University of the Pacific Approves Three New Engineering and Tech Degrees
Board of Regents has approved Bachelor of Science degrees in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and construction engineering, set to enroll students in fall 2027.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Higher Education
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The University of the Pacific Board of Regents approved three new Bachelor of Science degrees in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and construction engineering, all part of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. The programs will begin enrolling students in fall 2027, pending WSCUC accreditation approval.
Why it matters
The degrees grew out of conversations with industry partners and alumni about workforce needs, including the gaps in expertise created as experienced construction workers retire. The additions align university offerings with fields where demand for skilled graduates is projected to grow.
The Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering combines elements of Pacific's Civil Engineering and Engineering Management programs and is one of only three such programs statewide. The School of Engineering and Computer Science is ranked among the top 50 undergraduate engineering programs in the country.
The players
University of the Pacific
A private university in Stockton, California, offering more than 80 undergraduate and nearly 60 graduate and professional programs.
Elizabeth Orwin
Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science at University of the Pacific, who said the degrees grew out of industry and alumni input on workforce needs.
The details
The AI program can be paired with a minor in Applied Mathematics, Business Analytics, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or Philosophy, while cybersecurity majors are encouraged to pursue a minor in Management or Engineering Management. In July, the university released a campuswide framework for responsible AI use in teaching, research and operations.
Timeline
July 2026: University released its responsible AI use framework.
November 8, 2026: Board of Regents approved the three new degrees.
Fall 2027: Programs begin enrolling students, pending accreditation.
2031: AI job openings projected to exceed half a million.
Roadmap
The additions follow projected workforce growth in artificial intelligence and construction, with AI job openings expected to exceed half a million by 2031. California construction jobs are forecast to grow 11% from 2021 to 2031, generating more than 30,000 openings annually.
Prospective students in Stockton and across Northern California gain access to a construction engineering degree that is the only one of its kind in the region. Students interested in artificial intelligence or cybersecurity can pair these majors with minors such as Data Science or Management.
The takeaway
Students weighing a degree in these fields can look at how a major pairs with a minor, since the university encourages cybersecurity majors to add Management or Engineering Management. Planning around the fall 2027 start date and accreditation timeline can help prospective students prepare.
What happens next
Programs are scheduled to begin enrolling students in fall 2027, pending WSCUC accreditation approval.
Further reading
Explore more Higher Education coverage from Stockton.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gold Rush Cam.
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