UC San Diego Launches AI Major and Personalized Learning Systems

This fall, UC San Diego officially launched California’s first dedicated Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, allowing students to immerse themselves in AI, robotics, and data science from day one. The program, hosted within the Computer Science and Engineering Department, responds to rising demand for AI specialists across industries from healthcare to defense.

Students begin with foundational courses in mathematics and computing, then specialize in areas such as computer vision, language models, reinforcement learning, and AI ethics. A major emphasis is placed on the social impacts of AI, encouraging students to design systems that are transparent, accountable, and fair.

Beyond the classroom, UCSD researchers are revolutionizing how AI itself is taught. The university has deployed AI-powered tutor systems that adapt to individual student progress in real time. These virtual assistants analyze learning patterns and offer tailored explanations, making it easier for diverse learners to master complex programming concepts. Pilot results show significantly higher retention rates in introductory computing classes.

The combination of new degree programs and intelligent learning tools embodies UC San Diego’s broader vision: not just studying AI, but using it to improve education, equity, and discovery.