The University at Buffalo will introduce new artificial intelligence (AI) specialized degree programs this fall, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. These academic offerings will combine AI with traditional disciplines such as communication, economics, geography, language, logic, and policy analysis. The initiative is supported by $5 million in state funding awarded for SUNY’s Department of AI and Society initiative. The university expects more than 300 students to enroll annually in these programs by 2030.
“New York State’s investment in artificial intelligence for the public good is paving the way for generations of New Yorkers to understand and utilize this supercomputing power to its fullest potential,” Governor Hochul said. “Through University at Buffalo’s new degree programs, students will have the latest in AI education to help them pursue research and careers that will continue to evolve with further AI advancements.”
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr., joined UB researchers, faculty, and students to announce the launch ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year. Students interested in applying can find information at buffalo.edu/admissions.
“SUNY campuses are known for their rigorous academic programs to meet the high demands of our students and our economy. I am proud that the University at Buffalo is incorporating Artificial Intelligence in a meaningful and productive way thanks to their excellent faculty and as the result of significant funding from Governor Hochul and our state leaders. At SUNY, we work to ensure that AI is harnessed to do research for the public good, and when combined with disciplines as varied as language and geography we are helping our students learn in new ways that spark innovation and push new frontiers,” said Chancellor King.
SUNY Trustee Eunice A. Lewin noted UB’s prior experience with AI education: “SUNY campuses are synonymous with academic excellence and University at Buffalo has certainly demonstrated its prowess in artificial intelligence. More than five years ago UB enrolled its first students in its AI Master’s program, and we are excited to see the campus offering new majors and minors in these AI-related disciplines. I was thrilled to join Chancellor King as we visited UB, spoke with students, faculty, and staff, and made this exciting announcement.”
UB President Satish K. Tripathi highlighted UB’s long-standing leadership: “For more than four decades, UB has been a national and international leader in responsible AI research and innovation. Our new academic degree programs build upon this impactful legacy, providing UB students with the knowledge, skills, and interdisciplinary expertise that will enable them to harness the incredible power of artificial intelligence for the betterment of society while preparing them to lead effectively and ethically in our 21st century world.”
The seven newly approved bachelor’s degrees were authorized by the New York State Education Department for implementation this fall; two minors—artificial intelligence crime & society; AI ethics—will also be available.
Atri Rudra PhD., who will serve as inaugural Chair of UB’s Department of AI & Society said: “This is not just about infusing AI into other disciplines. As much as AI can benefit the arts, humanities and social sciences, AI desperately needs the arts, humanities and social sciences as well. We recognize that AI systems cannot benefit society without an AI workforce that understands society.”
The degrees include:
– AI & geospatial analysis (Geography)
– AI & language/intercultural competence (Romance Languages/Literatures)
– AI & language technology (Linguistics)
– AI & logic/ontology (Philosophy)
– AI & policy analysis (Political Science)
– AI & quantitative economics (Economics)
– AI & responsible communication (Communication)
These programs were developed during spring semester by a committee spanning multiple departments within UB’s College of Arts & Sciences plus School of Engineering/Applied Sciences.
Several state legislators commented on SUNY’s move:
State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky stated: “As Chair of the Higher Education Committee…these programs pair artificial intelligence with core disciplines so students earn skills New York’s innovation economy demands…I commend Governor Kathy Hochul…for turning a bold idea into reality.”
Senator Sean Ryan said: “By combining AI tools with a variety of disciplines…these new degrees will allow UB to better prepare students for careers of tomorrow…This is a smart investment in our students…and region’s future.”
Senator April Baskin added: “With technology changing rapidly…the University at Buffalo will lead as more employers adopt advanced technologies…Students who attend UB will not only build their resumes but also develop critical thinking…skills ensuring they are well prepared…”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes emphasized ongoing support: “New York State continues to be at forefront of integrating AI with academic disciplines….$5 million ensures our students will be on cutting edge…”
Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman said: “I applaud [UB] …for leading way with these groundbreaking …programs….we prepare students …to lead …where [AI] part every industry….”
Assemblymember Karen McMahon referenced EmpireAI housed on campus: “UB has already been positioned on frontier …with launch EmpireAI….students come away …with fluency/familiarity w/AI…”
Assemblymember Bill Conrad remarked: “…no better place …than [UB], addition these majors/minors signals SUNY/UB commitment providing today learners w/cutting-edge first-world education…”
The Department plans additional degree offerings soon along with hiring full-time faculty next year; construction is planned for an “AI & Society Building” featuring labs/offices/community space.
Currently over 200 faculty researchers work on projects ranging from drug development using AI, speech/language assistance for children (source), improved medical imaging (source), deepfake detection (source), disaster response support (source), manufacturing modernization (source) among others.
EmpireAI—a consortium led by Empire State Development—has received over $500 million from public/private sources supporting ten member universities including UAlbany/Binghamton/Stony Brook/Rochester/Icahn School Mt Sinai/RIT plus housing headquarters at UB (empireai.org). This supports Governor Hochul’s efforts advancing statewide research/public-good applications (governor.ny.gov).
SUNY remains one of largest higher ed systems nationwide serving approximately 1.4 million across 64 colleges/universities (suny.edu/about). The University at Buffalo enrolls over 30k through more than 500 degree options (buffalo.edu/about_ub).
