Cached at:
05/26/26, 04:34 PM
# Baylor University to launch AI master's program
Source: [https://www.chron.com/texas/article/baylor-ai-masters-program-22274436.php](https://www.chron.com/texas/article/baylor-ai-masters-program-22274436.php)
Baylor University's Board of Regents recently approved funding for a new AI\-related master's program\.
Baylor University[As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes](https://www.chron.com/food/article/houston-ai-influencer-restaurants-22270541.php)nearly every corner of the world,[one Texas university is making](https://www.chron.com/texas/article/baylor-core-curriculum-texas-22266351.php)a major bet on the next generation of tech talent\.
Baylor University's Board of Regents on Thursday approved nearly a $1 billion budget for the 2026\-27 year, including funding for a new AI\-related master's program,[according to a university news release](https://news.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2026/board-regents-celebrates-success-fundraising-endowment-growth)\.
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"The demand for AI core skills and ethics is growing exponentially," outgoing Board Chair Bill Mearse said,[according to the Baylor Lariat—the university's student newspaper\.](https://baylorlariat.com/2026/05/21/board-of-regents-approves-nearly-1-billion-operating-budget-new-ai-centered-masters-degree/)"Employment in the field is expected to increase by as much as 30 \(percent\)\."
Officials say the program's launch comes as AI\-usage across the campus evolves across departments\.
## A specialized hands\-on degree
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Plus \(MSAI\+\) program "embodies both core AI and domain knowledge while preparing graduates to lead ethically in the digital age," according to the release\. "At launch, the program will focus on cybersecurity and expand to new areas as the program matures\."
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The master's program will be housed in Baylor's School of Engineering and Computer Science\.
"The specialized MSAI\+ degree is highly valued by employers in both industry and research, directly addressing the national shortage of mid\- to senior\-level AI specialists who possess both deep technical skills and domain\-specific knowledge," the release reads\.
Students in the 30\-hour credit program will gain hands\-on experience through a capstone project,[according to the university's program website](https://www.ecs.baylor.edu/prospective-graduate/graduate-degree-programs/master-science-artificial-intelligence), which aims to prepare graduates for "cutting\-edge research or high\-level roles in the industry\."
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University President Linda Livingstone said the degree is intended to go beyond simply teaching the tools\.
Baylor University President Linda Livingstone\.
Josh Fralick/Baylor Athletics/University Images via Getty Imag"Beyond just teaching our students how to use the latest AI tools, it's really helping students to know how to think and reason and be adaptable and to be critical thinkers about how to use some of these different tools," Livingstone said, as reported by the Baylor Lariat\.
## 'Faith\-informed' AI leadership
In addition to advancing technical skills, students will also dive into broader implications of AI development\.
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The program overview describes "faith\-informed leadership in artificial intelligence" as a unique key aspect of the Christian university's curriculum\.
"The program will frame artificial intelligence not merely as a technical discipline, but also in the ethical and moral considerations inherent in AI development & deployment, reflecting the university's Christian commitment," the website reads\.
[The degree plan](https://www.ecs.baylor.edu/prospective-graduate/graduate-degree-programs/master-science-artificial-intelligence/msai-degree)includes an Ethics in AI and Responsible AI course as part of the core curriculum\. The university highlights that students will dive into the latest developments and challenges in the field\.
## A nearly billion\-dollar budget
The Board of Regents approved a $982\.2 million budget for fiscal year 2026\-27—a 2\.4 percent increase from the year prior\. The budget approval reportedly follows an identified $35 million in reductions that will be implemented campus\-wide over the next two years\.
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Officials say beyond the cuts, the board is looking to identify new funding streams, according to the Baylor Lariat\.
May 24, 2026
Molly Wilhelm is a trending news reporter with Chron covering the Greater Houston area and beyond\. A Maryland native, Molly is a graduate of The George Washington University\. Previously, she covered public safety, city government and trending news for the Wilmington StarNews\. When she's not in the newsroom, you can find her discovering new coffee shops, wandering through Memorial Park, or eating and dancing her way through Houston's food and music scene\.