University at Buffalo launches 7 AI bachelor’s degrees with $5M state funding

The University at Buffalo has launched a new Department of AI and Society, offering seven AI-focused bachelor’s degrees and two minors that combine artificial intelligence with traditional academic disciplines like communication, economics, and policy analysis. The initiative, supported by a $5 million state investment and part of the broader Empire AI initiative backed by over $500 million in funding, positions UB to prepare students for AI’s expanding role across industries while establishing the university as a major player in responsible AI education.

What you should know: The new academic programs represent a comprehensive approach to AI education that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and societal impact.

• Students can now enroll in “AI + X” degrees that combine AI with geospatial analysis, language technology, logic and ontology, policy analysis, quantitative economics, and responsible communication.
• The programs involve seven departments including geography, romance languages and literature, linguistics, philosophy, political science, economics, and communication.
• UB expects to enroll more than 300 students annually in these programs by 2030.

Key details: The curriculum spans from foundational AI concepts to advanced applications across multiple fields.

• The seven bachelor’s degrees were approved by the state Education Department and will be based in their respective academic departments.
• Two new minors focus on artificial intelligence, crime and society, and AI ethics.
• Coursework ranges from introductions to AI’s computational fundamentals and historical context to examinations of AI’s potential benefits and societal implications.

The bigger investment: UB’s AI initiative extends well beyond academic programs, encompassing research infrastructure and faculty expansion.

• The state recently approved $40 million to purchase equipment for a next-generation supercomputer as part of the Empire AI initiative.
• This funding is part of $90 million in new capital funding to advance Empire AI initiatives statewide.
• UB plans to construct an AI & Society Building featuring computer labs, offices, conference rooms, and startup incubator space.

Research foundation: The university already maintains a strong AI research presence that will support the new academic programs.

• UB currently employs more than 200 faculty researchers working on AI technology to address societal challenges.
• The university previously established an Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
• Dean Kemper Lewis indicated plans to develop additional AI majors and eventually graduate-level AI programs.

What they’re saying: University and state leaders emphasize the program’s potential for societal impact and student preparation.

• “This is extraordinary work that has tremendous potential to improve people’s every day quality of life,” said SUNY Chancellor John King.
• “For more than four decades, UB has been a national and international leader in responsible AI research and innovation,” University President Satish K. Tripathi noted, adding that the programs will enable students “to harness the incredible power of artificial intelligence for the betterment of society.”
• Gov. Kathy Hochul stated that “students will have the latest in AI education to help them pursue research and careers that will continue to evolve with further AI advancements.”