Silicon Valley to get its first two-year degree focused on AI

De Anza College in Silicon Valley will introduce the first two-year Associate in Science degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence starting this fall. The program, announced this week, includes six new AI-focused credentials and more than 20 additional degree and certificate programs, addressing the rising need for AI expertise in an evolving job market. The college’s new offerings align with a national trend, as AI education programs have surged in the U.S. Degree Prospects, a D.C.-based publisher, reported that bachelor’s degrees in AI more than doubled from 90 in 2024 to 193 in 2025. Universities across the country are now offering 153 master’s degrees and 85 bachelor’s degrees in AI, with institutions like UC Berkeley, Stanford, and San Jose State already providing graduate-level AI programs. The curriculum at De Anza will cover foundational AI concepts, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and prompt engineering, while emphasizing responsible AI development and ethical practices. Courses are designed to be transferable to UC and CSU schools, allowing students to continue their studies at four-year institutions. De Anza’s vice president of Instruction, Ram Subramaniam, stated that the new programs reflect the college’s commitment to preparing students for AI-driven careers. ‘We believe that we need to actively provide our students with the knowledge and training to make informed choices about engaging with AI,’ Subramaniam said. The college also added programs in automotive service, engineering, mathematics, Mandarin translation, and journalism, among others, to meet diverse student interests. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 41.7% growth in employment opportunities for data scientists through 2033, underscoring the demand for AI-related skills. De Anza’s initiative aims to equip students with both technical expertise and critical thinking to navigate AI’s expanding role in society.