EPFL introduces a new Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we understand and interact with the world, while also becoming an essential tool across scientific and engineering disciplines, from discovering new medical treatments to modeling the Earth’s climate.

Its increasing significance creates a need for scientists and engineers who understand not only how to use AI, but also its scientific foundations - mathematical models, algorithms, and computing systems. These are essential for developing new approaches to AI, building intelligent systems, and evaluating their impact on society.

Building on strong foundations

Reflecting AI’s growing importance as a scientific discipline, and building on EPFL’s strengths in the field, the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC) is introducing a Bachelor degree in Artificial Intelligence, starting in the 2027–2028 academic year.

The bachelor’s programs in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence will share a common first year, designed to provide students with a solid foundation in mathematics and computing. From the second year onward, the two programs will follow distinct curricula. Both will combine rigorous theoretical foundations with substantial hands-on projects.

“Our goal is to educate students who can do more than apply existing AI technologies. We want them to understand the scientific principles behind these technologies and acquire the knowledge needed to develop new ones. That requires a rigorous education in both mathematics and computing. We are working closely with EPFL’s Institute of Mathematics to ensure that both are at the heart of the curriculum,” explained Haitham Al Hassanieh, professor at IC and director of the new program.

Connecting disciplines

The interdisciplinary nature of AI is reflected in the structure of the new Bachelor's curriculum. The IC School is developing orientations that will allow students to devote a substantial part of their elective coursework to different dimensions of AI and its connections with other disciplines including AI theory, life sciences, and robotics, each offering an in-depth exploration of its respective field.

“AI draws on computer science, mathematics, engineering, and many other fields. We are collaborating with other schools and designing a program that celebrates this breadth, enabling students to explore different fields in depth. For instance, studying AI in the context of robotics should mean learning about mechanics and control systems, not just applying machine learning to robots,” said Professor Katerina Argyraki, Vice-Dean of Education at EPFL’s School of Computer and Communication Sciences.

AI’s impact on society

As AI systems increasingly influence decisions in healthcare, employment, and public services, understanding their ethical and societal implications is becoming an essential part of AI education. The new Bachelor will therefore include a mandatory course in AI Ethics and Policy, helping students critically examine fairness, accountability, and the broader societal consequences of AI technologies.

“As a public institution, EPFL has a role in educating the future talent and expertise needed by Switzerland, helping students consider the broader impact of the systems they develop. And, because AI impacts every field at EPFL, including our strategic initiatives in sustainability, the energy transition and healthcare innovation, we are also developing minors in AI and exploring a cross-disciplinary course on its use,” concluded Professor Nicolas Grandjean, Vice President for Education at EPFL.

The AI technologies students encounter throughout their careers may look very different from those in use today, yet the foundations needed to understand and advance them will remain essential. By grounding students in this lasting knowledge, the new Bachelor aims to prepare them not simply to adapt to technological change, but to help shape it.

The Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence will welcome its first students in the 2027–2028 academic year. During the first year, programming courses will be taught in French, while students will be able to choose between French and English for their mathematics and physics courses. All courses in the second and third years will be taught in English.

Explore our feature on AI and university education.