The University of Central Oklahoma is making a serious play on artificial intelligence, rolling out two new AI-focused degree tracks set to launch in fall 2026. The programs, one for undergrads and one for graduate students, are built to turn out graduates who can actually write the code and also sit at the conference table, handling both the technical models and the business risk that comes with them. University leaders say the goal is straightforward: give regional employers in and around Edmond the AI-ready workforce they keep asking for.
What The Degrees Include
According to the University of Central Oklahoma, the new offerings are a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in AI management.
The undergraduate track is built on core computer science courses, then layers on specialized work in machine learning, data analytics and emerging technologies. The MBA emphasis focuses on managerial strategy and governance alongside hands-on use of applied AI tools in real-world business contexts.
UCO President Todd G. Lamb said, "Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way organizations operate, innovate and compete." The degrees are designed to sit right at that intersection, pairing technical fluency with the ability to make informed decisions about how AI is used inside companies.
Curriculum And Industry Focus
Russell Evans, dean of UCO’s College of Business, told KOCO that students will learn "the origin, the computing requirements, and the applications of AI," along with how to use the technology "responsibly as a tool to enhance ideas rather than replace human creativity."
Evans said the curriculum will be reinvented each year so it can keep pace with new tools, shifting employer needs and the breakneck speed of AI innovation. KOCO reports the programs were developed in response to rising demand across Oklahoma’s aerospace, defense, energy and financial services sectors, where employers are looking for talent that can plug directly into AI-enabled operations.
Part Of A National Push
UCO’s move lands squarely inside a national surge in standalone AI training. Western Governors University, for instance, introduced a competency-based Bachelor of Science in AI Engineering in May 2026, with the stated aim of producing job-ready graduates more quickly. Together, these kinds of programs reflect a broad employer push for people who can both build AI systems and manage them responsibly once they are in production.
Admissions And Next Steps
UCO says it is accepting applications for both fall 2026 and fall 2027 start dates. The university also notes that students who apply for fall 2027 by Feb. 1, 2027, will be automatically considered for certain academic scholarships.
Prospective students and local employers curious about the details can find degree requirements, application steps and contact information through UCO’s admissions pages.
