Polytechnic@UofM approved for Applied AI concentration in Bachelor of Applied Science Program

 

June 3, 2026 

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) approved the University of Memphis’ request to offer a concentration in Applied Artificial Intelligence through the Polytechnic@UofM’s Bachelor of Applied Science program.

The premise is straightforward: every future worker will need AI competency, regardless of discipline. Rather than training students as AI developers or systems architects, the concentration prepares graduates as practitioners who can deploy, evaluate, and govern AI tools within their industry domains. This applied, workforce-centered model is designed for access and flexibility serving community college and TCAT transfer students, working professionals seeking credentials that produce immediate value for employers, and traditional 4-year students seeking workforce-ready skills.

The design of the curriculum begins with a core that provides AI literacy, AI tools and prompting, and AI ethics and risk mitigation, as well as computer literacy and MS Office applications with Copilot, data storytelling, project management, and quality control. Students then choose electives to build domain expertise to advance their careers.

Classes in Applied AI begin on August 24. Talk to a University of Memphis advisor to enroll.