Want to Major in Artificial Intelligence? CNU Now Offers It – Christopher Newport University

by Jim Hanchett | May 1, 2026
Students who want to prepare for careers or graduate studies in artificial intelligence (AI) can now choose a pioneering major at Christopher Newport.
The School of Engineering and Computing (SEC) will offer the major beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.
SEC professors Keith Perkins and Roberto Flores led the development of the new major. “Students will build the full artificial intelligence stack in our program,” Perkins said. “They will move from data science and machine learning into cloud infrastructure, neural networks, and the large language models powering today’s AI.
“Students will train computer vision models, build agentic AI systems, and deploy real applications to the cloud – graduating with the practical experience to shape the future of intelligent technology,” he said.
Graduates with the major will be prepared to advance their education or launch a career in AI, machine learning engineering, data science, and software development. It is one of the first majors in this field to be offered by a Virginia university, Perkins said.
Much of the course and lab work will be conducted at CNU’s new Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC), which features a two-story drone lab, makerspace, and an array of technologically advanced facilities for research and collaboration.
At the start of the 2025-26 academic year, President William G. Kelly addressed the importance of AI in his Honors Convocation speech, saying, “As a university, it is our responsibility to ensure you, our students, know how to use AI effectively and, most importantly, ethically.”
Not only is the major a step toward accomplishing that goal, but a related university-wide Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is also underway. It is focused on when and how to use AI effectively and responsibly. The QEP emphasizes the core values of a liberal arts education as an avenue to prepare students for an increasingly AI-influenced world.
Resources
Services
  Christopher Newport University | All Rights Reserved

source