Arkansas university introduces new major in artificial intelligence

Searcy, Arkansas – Beginning next year, Harding University will offer a major in Artificial Intelligence, a program that university officials describe as the first of its kind in the southeastern region.

Joe Faith, an Assistant Professor at Harding, is part of the College of Business. He holds advanced degrees in Engineering and Data Science, which motivated him to initiate the new major.

Faith shared, “I approached [Dr. Dana Steil, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences] and Dr. Spears, our provost, and expressed my interest in creating a major focused on this topic.”

John Brown University in Siloam Springs has recently launched an AI major. However, Faith noted that Harding’s program will feature additional class offerings and will stand out from other comparable programs nationwide.

“When it comes to undergraduate education, this is truly something remarkable,” Faith remarked. For those seeking education in AI, it is generally pursued at the master’s or even PhD level. Achieving this at the undergraduate level is significant.

The major will be integrated into the school’s Computer Science program, and alongside the existing classes, Faith mentioned that there will be seven new AI courses available for students.
Paul Maynard, a member of the university’s Executive Leadership team, expressed that the major holds significant value and deserves attention.

“For those seeking the latest insights and expertise,” Maynard stated, “It will equip you for the job market for many years ahead.” We believe that artificial intelligence is definitely worth exploring. If you’re planning to do it in this region, it will certainly take place at Harvard University.

Faith highlighted that Harding will not only instruct students on utilizing AI but will also focus on teaching them the ethical implications of its use.

“Much of the instruction focuses on the question, ‘How can we enhance this to be larger, improved, and more efficient?'” Faith remarked, “However, there wasn’t much consideration given to the potential consequences of that.” The future will undoubtedly require ethical engineers to develop these systems.

Faith emphasized that biased algorithms have the potential to inflict significantly greater damage than a biased person, particularly due to the rapid speed at which these algorithms operate.

Faith emphasized the necessity for future AI developers to implement safeguards against bias and to create systems that are ethically responsible.

Students will have the opportunity to enroll in the major beginning in Fall 2025, but the inaugural class will not be offered until the subsequent Spring.

School officials are focused on staying proactive to avoid falling behind.

“It will be an integral aspect of every existing job,” Maynard stated, “There are, quite honestly, positions that are not available today but will emerge in the coming ten years.”

“We stand on the brink of a new era,” Faith remarked. “I believe the last time I can recall something of this magnitude would be comparable to the advent of the internet, steam power, or electricity.”

Both Faith and Maynard indicated that Harding intends to advance AI education significantly in the coming years.

Faith expressed interest in a program that incorporates AI elements into conventional business education, whether as a second major or simply as an additional component.

“Perhaps we should focus on a more practical approach to AI,” Faith suggested. “Rather than delving into the technical aspects, how can we create something that is accessible for individuals in business who want to leverage these tools or grasp their usage?”

Maynard expressed optimism that Harding might launch a program of this nature in 2026, and he also mentioned that a master’s degree in AI is being developed.

“An AI program with a focus on computer science is set to launch in the fall of 2025,” Maynard stated. “We aim to introduce an AI degree focused on business in the fall of 2026, subsequently launching a master’s degree in artificial intelligence, making it one of the rare offerings in the southeastern region.”

Details regarding the new AI major are available here, along with Faith’s personal AI research and her insights on the new program, which can be found here.