University of Northern Iowa launches curriculum on artificial intelligence

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The University of Northern Iowa is launching new academic programs designed to prepare students for careers in one of the fastest-growing and most transformative areas of today's workforce, artificial intelligence.

In the Wilson College of Business, a new Artificial Intelligence majorresponds to growing workforce demand for professionals who can apply artificial intelligence tools to solve real business problems and support organizational decision-making.

In the past year, there have been over 11,000 entry-level jobs in Iowa and the surrounding states focused on using AI to deliver results.

"This program reflects our commitment to continuously evolving our curriculum to keep pace with how business is changing," said Atul Mtira, head of the Department of Management. "Our students want to graduate career-ready, and that means understanding how emerging technologies like AI help solve real business problems."

The new business program combines technical development with practical, real-world applications, allowing students to use AI to support organizational decision-making. Grounded in the business analytics and information systems discipline, the program teaches students how machine learning, natural language processes and predictive analytics integrate with business systems to create value while addressing questions related to ethics, governance and accountability.

"We focus on helping students understand how AI is actually used inside organizations - not just the technology itself, but how it supports strategy, operations, and problem-solving," Mitra said. "Students learn how to work with AI tools in practical, meaningful ways that mirror how organizations use them every day."

Graduates of the Artificial Intelligence major are prepared for careers across a wide range of industries, including finance, insurance, manufacturing, logistics, marketing and consulting. The program also supports students seeking roles that bridge business and technology functions. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue careers as Business Intelligence Analysts, Risk and Compliance Analysts, AI Architects, AI Product Managers and Data Scientists.

In addition, the Wilson College of Business is launching a new Certificate in Applied AI for Businessthat focuses on the practical applications of AI.

A new undergraduate major in the College of Humanities Arts and Sciences, Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence, responds to the increasing demand for professionals who not only know how to use artificial intelligence tools, but also understand the mathematical foundations that make those tools work.

While many AI programs emphasize coding and implementation, UNI's Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence major focuses on the "why" behind AI - grounding students in the mathematical theory that drives machine learning, deep learning, and modern data-driven technologies.

"Artificial intelligence is ultimately powered by mathematics," said Douglas Mupasiri, head of UNI's Department of Mathematics. "As AI systems become more complex and more embedded in society, we need graduates who can understand, analyze and improve these systems at a fundamental level."

Students in the program will complete a rigorous curriculum that includes calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, probability, statistics, optimization and computer programming, along with specialized courses in machine learning and the mathematics of deep learning.

Graduates of the Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence major will be well-positioned for careers across a wide range of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, business and government. The degree also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence or related fields.

"Our goal is to produce graduates who stand out in the job market," Mupasiri said. "A mathematically trained AI professional can diagnose model failures, understand uncertainty and risk, and adapt to new technologies as the field evolves. That adaptability is what employers are looking for, and it's what UNI can provide students."

The new programs join additional curricula in artificial intelligence, such as an Artificial Intelligence in Education online certificate.