The University of Alabama is launching a School of Data Science to serve as a cross-college hub, partnering with all 13 UA colleges and schools and making data literacy and AI foundational for graduates while driving the university’s data-driven mission.

The school will offer undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, blending technical expertise with ethical, social, and economic considerations, and it will be closely connected to UA’s High Performance Computing and Data Center.

UA positions itself as a national leader in data-driven research and education, aiming to shape AI development in academia and industry and to prepare a large, skilled workforce for Alabama and the broader region.

UA President Peter J. Mohler called the initiative a historic investment in Alabama’s future and a step toward establishing UA as a national academic leader.

The initiative is expected to boost Alabama’s competitiveness in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, energy, and business, while driving statewide economic growth.

Further details about the initiative are available in UA’s official news release.

A national search for the inaugural dean will begin in the fall, with the school scheduled to officially open in 2027.

The effort aligns with the Future-Ready Flagship blueprint and includes the inaugural dean search in the fall, targeting a 2027 opening.

UA describes itself as Alabama’s flagship institution, highlighting its role in driving economic growth through innovation and discovery.

Leadership presented the plan at a press conference near UA’s under-construction High Performance Computing and Data Center, with a Board of Trustees vote on creation expected in June.

Mohler emphasized governance and ethics in AI deployment, advocating guardrails and responsible use as AI education and research scale.

The university aims to lead in AI literacy and workforce development to meet strong employer demand for AI-capable graduates across Alabama and the region.