Pace University will introduce a new bachelor of science in artificial intelligence (AI) beginning in fall 2026, becoming the first institution in Westchester County to offer an undergraduate degree focused solely on AI. The program will be offered through the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
Students enrolled in the program will study machine learning, large language models, natural language processing, data analysis, and AI ethics. The curriculum includes research projects, partnerships with industry, and experiential learning opportunities that link students to technology companies in New York.
“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 university cited labor market projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicating that employment in technology-related fields is expected to increase by nearly 12 percent between 2023 and 2033. Growth rates for software developers and database architects—roles essential to AI development—are projected at approximately 18 percent and 11 percent respectively over the same period.
“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 adds to Seidenberg’s existing programs in computer science, cybersecurity, data science, as well as graduate degrees focused on artificial intelligence. The school operates across campuses in New York City and Westchester County.
Pace University opened its dedicated AI Lab at 15 Beekman Street in Lower Manhattan in 2024. Its two master’s programs—one emphasizing theoretical foundations and application development; another focusing on applied solutions for business challenges—complement this new undergraduate offering.
“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 Seidenberg School. “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.”
Since its founding in 1906, Pace University has offered degree programs across multiple disciplines from its campuses located in New York City and Westchester County.
The Seidenberg School was among the first comprehensive computing schools nationally. It offers undergraduate- and graduate-level education grounded in fundamentals with hands-on learning experiences facilitated by faculty experts across various technology domains including artificial intelligence.
