SMITHFIELD, RI—Beginning in the fall of 2026, Bryant University will offer a new Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) major for its Bachelor of Science degree. The interdisciplinary program will provide students with a foundation in AI concepts, methods, and tools, followed by applied study within a specific professional context through a selected concentration.
The program is the next step in AI innovation at Bryant, where AI is more than just a subject of study — it’s a strategic priority integrated across academics, operations, and partnerships. Bryant’s comprehensive approach to AI integration empowers students and faculty to engage with emerging technologies in ways that are practical, ethical, and future-focused.
“AI is transforming every industry and redefining the core skills required for career success,” says Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. “With our strong legacy of alignment of programs with industry requirements and career opportunities, Bryant is well positioned to lead in this transformative environment and prepare our students for the demands of an evolving economy, where they will become leaders in applying AI and shaping its impact.”
As AI tools increasingly become embedded in business decision-making, healthcare diagnostics, financial modeling, logistics, marketing analytics, and digital communications, AI literacy has become an essential skill, not only for computer scientists but for graduates across almost all disciplines. Bryant’s Bachelor of Science in Applied AI will emphasize a low-code/no-code approach, integrating technical foundations in data, algorithms, and computational thinking with domain-based applications and the social and ethical considerations associated with AI technology. Students will apply their AI knowledge within their chosen area of focus, such as economics, finance, healthcare, life sciences, or marketing, across any of the university’s three colleges.
“With the rapid evolution of AI, higher education must respond by preparing students who can understand and apply these transformative technologies responsibly, ethically, and creatively,” says Bryant Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D. “The new Bachelor of Science in Applied AI perfectly positions Bryant to meet this emerging need while building on our mission to develop real-world ready graduates who have the skills necessary to lead in the AI economy and the ability to exercise sound judgment in a world saturated with AI. It is another way we are empowering our graduates to be catalysts for AI innovation and application.”
To learn more about the new major, visit the Applied AI program page.
About Bryant University
For more than 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant.edu