Wentworth Launches Groundbreaking Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence

In a move to meet the explosive demand for technological talent, Wentworth Institute of Technology has announced the launch of a new Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence. Housed within the School of Computing & Data Science, the program is a joint effort across all of Wentworth schools, drawing on application domains from Business Management, Computing, Construction Management, and Life Sciences. This innovative, on-campus program will welcome its first class in Fall 2026. 

The program is designed to create a new class of professionals who will not only have the ability to develop advanced AI systems but also apply them ethically and effectively to solve complex, real-world problems. 

The launch comes as the demand for AI expertise reshapes the global job market at an unprecedented pace. Mentions of AI in U.S. job listings have grown exponentially, surging over 120% in 2024 and an additional 56% in the first part of 2025 alone. This program directly answers industry's call for graduates fluent in AI, preparing them to step into high-demand, high-salary careers. 

"The introduction of the Applied Artificial Intelligence program marks a pivotal moment for Wentworth," said Executive Vice President and Provost Sophia Maggelakis. "Our mission has always been to prepare students for the careers of the future, and this degree is a direct embodiment of that commitment.” 

Unlike traditional computer science programs, Wentworth’s Applied AI degree is distinguished by its deep focus on interdisciplinary application. Built on the understanding that AI's true power is unlocked when combined with deep domain expertise, the program integrates a strong foundation in AI principles with specialized coursework in an application domain of the student’s choice. Students will not only master core AI principles but also complete specialized courses in a chosen domain, allowing them to tailor their expertise to real-world contexts. 

This structure creates graduates who can operate at the intersection of technology and industry. For example, a student specializing in the Life Sciences domain will blend a strong foundation in biology and chemistry with AI to tackle real-world problems in healthcare and biotechnology, such as training machine learning models to identify patterns in genetic data. A student in the Construction Management track might use AI to develop predictive models for project timelines and site safety, while a Business Management student could build AI-driven solutions to optimize global supply chains or create personalized customer engagement strategies. 

“We are not just responding to market demand,” added Maggelakis, “we are proactively positioning our graduates to become leaders in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent technology." 

The program is further strengthened by Wentworth’s renowned cooperative education model, requiring students to complete at least two co-op semesters. This hands-on experience ensures graduates enter the workforce with a robust professional portfolio and a clear understanding of industry needs. 

"This program bridges a critical gap we see in the industry," said Mike Farmer, Dean of the School of Computing & Data Science. "Companies don't just need AI experts, they need creative problem-solvers who can apply AI within specific contexts like healthcare, business, or construction. By embedding deep domain knowledge directly into the curriculum and pairing it with our co-op model, we are creating graduates who are uniquely versatile and can deliver immediate, impactful solutions." 

Students will progress through a comprehensive journey that builds a robust and practical skill set. Graduates will be equipped to: 

• Solve Complex Problems: Analyze intricate challenges and apply core principles of computing, data science, and AI to formulate and implement effective solutions
• Innovate Responsibly: Design, build, and evaluate AI systems while making informed judgments based on legal and ethical principles, including fairness, transparency, and bias
• Integrate and Implement: Manage complete, real-world AI projects from data collection to model deployment, integrating knowledge from coursework, domain specialization, and co-op experiences
• Communicate with Impact: Articulate complex technical details and high-level strategic insights to diverse audiences, from engineering teams to executive leadership 

"In the classroom, our focus is absolutely on learning by doing," noted Professor Ella Howard. "Students will build with the latest tools, including Generative AI, to create everything from AI-driven art to data-powered management workflows. We challenge them to not only ask 'Can we build this?' but also 'Should we build this?', embedding ethical considerations into every project." 

This powerful combination of technical, ethical, and domain-specific knowledge prepares graduates to excel in some of today's most dynamic and sought-after roles, including: 

• Computational Designer
• AI-Driven Industrial Designer
• Construction Technology Specialist
• AI Business Analyst
• AI Product Manager
• Digital Humanities Analyst
• Computational Scientist 

"Artificial Intelligence isn't just a niche in computer science anymore. It has become infrastructure for innovation across every industry," added Professor Memo Ergezer. "By combining rigorous training in AI with deep domain knowledge and our signature co-op program, we are empowering graduates to move beyond learning algorithms to delivering solutions that matter from day one."