Bradley Launches New Majors to Prepare Students for the Future of Technology

August 11, 2026

As technology continues to reshape industries and redefine the way we live and work, Bradley University is expanding opportunities for students to prepare for the careers of tomorrow with the launch of two new undergraduate majors: Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

Both programs, housed within Bradley’s Department of Computer Science and Information Systems in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, are accepting students now, and reflect the university’s commitment to meet student interests and emerging workforce demands.

“Technology is transforming nearly every industry, creating new opportunities for professionals who understand how to use data, artificial intelligence and computing to solve complex problems,” said Dr. Nawaz Ali, Associate Professor and Curriculum Committee Chair in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems. “These programs will give students the technical foundation, hands-on experience and critical thinking skills they need to become leaders in a rapidly changing world.”

The new Artificial Intelligence major prepares students to design, develop and apply intelligent technologies across a variety of fields, including healthcare, cybersecurity, business, data science and more. Students will build a strong foundation in programming, data structures and computer science before exploring advanced topics such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision and autonomous systems.

Graduates of the Artificial Intelligence program will be prepared for careers such as AI and machine learning engineers, AI application developers, AI specialists, data scientists, software engineers and other emerging technology roles.

Bradley’s Data Science major equips students with the skills to transform complex data into meaningful insights that help organizations make informed decisions. The interdisciplinary program combines computer science, mathematics, statistics and business analytics while incorporating modern tools and techniques in areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data and data mining.

“Data has become one of the most valuable resources for organizations in every sector, but the ability to understand and apply that data is what creates impact,” said David Brennan, Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems. “The Data Science program gives students the opportunity to combine technical expertise with problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge to real challenges facing businesses, organizations and communities.”

The Data Science program also connects with Bradley’s Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics, providing a pathway for students interested in continuing their education.

Graduates will be prepared for high-demand roles including data scientists, data analysts, machine learning engineers, data engineers and business intelligence analysts.

The addition of these programs builds on Bradley’s tradition of providing students with a personalized education that combines academic excellence with practical experience. By expanding opportunities in emerging areas of technology, Bradley continues to prepare graduates to adapt, innovate and make an impact in a rapidly evolving workforce.

For more information about Bradley’s new Artificial Intelligence and Data Science majors, visit the Computer Science and Information Systems Department website here.