| Best AI Bachelor’s Degrees for 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | University | Program |
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | B.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| 2 | Georgia Tech | B.S. in Computer Science (Intelligence Thread) |
| 3 | Stanford University | B.S. in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence Track) |
| 4 | UC Berkeley | BS in Electrical Engineering & CS (AI Focus) |
| 5 | USC | BS in Artificial Intelligence |
| 6 | University of Washington | BS in Electrical & Computer Engineering (ML Pathway) |
| 7 | University of Pennsylvania | BSE in Artificial Intelligence |
| 8 | University of Texas at Austin | BS in Computer Science (ML & AI Concentration) |
| 9 | Arizona State University | BS in Artificial Intelligence in Business |
| 10 | UM Dearborn | BS in Computer & Information Science (AI Concentration) |
| Major | Skills Emphasis | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | Machine learning, reasoning, natural language processing | AI/ML Engineer, AI Consultant, AI Research Scientist, AI Product Manager |
| Computer Science | Broad computing: software development, systems, algorithms | Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, IT Manager, Computer Research Scientist |
| Data Science | Statistics, analytics, data mining, predictive modeling | Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Scientist |
| Robotics / Engineering | Design and control of autonomous and electromechanical systems | Robotics Engineer, Automation Specialist, Mechatronics Engineer, Embedded Systems Developer |
If your goal is to design and apply intelligent systems, an AI major gives you an early edge. Those seeking more career flexibility may prefer computer science or data science. Robotics or engineering are great majors for students drawn to the hardware and automation side of things.
1. Carnegie Mellon University – B.S. in Artificial Intelligence
CMU launched the nation’s first dedicated AI bachelor’s degree in 2018 and it remains one of the best in the business. Its B.S. in Artificial Intelligence blends expert-led computer science training with advanced coursework in machine learning, vision, language, and reasoning. AI ethics and social responsibility is a common thread, reflecting Carnegie’s emphasis on using artificial intelligence and machine learning for social good.
2. Georgia Institute of Technology – B.S. in Computer Science (Intelligence Thread)
Georgia Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with the Intelligence Thread provides a curated AI career path through its unique “Threads” curriculum, where students choose two of nine threads to personalize their degree. The Intelligence Thread teaches you to design systems that learn, reason, and act in changing environments. Pairing Intelligence with another thread opens up valuable combos like robotics (Intelligence + Devices) or adaptive interfaces (Intelligence + People). This intuitive structure lets students tailor their AI education to build complementary career-ready skills.
3. Stanford University – BS in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence Track)
Stanford combines a top-notch computer science program with direct access to Silicon Valley’s AI scene. The BSCS with the Artificial Intelligence Track builds on solid CS foundations in algorithms, systems, and probability before expanding into AI electives in machine learning, robotics, computer vision, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning.
4. University of California, Berkeley – BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (AI Focus)
Berkeley’s EECS bachelor’s degree with the AI Focus is one of the most flexible and respected undergraduate AI programs. Students build a solid foundation in computing and engineering before choosing electives in machine learning, computer vision, robotics, natural language processing, and reasoning under uncertainty. Many undergraduate courses are taught by faculty from the world renowned Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR).
5. University of Southern California – BS in Artificial Intelligence
USC’s Bachelor of Science in AI is one of the first dedicated artificial intelligence bachelor’s degrees. This interdisciplinary program combines computer science, electrical and systems engineering. Students study machine learning, robotics, computer vision, natural language processing, and trustworthy AI, alongside systems and hardware courses in communications, control, and chip design.
6. University of Washington – BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Machine Learning Pathway)
UW’s ECE Bachelor’s with the Machine Learning Pathway blends hardware, software, and AI into one of America’s best undergraduate AI programs. Students learn how sensors and embedded systems collect data, how to process and clean that data at scale, and how to design and train machine learning models that power modern applications.
7. University of Pennsylvania – BSE in Artificial Intelligence
Penn is the first Ivy League school to launch a dedicated AI bachelor’s degree. Because it’s a new program – welcoming its first class in Fall 2025 – we couldn’t score student outcomes, but we like what we see otherwise. The BSE in Artificial Intelligence combines a strong foundation in math, science, and computing with an AI curriculum of six required courses and six electives. Students can specialize in areas like robotics, computer vision, and trustworthy AI, and wrap their degree with a two-semester senior design project
8. University of Texas at Austin – BS in Computer Science (ML & AI Concentration)
UT Austin offers an impressive AI-focused computer science bachelor’s from a top-ranked public university. The Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence concentration provides a defined career path into deep learning, computer vision, NLP, robotics, and data mining. Bachelor’s students can further specialize the degree with electives in neural networks, autonomous systems, and practical NLP before applying their hard-earned skills in a comprehensive capstone project.
9. Arizona State University – BS in Artificial Intelligence in Business
ASU’s BS in AI in Business combines your undergraduate AI education with business skills from day one. Students take courses like Business Machine Learning, Big Data and AI in Business, and a senior capstone called Transforming Business with AI. Alongside a deep AI curriculum, the program delves into supply chain, marketing, finance, and global management to produce graduates who understand how AI works and how to apply it in the field.
10. University of Michigan Dearborn – BS in Computer and Information Science (AI Concentration)
UM-Dearborn offers an accessible undergraduate education in AI through its BS in Computer and Information Science. The artificial intelligence concentration builds on a comprehensive CIS curriculum with courses in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, robotics, and intelligent systems. Students learn how to design, implement, and evaluate modern AI solutions while developing in-demand soft skills in teamwork, communication, and ethical reasoning.
