Penn State Launches New AI Engineering Bachelor's Degree

Published Date : 21/08/2025 

Penn State is set to launch a new bachelor of science degree in artificial intelligence engineering (AIE) this fall, making it one of the first of its kind in the United States. The program, housed in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) within the College of Engineering, will focus on the foundational aspects of AI, including both hardware and software, as well as its various applications. 

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — This fall, Penn State will introduce a groundbreaking new bachelor of science degree in artificial intelligence engineering (AIE). This degree, one of the first of its kind in the country, is housed in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) within the College of Engineering. The program is designed to cover the foundational aspects of AI, including both hardware and software, as well as its diverse applications.

For students who wish to gain knowledge in AIE but are not ready to commit to a full undergraduate degree, Penn State is also offering an AIE minor. This minor equips students with core AI techniques and tools, allowing them to apply these skills in their primary field of study, particularly in computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering.

Mehrdad Mahdavi, the Penn State Hartz Family Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, director of the Penn State AI Hub in the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, and associate director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Foundations and Engineered Systems, played a crucial role in developing the degree. Mahdavi emphasized the importance of input from industry partners during the development process.

“As a proud graduate of Penn State's computer science program and a member of the EECS Industrial and Professional Advisory Council, I am thrilled to see the introduction of a rigorous undergraduate degree in artificial intelligence,” said Dan Grillo, Vice President of Engineering for LinkedIn and Penn State alumnus. “This innovative program is a crucial step in equipping the next generation of tech leaders with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to drive impactful AI advancements across industries, and I look forward to working with the talented students it will inspire.”

Tom La Porta, director of the School of EECS and Evan Pugh University Professor, highlighted the unique combination of computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering in the AIE degree. “This degree covers a much wider range and deeper set of topics than most AI degrees, ranging from hardware, through algorithms to applications and implementation,” La Porta said.

Mahdavi explained that the AIE degree was designed from scratch, not just by piecing together existing courses. “Our AIE degree is not just about learning a bunch of tools and applying them,” he said. “It is focused on problem-solving and is uniquely flexible and dynamic. Students will apply their knowledge and experience to address complex problems in various fields. Additionally, they will gain a deeper understanding of the issues required to develop responsible AI that benefits individuals, organizations, and society.”

The program is structured into three levels. “The first layer is AI foundations that every student needs to master,” Mahdavi explained. “The top layer is electives that cover a wide range of courses in different disciplines, such as hardware systems for AI, learning theory, vision, and robotics. The middle bridge layer prepares students to take electives based on their interests. The idea is that the foundations will remain constant, but we can add new elective and bridge courses as technology evolves.”

David Miller, professor of electrical engineering and one of the faculty members who helped develop the curriculum, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the degree. “Our degree is holistic: It incorporates hardware and software, foundations and applications, so that our graduates will be well-positioned to work in and contribute to many different domains,” Miller said. “A Penn State AIE graduate could use AI to help farmers maximize crop yields, design hurricane-resistant buildings, or contribute to space exploration. The degree and its graduates have the potential to positively impact society in numerous ways.”

For more information about the AIE degree or minor, interested individuals can contact Mahdavi at mzm616@psu.edu or Jack Sampson, associate professor of computer science and engineering and associate department head, at jms1257@psu.edu. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the new degree offered by Penn State?

A: Penn State is offering a new Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence Engineering (AIE).

Q: What is the AIE minor?

A: The AIE minor equips students with core AI techniques and tools, enabling them to apply these skills in their primary field of study, particularly in computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering.

Q: Who are the key faculty members involved in the AIE program?

A: Key faculty members include Mehrdad Mahdavi, Tom La Porta, and David Miller, who played significant roles in developing the curriculum and structure of the AIE degree.

Q: What is the structure of the AIE degree?

A: The AIE degree is structured into three levels: AI foundations, a middle bridge layer, and electives. The foundations are constant, while electives can evolve with technology.

Q: How can I get more information about the AIE degree or minor?

A: For more information, contact Mehrdad Mahdavi at mzm616@psu.edu or Jack Sampson at jms1257@psu.edu. 

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