John Brown University in Siloam Springs will offer a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence (AI) beginning in the fall 2024 semester. College officials shared the details Monday (Feb. 19) in a news release.

According to the news release, JBU is the first Christian university in the U.S. to offer a bachelor’s degree in AI.

“AI has enormous potential to improve healthcare, make education more accessible, improve economic health, increase online child safety and much more,” Ted Song, JBU’s chief innovation officer, said in the news release. “JBU’s Christ-centered approach to education will empower our alumni to enter the field, not just with technical skills but with a strong perspective on the ethical use of AI.”

Only about a dozen universities in the U.S. offer a full bachelor’s degree in AI. Many colleges only offer a concentration or certification within a broader computer science-based degree.

JBU added a minor in AI in 2023. JBU spokesman Carlson Wakefield said one student is minoring in the study but noted that many students do not declare minors until after their freshman years.

The generative AI market, currently valued at around $40 billion according to Bloomberg Intelligence, is projected to soar to $1.3 trillion by 2032. Despite the recent prominence of AI through initiatives like ChatGPT, it has been around for years through real-time traffic updates to smart-home gadgets, search engine algorithms, banking security measures and spell-check tools.