Regents greenlight new artificial intelligence engineering program

The South Dakota Board of Regents approved a request by South Dakota State University on Thursday to offer a new program in engineering. 

Starting in fall 2026 , SDSU's Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering will offer Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and doctoral degrees in artificial intelligence engineering.

"We are excited to begin offering this collection of artificial intelligence engineering programs at South Dakota State University," Provost Dennis Hedge said. "Progression through these degrees aligns with student goals of learning and application at the undergraduate level, increased specialization at the master’s level, and discovery and innovation at the doctoral level. With a strong foundation in artificial intelligence and engineering design, graduates of these programs will be prepared to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges and lead innovation in areas such as precision agriculture, intelligent sensing, power systems and advanced manufacturing."

The program will equip students with the analytical, computational, hardware and ethical foundations needed to design intelligent technologies that learn from data and support human decision-making. Students will then apply these skills in SDSU's established engineering strengths. The doctoral program will prepare students to conduct original research at the intersection of AI, computer science and engineering. Graduates will be prepared for technical and leadership roles in the modern AI workforce.

"I sincerely thank our Regents for approving our AIE programs," said Sanjeev Kumar, dean of the Lohr College. "It reinforces the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering's commitment to train innovative problem-solvers, advance cutting-edge research, and support economic development by meeting the growing demand for AI talent across South Dakota and beyond. As AI continues to reshape the world, our graduates will be at the forefront of technological innovation and responsible leadership."

The new program will support South Dakota's growing workforce needs. The state currently supports 10,000 computer-related jobs, with roughly 7,800 positions directly connected to AI and cybersecurity. Sioux Falls has seen rapid growth in technology-related employment, with job openings in AI and cloud computing increasing by roughly 12%.

Nationally, there is a growing demand for AI intensive roles. Projections show roughly 129,000 openings per year for software developers, software analysts and testers. Software developers alone are projected to grow 16% nationwide and 27% in South Dakota. Because many of these roles require engineering graduates who can integrate AI into operational systems, the gap is especially pronounced for candidates with interdisciplinary engineering preparation rather than narrow software-only training.

The program supports SDSU’s land-grant mission and is aligned with the university's strategic plan, Pathway to Premier 2030 and its Research 1 ambitions. By providing accessible, high-quality education in a rapidly advancing field, the program prepares students to meet South Dakota’s growing workforce demand. It also builds on SDSU’s strengths in AI research and its nationally recognized leadership in real-world, high-impact domains. Through integrated education, research and engagement, the program advances SDSU’s mission to foster innovation, drive economic development and improve the quality of life for South Dakotans.

"Artificial intelligence is transforming every sector of our economy, from healthcare and manufacturing to agriculture and national security. Through these forward-looking programs, we are investing in the future by preparing the next generation of engineers who not only understand AI technologies but are ready to lead innovation in an increasingly AI-driven world," Kumar added.