UMD to Launch 2 Bachelor’s Degrees Exploring Technical, Human Dimensions of AI

2026-06-16 · Source: The AI Journal · Field: Education & Learning — Academic Research & Higher Education, Skill Development & Professional Training · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

The University of Maryland (UMD) will launch two new undergraduate degrees in artificial intelligence (AI), starting Fall 2026 and Fall 2027, to advance ethical AI. The Bachelor of Arts in Human-Centered AI, housed in the College of Arts and Humanities, begins Fall 2026. It emphasizes ethical, social, and human perspectives of AI, offering seven specializations including ethics, law, policy, and design. The Bachelor of Science in AI: Computational Structures for AI Systems launches Fall 2027 from the Department of Computer Science. This program focuses on building AI systems and algorithms, with specializations like generative AI and AI algorithms. Both degrees were developed with the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM), established in 2024. UMD ranks No. 9 among public institutions in AI by U.S. News & World Report. It is also a top five producer of AI Ph.D. graduates.

Key takeaway

For prospective AI students considering undergraduate studies, evaluate UMD's new Bachelor of Arts in Human-Centered AI. Also consider their Bachelor of Science in AI: Computational Structures for AI Systems. These programs offer unique interdisciplinary paths. You can specialize in areas like AI ethics, law, policy, or generative AI. Consider how these degrees align with your career goals in responsible AI development or societal impact.

Key insights

The University of Maryland is pioneering interdisciplinary AI education to address both technical development and societal impact.

Principles

• AI education requires interdisciplinary approaches.
• Ethical and societal impact must guide AI development.
• Technical expertise should integrate humanistic perspectives.

In practice

• Students can specialize in AI ethics or law/policy.
• Future AI developers can focus on generative AI systems.
• Curricula integrate programming with humanities courses.

Topics

• AI Education
• Human-Centered AI
• AI Ethics
• Generative AI
• Interdisciplinary AI

Best for: AI Student, AI Ethicist, Research Scientist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The AI Journal.