NEWS
TULSA, OKLA. – Bachelor’s degrees in applied artificial intelligence (AAI) and software development and integration (SDI) are now enrolling for fall 2025 through the University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute (OUPI) in Tulsa. With full approval last week by the OU Board of Regents, the new programs are open for application and will begin classes in August next year.
“The applied artificial intelligence and software development and integration degree programs join the bachelor’s of science in cybersecurity to round out the first three degree programs for the OU Polytechnic Institute,” said Teri Reed, Ph.D., the director of OUPI. “Our first cybersecurity students are now in class, and we look forward to adding these new programs and new students next year.”
The Applied Artificial Intelligence program also received a $100,000 grant from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education as one-time start up funding. The OUPI program was one of only three programs in the state to receive this funding.
“These new bachelor’s degree offerings will further position OUPI as the leader in polytechnic education in northeastern Oklahoma,” said Susan Bynum who serves as vice president of OU-Tulsa. “We have listened to our partners in industry and recognize that these degree programs will produce sought-after graduates who will be ready to enhance the technological workforce of the Tulsa area.”
Applied Artificial Intelligence
At OUPI, applied artificial intelligence students will experience exposure to cutting-edge tools together with the vital fundamentals of AI to prepare them for rewarding careers. While teaching the skills necessary to develop intelligent software solutions for complex, real-world problems, the program will also emphasize the importance of understanding the ethical and societal impacts of AI.
Software Development and Integration
Integrating programming, data, and DevOps expertise with cutting-edge technologies in machine learning, generative AI, embedded systems, and cloud computing, the OUPI SDI curriculum emphasizes practical skills directly applicable to today’s job market. Students will learn real-world applications and methods. This ensures graduates are prepared to tackle a wide range of challenges, from interfacing with the latest AI system, to developing cutting edge mobile applications, to creating new ways to access the Internet of Things.
OU Polytechnic Institute partners include Tulsa Innovation Labs and philanthropic partners such as the George Kaiser Family Foundation, Pamela S. and Terry L. Carter Scholarship Fund, Bank of Oklahoma and Williams.
About OU Polytechnic Institute
The University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute (OUPI) at OU-Tulsa is focused on high-demand, advanced and applied technology-based education. OUPI prepares graduates to transform industries in Oklahoma by offering innovative programs that meet growing demands in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development and integration and digital manufacturing. OUPI at OU-Tulsa will create a pipeline of extremely skilled graduates with experience in high-demand fields, leading to high-paying jobs that will retain talent in the state and attract new students.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. OU was named the state’s highest-ranking university in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Colleges list. For more information about the university, visit ou.edu.
Doris Benbrook, Ph.D., a Presbyterian Health Foundation Presidential Professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, has been named Associate Director for Translational Research at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center in Oklahoma.
The Harold Hamm Diabetes Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences will gain a new deputy director, Matthew Potthoff, Ph.D., effective January 1. Potthoff will also hold the title of Harold Hamm Endowed Chair in Clinical Diabetes Research and professor of biochemistry and physiology, with a secondary appointment in the division of neurology in the OU School of Medicine.
James George, M.D., and Jennifer Holter-Chakrabarty, M.D., were recognized by the American Society of Hematology (ASH) during its annual meeting Dec. 7-10.
