Pacific Adds AI, Cybersecurity, Construction Degrees
Stockton students can enroll in the new majors starting fall 2027, pending WSCUC accreditation approval.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Higher Education
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University of the Pacific's Board of Regents approved three new Bachelor of Science degrees in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and construction engineering on November 8, 2026. The programs will begin enrolling students in fall 2027, pending WSCUC accreditation approval, which matters for students planning to start in that cycle.
Why it matters
The degrees grew out of conversations with industry partners and alumni about workforce needs, giving Stockton-area students new majors tied to fields employers have identified as short on talent. For prospective students weighing where to study, the additions expand the university's engineering and computer science offerings without requiring a move out of the region.
The construction engineering program is one of only three statewide and the only one in Northern California, while California construction jobs are projected to grow 11% from 2021 to 2031 with more than 30,000 openings annually. Students should confirm tuition, admissions criteria, and the accreditation status with the university before applying, since the start date depends on WSCUC approval.
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 University of the Pacific's School of Engineering and Computer Science, who said the degrees grew out of industry and alumni workforce conversations.
WSCUC
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges' accreditation body, whose approval is required before the new programs can enroll students.
The details
The AI degree can be paired with a minor in Applied Mathematics, Business Analytics, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or Philosophy, letting students combine technical training with a second area of focus. Cybersecurity majors are encouraged to add a minor in Management or Engineering Management, and the Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering blends elements of Pacific's existing Civil Engineering and Engineering Management programs. The new degrees sit within the School of Engineering and Computer Science, which is ranked among the top 50 undergraduate engineering programs in the country.
Timeline
July 2026: University of the Pacific released a university-wide framework for the responsible use of AI in teaching, research, and operations.
November 8, 2026: The Board of Regents approved the three new degrees.
Fall 2027: The programs are set to begin enrolling students, pending WSCUC accreditation approval.
2031: Projected horizon for AI job openings and California construction job growth.
2034: Projected horizon for nationwide cybersecurity demand growth.
Education Landscape
The additions follow a broader pattern of universities adjusting engineering and computer science offerings to match workforce demand in AI and cybersecurity. The construction engineering degree is positioned against projected California construction job growth through 2031, as experienced workers retire and industry partners report gaps in expertise.
Prospective engineering and computer science students in the Stockton area now have additional majors to consider for fall 2027 if accreditation is granted. Students interested in these fields can ask the university's admissions or financial-aid office about tuition, minor options, and application timing for the new programs.
The takeaway
The new degrees show how universities are tying program design to documented workforce gaps in AI, cybersecurity, and construction. Prospective students should confirm accreditation status, tuition, and admissions requirements directly with the university before planning around the fall 2027 start.
What happens next
The programs' fall 2027 enrollment start depends on WSCUC accreditation approval, a decision students should watch for as the timeline approaches.
Further reading
For more on how degree programs are changing to match job demand, explore our Higher Education coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gold Rush Cam.
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