New Programs Reflect Growing Demand
The University of Idaho is rolling out three new degree programs focused on artificial intelligence and robotics beginning this fall, capitalizing on surging student interest in automation and AI technology. The Moscow and Coeur d’Alene campuses will offer a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, a Master of Science in artificial intelligence, and a Master of Engineering in artificial intelligence. The graduate programs will be available online as well as on-campus.
The expansion comes as the university adds eight new AI-specific courses to its catalog, bringing the total number of AI courses available to 14. The new programs underscore the institution’s commitment to preparing students for careers in one of the fastest-growing technical fields.
Robotics Lab Drives Hands-On Learning
Much of the momentum behind the initiative stems from the university’s robotics laboratory on the Coeur d’Alene campus, a $5 million facility that serves as both a teaching space and a testing ground for cutting-edge automation technology. John Shovic, a professor and director of the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics, leads the operation with a roster of 110 undergraduate robotics students.
The laboratory houses equipment that ranges from the practical to the inventive. Four autonomous robotic arms, each capable of lifting up to 400 pounds, handle heavy manipulation tasks. A four-wheeled autonomous cart equipped with a high-voltage system can deliver 3,500 volts of electrical charge—technology designed to eliminate weeds without chemical herbicides. The lab also features more whimsical machines: a two-fingered robot named Larry that plays piano keys, and a sentient pinball machine that has learned to play itself.
The hands-on nature of the robotics program means students regularly encounter real-world engineering challenges, including equipment failure. Shovic and his students broke approximately $7,000 worth of equipment over the past year as they designed, tested, and refined their projects. Rather than viewing damage as purely negative, Shovic created the “Crown of Destruction” award to recognize the student who caused the most equipment damage—a tongue-in-cheek way of acknowledging that failure is often part of the learning process.
“These units aren’t used 24 hours a day like they are in a factory. So they don’t wear out. But students designing, and things like that, sometimes break something,” Shovic said in explaining the occasional casualties of experimental work.
Interdisciplinary Foundation
The robotics program combines expertise from mechanical engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering, giving students a comprehensive foundation in automation. Students split their time between laboratory spaces in Coeur d’Alene and Moscow, allowing them to work with different equipment and faculty perspectives.
The program’s growth has been rapid. Eight years ago, Shovic started the robotics initiative with just one student. The expansion to 110 undergraduates reflects genuine demand from students seeking technical skills in a competitive job market.
Steve Yang, chair of the university’s computer science department, emphasized that the new AI and robotics degrees address a significant gap in workforce preparation. As businesses across industries increasingly adopt automation and machine learning, the university is positioning graduates to meet that demand.
Shovic stressed that practical AI education extends far beyond the generative AI tools that have captured public attention. “The real world of AI isn’t just ChatGPT and what they call large language models. There’s a whole lot more to it than that,” he said, underscoring the breadth of AI applications that range from industrial robotics to autonomous systems to data analysis.
What Comes Next
The three new degree programs begin accepting students in fall 2026. Prospective students interested in artificial intelligence, robotics, or automation can apply through either the Moscow or Coeur d’Alene campus. Graduate programs offer the flexibility of online enrollment, making education accessible to working professionals seeking to transition into or advance within the field.
For current undergraduates already enrolled in the robotics program, the expanded course offerings and new degree pathways mean more specialized options and clearer career trajectories. As the laboratory continues to grow in sophistication and the student body expands, the University of Idaho is establishing itself as a regional hub for robotics and AI education.
More information about the new programs is available through the University of Idaho’s official website. Students interested in engineering and technology programs may also find related opportunities through the university’s broader computer science and engineering departments.