Northwestern to launch new major in AI-powered decision-making

One of the first programs of its kind, major will prepare students to use AI to solve real-world challenges EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern University will launch a new undergraduate major in AI-Augmented Decision Systems (AI-ADS) in fall 2027, the University announced Friday (Oct. 23).

The new program will prepare students to harness AI to make smarter, more effective decisions to solve complex, real-world problems. Housed in the McCormick School of Engineering’s department of industrial engineering and management sciences, the program is among the first in the nation to combine modern AI with operations research — a field that uses mathematics and data to solve complex problems and optimize decisions.

While many undergraduate AI programs focus on developing the technology itself, Northwestern’s new major will emphasize putting AI to work. Students will learn how to combine machine learning, generative AI, statistics and mathematical modeling to tackle challenges ranging from improving health care and streamlining supply chains to managing financial risks and addressing societal needs.

Northwestern introduces the new major amid growing demand for workers with expertise in data science and operations research. By year 2035, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 35% growth in data science careers and a 12% increase in operation research analysis positions.

The Financial Times also reported that demand for “forward-deployed engineers” — hybrid roles with engineering and strategic thinking skills — surged by 800% during 2025. With an emphasis on ethical decision-making and human oversight, the major will frame accountability as a foundational engineering principle.

This will ensure that AI augments — rather than replaces — human agency. The curriculum also includes hands-on assignments with real organizations, in which students will apply AI-enabled decision-making to client projects. Students can pursue AI-ADS as a standalone engineering major or pair it with another field of study as a second major.