Idaho State University to Launch Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence Sciences Beginning Fall 2026
POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State University is preparing to open enrollment in a new bachelor’s degree program in artificial intelligence sciences this fall, positioning the Pocatello institution to meet surging national demand for trained AI professionals in one of the fastest-growing fields in the modern economy.
The program, shared between ISU’s Departments of Mathematics & Statistics and Computer Science, received approval to begin enrolling students for the upcoming academic year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in artificial intelligence is projected to grow by 34 percent by 2034 — a trajectory that university faculty say makes the timing of the program critical for Idaho students looking to enter a competitive, high-paying workforce.
Two Concentrations, One Growing Field
Students pursuing the artificial intelligence sciences degree will be able to choose from two distinct concentrations: mathematics and statistics, or computer science. The mathematics and statistics concentration focuses on the mathematical foundations underlying AI systems, while the computer science concentration emphasizes the applied technologies driving modern artificial intelligence development.
Emanuele Zappala, an assistant professor in the mathematics and statistics department, described the program as a product of meaningful cross-departmental collaboration. “This program reflects the strong collaboration between the mathematics & statistics and computer science departments,” Zappala said. “It is designed to give students both the theoretical background and the applied skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence.”
Paul Bodily, associate professor of computer science, emphasized that artificial intelligence is not solely a computer science discipline — a distinction that shapes how the program is structured. “Although many may associate AI with computer science, many AI models consist purely of mathematics, the field that computer science came from, and statistics. So, there are many angles from which to approach AI,” Bodily said.
Bodily also offered context for the current surge in public interest surrounding AI. “Though AI is decades old, public interest has peaked in recent years due to the advent of Large Language Models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc. The foundational models for these systems have been around for decades, but breakthroughs in the specific design and scale of these models have led to the watershed moment we’re seeing now.”
Future Tracks and Online Accessibility
Faculty involved in the program say the degree is designed with room to expand into ISU’s existing areas of institutional strength, including health sciences, business, and engineering.
Leslie Kerby, associate professor of computer science, pointed to the interdisciplinary nature of artificial intelligence as a key asset for future program development. “The real opportunity is in where this program can go,” Kerby said. “AI is inherently interdisciplinary, and at ISU, we’re especially excited about future tracks that connect AI with our strengths in areas like health sciences, business, and engineering. That could include pathways in healthcare AI, AI engineering, or domain-specific applications — giving students the ability to apply these tools in high-impact, real-world fields.”
The program is also designed with accessibility in mind. Up to 80 percent of the required coursework for the artificial intelligence sciences degree will be available online, broadening the program’s reach beyond students who live on or near the Pocatello campus. That flexibility could prove significant for working adults and rural Idaho residents looking to enter the AI workforce without relocating.
The launch comes as Idaho and the broader region continue efforts to grow a technology-capable workforce. A homegrown pipeline of AI-trained graduates from ISU could benefit Southeast Idaho employers, reduce reliance on out-of-state hiring, and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness in a field increasingly central to industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.
What Comes Next
Idaho State University is expected to begin enrolling students in the artificial intelligence sciences bachelor’s degree program for the fall 2026 semester. Prospective students can find more information through ISU’s Department of Mathematics & Statistics at isu.edu/math and the Department of Computer Science at isu.edu/cs. Campus tours can be scheduled at isu.edu/visit. Faculty have indicated that additional program tracks — including pathways in healthcare AI and engineering — may be developed in future academic years as the program matures. For statewide education coverage, visit idahonews.co, and for more from the Idaho News Network, visit IdahoNewsNetwork.com.