UW-Whitewater launches artificial intelligence major

UW-Whitewater launches artificial intelligence major

February 02, 2026

As part of its continued effort to prepare its graduates for in-demand jobs that serve workforce needs in the region, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has launched a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence major, effective in the fall of 2026.

Artificial intelligence is currently one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States and is an emerging technology affecting the personal and professional lives of millions of people around the world. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 350,000 annual openings in AI and related fields.

UW-Whitewater is among the early adopters within the Universities of Wisconsin to offer a dedicated AI major.

"The launch of our Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence reflects our commitment to career readiness and innovation, ensuring our graduates are prepared for some of the most in-demand roles in the region," said Robin Fox, UW-Whitewater interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "We are embracing AI as a university and - through our steadfast commitment to hands-on learning and student success - look to be a leader in preparing the first generation of AI professionals."

A matrices and linear algebra class taught by Dylan Spence, right, assistant professor of mathematics, meets in Upham Hall on Oct. 15, 2025.

The artificial intelligence major integrates computer science, mathematics, psychology, and philosophy to help students build both the technical skills and interpersonal skills needed for careers in AI. Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter high-demand fields, including data science, information security analysis, AI engineering, and machine learning development.

"This degree equips students with much more than coding skills," said Jason Janke, dean of the College of Letters and Sciences. "Through an interdisciplinary approach that draws on the breadth of expertise across our college, students gain the technical, analytical, and critical thinking abilities needed to lead in a rapidly evolving AI landscape."

Malachi Moore, a computer science student from Milwaukee, explains his research on racism in artificial intelligence. Students in the King/Chavez Program finishing their first year of college gathered at Andersen Library for the 10th Annual Research Symposium to present their research posters on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

The AI program includes courses in natural language processing and large language modeling, big data and data mining, cognitive psychology, technical and social responsibility, and more. Students in the program will also be encouraged to engage in the university's Undergraduate Research, Innovative, and Creative Activities program and pursue internships to hone their skills in AI development.

A leader in AI

In the months leading up to the approval of the AI major, UW-Whitewater made investments to embrace the technology and serve as a leader in the region.

UW-Whitewater convened an artificial intelligence working group prior to the 2025-26 academic year to explore the use of generative AI at the university. The group established a plan to implement AI use and compiled recommendations and guidelines for students, faculty, and staff for efficient, ethical uses of GenAI. The university's AI web page debuted last fall.

In September, Jon Spike was appointed by Fox as special assistant for AI integration to lead the overall AI efforts at UW-Whitewater in 2025-26. Spike leads the university's Center for Ethical AI Integration, which serves as an interdisciplinary hub for research, education, and community engagement with a focus on responsible application of AI technologies.

From left, Ozgul Kartal, associate professor of curriculum and instruction, Jessica Patterson, math education major from Glen Haven, and Jon Spike, special assistant the provost for AI implementation, present to the Board of Regents about using virtual reality and artificial intelligence to develop a teaching lesson on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.

In December, Spike, Ozgul Kartal, professor of curriculum and instruction, and Jessica Patterson, a math education major from Glen Haven, Wisconsin, presented to the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents on using virtual reality and artificial intelligence to transform learning. This student teaching simulation included prompting an AI chatbot with questions about a complicated math problem.

In addition to the AI major, UW-Whitewater's College of Business and Economics - the state's largest business school - offers an emphasis in AI through undergraduate majors in business analytics and marketing.

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in AI program, contact Zach Oster at [email protected].