Louisiana State University will offer the state’s first Bachelor of Science degree in artificial intelligence this fall on its Baton Rouge campus, a program backed by the Louisiana Board of Regents on March 24. Developed within LSU’s College of Engineering, the new undergraduate degree aims to equip students with the skills to design, analyze, and deploy modern AI systems as the technology reshapes industries across all sectors. “We wanted to move early and fast to prepare students to create and use AI to drive growth and innovation in whatever field they choose,” said Interim Provost Troy Blanchard. The program joins a select national group of universities, including Purdue and Carnegie Mellon, offering a stand-alone AI bachelor’s degree, and will emphasize ethical and responsible development of AI solutions.
LSU Launches Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Developed within LSU’s College of Engineering and its Division of Computer Science and Engineering, the curriculum is technical, integrating mathematical principles, algorithmic complexity, and systems engineering to prepare students for specialized roles such as AI engineers and product developers. Dean Vicki Colvin emphasized the program’s comprehensive approach, stating, “Graduates will be able to identify meaningful problems that AI can solve, build and evaluate AI systems based on evidence, communicate clearly to team members about these technologies, and uphold the strictest professional, ethical, and security standards.” The degree’s design, led by assistant professor James Ghawaly under the supervision of Ibrahim Baggili, incorporates 20 newly created courses, including specialized topics like efficient neural networks, neuromorphic computing, and a dedicated three-credit course on AI ethics.
Beyond core coursework, the program will culminate in a senior capstone project, mirroring other LSU Engineering programs, where students collaborate in teams for two semesters to address real-world challenges. Ghawaly clarified the program’s intent, stating, “This is not a program designed to teach students how to use AI, and it’s not a response to the current hype around generative AI; this program was designed to train students to build AI systems themselves and to do so ethically, responsibly, and efficiently.” Baggili further highlighted the critical need for this talent, noting that “AI is emerging as a cornerstone of economic development in the state,” with significant investments occurring across Louisiana’s energy, petrochemical, and healthcare sectors.
Beyond standard AI coursework, the program includes specialized classes in efficient neural networks and neuromorphic computing, a field inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, suggesting an intention to move beyond conventional computational architectures. This forward-looking approach is further reinforced by courses in AI security, acknowledging the growing importance of protecting these complex systems from malicious actors and ensuring data integrity.
Graduates will be able to identify meaningful problems that AI can solve, build and evaluate AI systems based on evidence, communicate clearly to team members about these technologies, and uphold the strictest professional, ethical, and security standards.
Vicki Colvin, dean of LSU Engineering
