University of North Dakota launches AI doctorate and cybersecurity programs to meet workforce demands

The University of North Dakota is expanding its academic portfolio with three new programs that align with evolving workforce demands in athletics administration, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. These additions represent UND’s strategic response to industry needs while positioning the institution as a regional leader in emerging technological fields, particularly through its first dedicated AI doctoral program and strengthening its national security initiatives.

The big picture: UND will launch three new degree programs that align student interests with employer demands, including a bachelor’s in cybersecurity engineering and a master’s in athletic administration this summer, followed by an AI doctorate in fall 2025.

Key details: The cybersecurity and AI programs will be housed in the College of Engineering and Mines, while the athletic administration master’s program belongs to the College of Education and Human Development.

• Former Grand Forks Public Schools athletic director Mark Rerick will chair the new athletic administration and coaching master’s program.
• According to Interim Engineering Dean Ryan Adams, the AI Ph.D. program will be the first of its kind in the region.

Program differentiators: Each program offers distinct delivery methods to accommodate different student needs and program requirements.

• The cybersecurity engineering bachelor’s degree will be available in both online and in-person formats.
• The athletic administration master’s program will be offered exclusively online.
• The AI Ph.D. program will only be available through on-campus instruction.

Strategic alignment: The new programs support broader university initiatives to expand UND’s academic footprint and attract external funding.

• The cybersecurity bachelor’s program is part of UND’s National Security Initiative, specifically designed to attract federal and defense funding.
• The athletic administration program focuses on leadership within educational settings rather than general sports management, filling a specific market gap.
• The AI doctorate represents UND’s first full program dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence, positioning the university at the forefront of this rapidly growing field.