will provide flexibility to explore crossover areas such as human-AI interaction and AI hardware systems, drawing on expertise from across CCI, CoE, and a number of other units across the university.

“We wanted a program that prepares students to be contributors and leaders in AI, both for today’s job market and for tomorrow’s future workforce,” Salvucci said.

The new program is expected to be a strong draw for students and faculty alike.

“This will be a catalyst to attract top talent and establish Drexel as a hub for responsible, innovative AI education,” Shokoufandeh said.