BGSU to be first in the nation to offer AI + X bachelor’s degree

The innovative degree combines AI with a complementary field of focus, allowing students to apply their AI knowledge to a specific content area

A pioneer in computer and data science, Bowling Green State University is now the first college or university in the nation to announce the launch of a uniquely designed bachelor’s degree that will teach students how to apply artificial intelligence to a specific field of study. 

The Bachelor of Science in AI + X combines a core education in AI with a secondary discipline in any of the following six fields: computer science, mathematics, physics, history, journalism or public relations. The degree’s unique structure in addition to the option to choose among six fields of study are among its distinguishing features. 

BGSU Board of Trustees approved the creation of the degree at their May 2 meeting, with plans to begin offering it in Fall 2025 pending approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.  

“As a longtime innovator in computer and data science education, Bowling Green State University is excited to once again be leading the way in teaching and research with its first-of-its-kind bachelor’s degree in AI + X,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green is committed to offering in-demand programs that support student learning experiences and opportunities while meeting the current and future workforce needs of Ohio and beyond. As more employers implement advanced technologies with AI, this program in AI + X will empower students to design their degree around a specific focus to drive innovation in workforce and industry, leading to great careers and great lives.” 

 The rapid development of AI has created a growing demand for professionals who can apply AI principles and technology to address complex, interdisciplinary challenges. 

“AI affects all sectors and industries, so it's important for students with expertise in AI to also have a contextual field in which to apply and problem solve with the technology,” said Dr. Ellen Schendel, dean of the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences. “The reality is that technical knowledge alone isn't enough; we need the critical thinking, creative problem solving and content knowledge of a variety of fields to be ready for the challenges and opportunities of AI in our workplaces and communities.”  

The new program will be housed in the BGSU Department of Computer Science, with renowned faculty members leading AI coursework on topics such as Python programming, AI ethics and society, machine learning and visualization with AI. 

Students will also take courses in their chosen discipline, blending field-specific knowledge with their AI expertise to increase efficiency, design field-specific solutions and support AI-driven tools and applications. 

Graduates will be qualified for careers as AI developers, data scientists and machine learning engineers and roles within sectors that blend AI with specific domains, including scientific research, social policy, creative industries and business analytics. 

As workforce demands and disciplinary expertise evolve, new content domains can be added to the degree, part of its intentional design to accommodate a fast-changing technology. 

“The AI + X degree reflects our commitment to preparing students for the future of work, where the ability to integrate AI with domain-specific knowledge is essential,” said Dr. JK Jake Lee, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science. “From data visualization and machine learning to AI ethics, students will gain both the technical depth and cross-disciplinary perspective needed to lead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.” 

Building on its reputation as a leader in technology, BGSU is introducing this degree at a pivotal time when AI is being integrated across industries, driving job demand. 

According to a 2024 PwC AI Jobs Barometer report, AI-related job postings are growing three and a half times faster than general job postings. The report also found that sectors integrating AI show five times greater productivity growth. 

BGSU has been a leader in computer science for more than five decades, becoming Ohio’s first public university with an undergraduate computer science program long before it became the in-demand field it is today.  

BGSU also remains one of the few universities in the country to offer a full range of data science programs, from a bachelor’s degree to a Ph.D. 

The announcement of the new AI + X degree comes on the heels of Meta's $800 million investment to create the Bowling Green Data Center, further demonstrating the need for highly skilled technology professionals to meet regional workforce demands