Pace University to Launch Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Fall 2026

Pace University 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 York’s 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 Pace’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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in tech occupations is projected to grow by 11.7 percent between 2023 and 2033—nearly 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 Pace University’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 graduates—we are also building leaders who will shape how AI is implemented, understood and governed.”

The new bachelor’s degree joins Seidenberg’s 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 employers—from global tech companies to local startups—and personalized support through faculty mentorship and project-based learning.

The program builds upon Pace’s long-standing leadership in AI research, experiential learning and interdisciplinary innovation. It complements the university’s AI Lab—opened in 2024 in the newly constructed 15 Beekman building in Lower Manhattan—and 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 Pace.

“As program co-designer and co-director of the AI Lab, I’ve 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 bachelor’s 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.”