School of technology offering artificial intelligence minor in fall

Eastern University has approved a new artificial intelligence minor launching in fall 2026, following approval by the Council on Academic Affairs on February 26, 2026. The minor, proposed by interim assistant chair Toqeer Israr, aims to equip students with technical AI skills amid growing industry reliance on the technology. It requires 18 credit hours, with most courses already available except for the new 4833: AI Technologies, taught by professor Ammar Bhutta. Students will develop AI chatbots trained on specialized knowledge relevant to their majors, rather than broad datasets. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, including ethical considerations and AI’s environmental impact, such as electricity consumption. Israr noted AI’s versatility across fields like business, music, and engineering, while stressing responsible development. Existing courses will also incorporate AI applications to enhance relevance. The program’s structure was revised based on committee feedback, with plans for future adjustments if needed. Student reactions vary: Israr reported excitement among peers, while former Student Government Vice President Emilee Boyd highlighted skepticism about environmental execution and AI’s role in coursework. Concerns include balancing ethical use with practical training, particularly as AI’s energy demands raise sustainability questions. Boyd acknowledged the minor’s intent to promote ethical AI but questioned whether concerns like climate impact would be adequately addressed. The minor’s approval follows a December 2025 proposal, with most required courses already offered. The new AI Technologies course will serve as a capstone, offering a high-level overview of AI systems. Israr expects demand to grow as students recognize AI’s growing importance across disciplines, though he acknowledged potential challenges in scaling the program’s infrastructure.