Area colleges are expanding artificial‑intelligence education as the technology becomes a staple of everyday life, a development that could shape the future workforce for Fargo‑Moorhead residents.
According to Inforum, Concordia College announced a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will fund an AI major slated to begin in fall 2027. The grant also supports technology upgrades in the sciences and a faculty‑development program focused on technology integration. Provost and dean Susan Larson said the school plans to give all students some exposure to AI skills, even though the major will target a subset of students pursuing AI‑related careers.
North Dakota State University (NDSU) launched its own AI major this fall, expanding from a previously popular AI minor. Professor Anne Denton noted strong student interest in AI credentials. Assistant professor of practice Shawn Merrill explained that the curriculum includes math, programming, AI history, ethics, and instruction on AI’s limitations, such as bias in large‑language models.
At Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), the Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence, created in spring 2025, is deploying an AI literacy framework across academic programs. Founding Executive Director Josh Riedy described the effort as giving every program an “AI signature” over the next two and a half years, preparing graduates for real‑world AI use. MSUM will also introduce a one‑year master’s degree in AI starting fall 2027, aimed at professionals needing to upgrade their AI skills, according to professor Juan Cabanela.
While faculty acknowledge the benefits of AI education, Cabanela cautioned that constant AI access could alter student learning habits, warning that “if we’re not careful, it’s going to wreck how we learn.”
These initiatives collectively signal a regional push to embed AI knowledge into higher‑education pathways, aligning curricula with emerging industry demands.
What’s next: Concordia’s AI major is scheduled to open in fall 2027, and MSUM’s AI master’s program will also begin that semester. Prospective students should watch each school’s admissions announcements for application deadlines and program details.
Sources: inforum.com
