NDSU announces creation of Honors College focused on AI and Human Progress
Each year, 30 incoming students will receive scholarships to join a cohort focused on the ethical, technical, and societal dimensions of AI.
NDSU is launching a new Honors College, made possible by a major philanthropic investment, to prepare the next generation of leaders in artificial intelligence and its impact on society. The college will welcome its first class in Fall 2026, while providing learning opportunities for all students at NDSU.
The NDSU Honors College offers a different kind of promise: a place where possibility is not constrained by limits but multiplied through abundance. It is a community where excellence grows when shared and where innovation is directed toward building a more prosperous future.
Each year, 30 incoming students will receive scholarships to join a cohort focused on the ethical, technical, and societal dimensions of artificial intelligence. Scholars will learn from leading faculty, collaborate across disciplines, and engage directly with national and global thought leaders. Guest lecturers from institutions such as MIT will help shape a curriculum that challenges students to think deeply about the frameworks guiding technological progress.
President David Cook emphasized the vision behind the college by saying, “This is a place for students who want more than just technical training. It’s for those who want to understand how AI can elevate human well-being, drive scientific breakthroughs, and create new opportunities for communities everywhere.”
Unlike many programs that simply add AI to existing structures, NDSU’s Honors College is built around a philosophy of optimism and progress. It reflects a belief that artificial intelligence is not just a tool, but a transformative force that is reshaping every aspect of modern life. The college will explore how this transformation can be guided by values, purpose, and a commitment to shared success.
Recruitment for the inaugural class begins immediately. NDSU is seeking students who are not only academically gifted but also driven to explore the future of AI and its impact on the world.
To learn more, visit ndsu.edu/admission/honors-college.
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