Penn State’s Revolutionary AI Engineering Degree Reshapes Tomorrow’s Tech Landscape

Penn State’s launching a groundbreaking Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence Engineering degree in fall 2025, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to offer this type of program. The university built this curriculum from scratch, combining computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering into one integrated degree. The program is housed in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) within the College of Engineering.

The program’s structure includes foundational courses, bridge classes, and electives that can adapt as technology changes. Students will take required classes in mathematics, computer science, machine learning, statistics, computational modeling, and electrical engineering. Core courses include Algorithmic Foundations for AI, Knowledge Representation and Inference, AI Systems and Tools, and Responsible Artificial Intelligence. Students must also complete Calculus I and II, Discrete Mathematics, and General Physics.

The degree emphasizes hands-on learning through labs, internships, and research projects. The Experiential Learning Skills Lab provides an immersive environment where students develop technical abilities while collaborating in multidisciplinary teams and interacting with AI professionals. Students can earn up to 12 credits through research and 18 credits through internships. More than half of Penn State’s IST students complete multiple internships, and 84% receive job offers from their internship providers. The university partners with hundreds of recruiting organizations to help students find career opportunities.

A key focus of the program is responsible AI development. The curriculum addresses social, ethical, and organizational impacts of artificial intelligence. Students learn to create AI-driven software solutions for large-scale, data-rich, or complex problems. They’ll work on real-world challenges and develop human-centered AI solutions. This aligns with growing industry focus on ethical frameworks that emphasize transparency, fairness, and human oversight in AI systems.

The capstone project, called Artificial Intelligence Engineering Project Design, lets students apply their skills to practical problems. Elective courses cover topics like learning theory, vision, robotics, hardware systems for AI, and emerging technologies. Some electives also explore business fundamentals and national security applications.

Graduates will be ready for careers in AI engineering, software development, data science, robotics, and automation. They’ll find opportunities in technology companies, businesses, healthcare organizations, and security agencies. Penn State’s Career Solutions team supports students with job placement and networking.

The program’s unique approach combines hardware, algorithms, applications, and implementation. It’s designed to model standards for emerging AI engineering programs across the country. This thorough curriculum prepares students to lead AI innovation in various sectors while maintaining ethical responsibility in their work.