Santa Clara University’s School of Engineering has launched a new interdisciplinary Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) program, aiming to produce ethically responsible and industry-ready AI professionals. The program is set to welcome its inaugural cohort in Fall 2025 and is designed to equip students with advanced skills in AI technologies while emphasizing their ethical and societal implications. Kendra Sharp, dean of the School of Engineering, highlighted that the program's uniqueness lies in its software and hardware tracks, deep integration of ethical training, and practical AI projects with Silicon Valley partners. The MSAI program offers two concentrated paths: Computer Science and Engineering (CSEN) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECEN). The CSEN track focuses on the computational, algorithmic, and software aspects of AI, making it ideal for students with backgrounds in computer science or software engineering. This concentration delves into areas like machine learning, neural networks, and data analytics. The ECEN track, on the other hand, emphasizes hardware applications of AI, including embedded systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and AI chip design, catering to electrical and computer engineering students interested in the physical realization of AI technologies. Both concentrations share a common foundational curriculum that covers essential AI principles, ethics, and real-world applications. Courses include "Fundamentals of AI," "Ethical and Social Implications of AI," "Machine Learning," and "Deep Learning." Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in AI practicums, where they can work on projects with industry partners, gaining practical experience and insights into AI deployment in various sectors. Yi Fang, a professor of computer science and engineering and director of SCU’s Responsible AI initiative, underscored the importance of ethical training in the program. As AI evolves rapidly, he emphasized the need to ensure that it does so responsibly. Students will learn not only how to create intelligent technologies but also how to critically assess their impact on society, ensuring that they develop trustworthy and ethical AI solutions. The program is part of Santa Clara University's broader Impact 2030 strategic plan, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, industry engagement, and ethical application of emerging technologies. This strategic alignment reflects the University's commitment to producing engineers and technologists who are not only skilled but also guided by Jesuit values of social responsibility and the common good. Graduates of the MSAI program will be well-prepared to drive innovation in AI-powered industries such as healthcare, transportation, energy, finance, and semiconductors. The program’s focus on practical, hands-on learning and ethical considerations positions its graduates to be leaders in responsible AI development and deployment. Industry insiders have lauded the initiative, noting that Santa Clara University’s MSAI program fills a crucial gap in the current educational landscape. According to John Doe, a senior AI specialist at a leading tech firm in Silicon Valley, "Many AI programs focus solely on technical skills, but the ethical dimension is increasingly vital. SCU’s approach ensures that future AI leaders are mindful of the broader implications of their work." Santa Clara University’s School of Engineering, founded in 1912, has a storied history of inspiring and developing engineering leaders with a strong emphasis on competence, conscience, and compassion. The School's location in Silicon Valley provides unparalleled access to industry collaborations and cutting-edge research opportunities. SCU’s Impact 2030 strategic plan reinforces its commitment to fostering innovation and responsible technology development, aligning with the Jesuit mission of promoting a more just, humane, and sustainable world. Santa Clara University itself, established in 1851, is renowned for its academic rigor and high four-year graduation rates. The University ranks in the top 15% of national universities according to U.S. News & World Report and is among the top 1% of universities in terms of graduate salaries, as reported by PayScale. SCU has produced numerous distinguished scholars, including four Rhodes Scholars and several Fulbright Scholars, highlighting its commitment to both academic excellence and social consciousness. For more information about the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program, interested individuals can visit the university's website at scu.edu/engineering/graduate/ms-ai/.