Christian university adds AI major

JBU: Program will offer strong perspective on ethical use

SILOAM SPRINGS — Preparing students for jobs in the burgeoning technology field was a key reason for establishing a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence at John Brown University, a school official said.

The program will start this fall, and John Brown University is the first Christian college in the country to offer a bachelor’s degree in AI, according to a school news release. The program is offered through the computer science department.

The computer science and software sectors have plenty of employment opportunities in Northwest Arkansas and across the country, said Justus Selwyn, chairman of the university’s computer science department. More AI engineers and computer science graduates are needed as businesses use AI as their primary technology, Selwyn said.

“This degree at the undergrad level would prepare AI grads to be ready for the AI jobs in both aspects, theoretically and with handson experience,” he said.

Students in the program can incorporate the degree with other academic interests, including business, data analytics, engineering, mathematics and natural sciences, according to the news release.

John Brown added a minor in artificial intelligence in 2023.

Only about a dozen U.S. universities offer a full bachelor’s degree in AI, with many offering a concentration or certification as part of a broader computer science degree, according to the release.

“AI has enormous potential to improve health care, make education more accessible, improve economic health, increase online child safety and much more,” Ted Song, John Brown University’s chief innovation officer, said in the release. “JBU’s Christ-centered approach to education will empower our alumni to enter the field, not just with technical skills but with a strong perspective on the ethical

use of AI.”

Citing Bloomberg Intelligence, the current generative AI market is approximately $40 billion and could grow to $1.3 trillion by 2032, according to the release.

The University of Arkansas has two courses, one each at the undergraduate and graduate levels, related to artificial intelligence, according to media relations director John Thomas.

Members of John Brown University’s advisory board — “our recruiters, well-wishers, technology workers and leaders” — heard about the need for the the bachelor’s degree option, Selwyn said.

Northwest Arkansas school districts have artificial intelligence on their radar, too.

In Bentonville, AI is embedded in the district’s computer science classes, Ignite Professional Studies programs and career and technical education, according to Leslee Wright, district communications director.

The Fayetteville School District doesn’t offer any AI classes but is open to the idea of offering a class in the future, said Alan Wilbourn, executive communications director.

There’s no specific AI class in Rogers, but it can be part of the learning strands offered in computer science courses, said Jason Ivester, district communications director.

Springdale isn’t offering any AI courses at this time, but the skills are built into classes, said Trent Jones, district communications director.

Moving forward, the goal is to align courses with the new state career and technical education offerings, he said.

John Brown University will have an AI ethics class as part of the program in addition to the Bible classes offered as core courses for students, Selwyn said.

“With already having the AI technology’s presence in the world, the current generation thinks that it has nothing to do with the Christian faith,” Selwyn said. “At JBU, we see ‘Christ over all’ and in everything we do — our vocation, our life, our faith and also in technology. The challenge is how to bring the Scriptures into technology and how to make students think the Christian way while solving real-world problems using AI technology, that is the real challenge.”