Northeastern University Launches 24 AI Combined Majors, Replacing Data Science Programs
Northeastern University is set to overhaul its undergraduate data science offerings this fall, introducing 24 new artificial intelligence combined majors that will replace the existing data science degree programs. The move signals a significant academic pivot as the institution seeks to align its curriculum with the surging demand for AI expertise across industries.
The new AI combined majors will allow students to pair the study of artificial intelligence with another discipline, following Northeastern’s established model of interdisciplinary education. Instead of pursuing a standalone data science major, undergraduates will now choose from two dozen AI-integrated pathways that combine the university’s core AI curriculum with fields ranging from business and health sciences to the humanities and social sciences.
What “Combined Majors” Mean for Students
At Northeastern, a combined major is a structured program that blends two disciplines into a single degree, reducing the total number of courses compared to a double major while still providing depth in both areas. The 24 new AI combined majors are designed to give students a foundational understanding of machine learning, data analysis, and algorithmic thinking, layered with domain-specific knowledge that can be applied in real-world settings.
For example, a student might choose an AI and Finance combined major, or an AI and Health Science combined major, allowing them to graduate with a degree that is immediately relevant to emerging job markets. The university has not yet released a full list of the 24 combinations, but academic advisors are already preparing to guide students through the new options.
Data Science Programs Sunset
The university confirmed that its undergraduate data science majors will be phased out entirely as the new AI programs launch. Current data science students will be able to complete their degrees under the existing catalog, but incoming students will no longer have the option to declare a data science major. Instead, they will be directed toward the AI combined majors, which officials say reflect the evolving nature of the field.
According to the university, the restructuring is a response to both student interest and the job market’s increasing emphasis on AI skills. By sunsetting the data science major and introducing AI combined majors, Northeastern aims to give graduates a competitive edge in fields where AI is reshaping traditional roles.
National Trend in Higher Education
Northeastern’s move is not an isolated one. Universities across the United States are rapidly expanding their AI-related degree offerings, often renaming or repackaging data-oriented programs to better reflect the prominence of artificial intelligence. According to higher education analysts, the number of AI-centric bachelor’s degrees has risen sharply in recent years as institutions respond to the AI boom fueled by large language models and automation technologies.
The approach at Northeastern stands out because of its combined major structure, which allows students to embed AI within virtually any field of study. This interdisciplinary model may appeal to students who want to apply AI tools in specific industries without majoring solely in computer science.
Implications for Current and Future Students
For current data science majors, the transition will be seamless: they will continue on their declared paths and graduate with a degree in data science. Incoming first-year students and those who have not yet declared a major will need to select from the new AI combined options. The university’s advising services are expected to roll out updated materials and workshops to help students navigate the change.
Faculty members in the Khoury College of Computer Sciences and across other colleges will be involved in delivering the AI curriculum, which will likely include core courses in machine learning, neural networks, and data ethics, alongside the partner discipline’s coursework.
The university has published details on its official news site and in the academic catalog.
