Chancellor Mauli Agrawal announced a new Artificial Intelligence program at the 2025 State of the University address, being offered as early as the fall 2026 semester.
While the A.I. program is still in development, it will coincide with what is currently offered in the computer science department.
“When we talk about A.I. at UMKC, we are not just chasing headlines, we are helping write the headlines,” said Chancellor Agrawal.
It will also address UMKC’s lack of its own A.I. policy that will follow ethical and environmental concerns, according to Dr. Yugyung “Yugi” Lee of the computer science department. Dr. Lee is a leading researcher of A.I. technology and its interdisciplinary applications.
“Policy development will be an important parallel effort. The policy will not just regulate use- it will prepare students for the real-world impacts of A.I.,” said Lee.
While students had their reservations, many were interested in taking classes and learning more about the program.
Some students feel the problem with A.I. aligns with the newness of the technology and its apparent reliance.
“I think A.I. can be used as a helpful tool, but a lot of it is sometimes misused. I think if we’re able to harness it and use it appropriately, we can really help things become more efficient,” said Michael Maroone, a master’s Conservatory student in tuba performance.
The interdisciplinary program will focus on communications with students from all different fields, not just a computer science background.
Furthermore, it will be focused on harnessing the technology to help with programming and human collaboration with A.I.
“In the business program, they talk a lot about A.I. and how we need to learn it for future jobs. It’s not necessarily taking over jobs, just changing some of the roles,” said Cheyenne Franklin, a freshman studying business administration.
Students who are on the computer science track and want to go into a traditional job will still have the opportunity to do so. Jobs with A.I. use will require a new type of training that is not currently focused on in the traditional track.
“Computer science students or data science students are not well trained for a new kind of job, but the new program can teach them how to do effective learning with the new technology,” said Lee.
While other universities offer A.I. programs, it is still new and will require curriculum updates with the technology.
“It’s not about avoiding A.I. but learning how to use it responsibly. Ethical A.I. should enhance human potential rather than replace it,” said Lee.
