Iowa Computer Science Programs Adapt to the Age of AI

Universities expand AI offerings and address challenges as the tech industry's needs evolve

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Computer science programs across Iowa are undergoing a significant transformation as they adapt to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Universities are expanding their AI-related course offerings, integrating AI into existing curricula, and addressing challenges such as AI-assisted cheating. While some programs anticipate enrollment declines due to perceptions about AI's impact on jobs, experts emphasize the continued importance of human involvement and the need for graduates with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Why it matters

The rise of AI is reshaping the computer science landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for educators and students. As the tech industry's needs evolve, universities must adapt their programs to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an AI-driven future.

The details

Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and other universities in the state are actively expanding their AI-related course offerings, including AI minors, graduate certificates, and required AI courses for computer science majors. They are also addressing the challenge of AI-assisted cheating by implementing new assessment methods, such as oral exams and supervised testing, and requiring students to disclose their use of AI tools.

  • The University of Northern Iowa has seen a slight dip in computer science enrollment in recent years.
  • The job market for computer science graduates has become more competitive, with graduates taking longer to find employment and needing to be more flexible with location.

The players

Sam Xin

Professor and chair of the computer science department at Iowa State University.

Alberto Segre

Professor and chair of the department of computer science at the University of Iowa.

Jason Shepherd

Professor of computer science at Buena Vista University.

Eugene Wallingford

Head of the department of computer science at the University of Northern Iowa.

Nicholas Haisler

A recent graduate of Drake University who is pursuing further studies in machine learning in Japan.

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What they’re saying

“We are… trying to adapt to meet the needs of the industry and also leverage our strengths as well. This is a transition time, and we hope to accommodate the needs of the student and also meet the trend of the industry in the future.”

— Sam Xin, Professor and chair of the computer science department at Iowa State University

“Every time new languages arrive out, we see the same thing in programming languages. So this is a field that's used to change.”

— Alberto Segre, Professor and chair of the department of computer science at the University of Iowa

“I actually do expect us to decline a little bit, and part of the reason for that is there is a perception… that AI will improve the efficiency of workers so that you don't need as many humans to do the operate anymore.”

— Jason Shepherd, Professor of computer science at Buena Vista University

“The hiring outlook has 'been a lot tighter' recently, with graduates taking longer to find employment.”

— Eugene Wallingford, Head of the department of computer science at the University of Northern Iowa

“You still have to have humans in the loop, as generative AI makes mistakes. It's really giving you a really good guess at what it thinks you need.”

— Jason Shepherd, Professor of computer science at Buena Vista University

What’s next

The University of Iowa is adding a required AI course for all computer science majors, along with AI-focused electives and a new ethics class. Drake University is adjusting its computer science major to include more technical and theoretical coursework, as well as hardware and systems components.

The takeaway

While AI will have a significant impact on the computer science field, experts emphasize the continued importance of human involvement and the need for graduates with strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and fundamental computer science skills to effectively leverage and oversee AI tools.