The USC Viterbi School of Engineering, in collaboration with the USC School of Advanced Computing, is launching a new undergraduate program: the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (BSAI). This program is set to begin with its first cohort in Fall 2026, aiming to educate future leaders in the field of artificial intelligence.
The BSAI curriculum is a result of interdisciplinary collaboration between the Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Industrial and Systems Engineering departments. It will provide students with a strong foundation in the mathematical and statistical underpinnings of AI, algorithm development, system programming, and ethical considerations in AI. Students will have the option to specialize in one of three tracks: Computing Foundations and Applications, Computer Engineering, Signal Processing, and Controls, or AI Systems and Operations Engineering.
USC Viterbi emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, offering students opportunities to engage in research with the school's leading research centers. These centers actively collaborate with major industry players such as Amazon, Capital One, and Meta, providing students with exposure to real-world AI challenges and solutions.
The introduction of the BSAI degree addresses a significant and growing demand for specialized AI talent in the industry. Reports indicate a persistent need for AI professionals, with demand for AI skills increasing annually, highlighting the importance of programs like USC's new BSAI degree in preparing a qualified workforce. This initiative aligns with USC's broader commitment to advancing computing knowledge, further demonstrated by the recent opening of the Dr. Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg Human-Centered Computation Hall.