Vanderbilt's undergraduate, graduate and professional schools are taking on the challenges of an ever-evolving world with dozens of new courses and programs for the 2026-27 school year. Here are some of the new academic ways the university is preparing students to combine knowledge and vision to create future impact.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Vanderbilt is preparing students to lead the future of AI collaboration. New partnerships with the College of Connected Computing are bridging disciplines to solve complex challenges.
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, College of Connected Computing
This degree invites students to explore an interdisciplinary computer science path that reflects their interests and career goals beyond a single discipline. Classes include programming and problem solving in Java or Python, computers and ethics, applied machine learning, and AI. - Minor in Generative AI, College of Connected Computing
The minor in generative AI introduces students to the principles, tools and implications of artificial intelligence. Students gain hands-on experience using and critically assessing generative AI technologies. - Generative AI graduate certificate, College of Connected Computing
The CCC is planning to offer an online graduate certificate program that can be taken separately or can be stacked with other graduate courses to earn a generative AI master's degree. Courses include foundations of generative AI; AI strategy and organizational dynamics; ethics, responsibility and AI governance. - Online Master's Degree in Innovative Design and Technology in Education, Peabody College of Education and Human Development
This degree program is for professionals working across PreK-12, postsecondary and other educational settings. Students can earn certificates in two areas: human-centered AI in education and learning analytics or transforming educator leadership in language learning.
DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS
Data science is essential to driving research and solutions across disciplines. The College of Connected Computing and Vanderbilt Data Science are improving degree programs.
- Master's in Data Science, College of Connected Computing
This in-person 9-month graduate program is designed to prepare technically grounded data science professionals. The curriculum integrates advanced analytics, responsible data practices and applied communication skills to support the translation of data-driven insights for use across research, industry and the nonprofit sector.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The College of Arts and Science has partnered with the Vanderbilt Institute of National Security on a new degree program to prepare future national security leaders to address the most pressing challenges in our increasingly geopolitical landscape.
- Major and Minor in National Security, College of Arts and Science
This program combines interdisciplinary training in security studies and foreign affairs with skills in data science, computing or engineering. Students select from one of two tracks: National Security Analytics or National Security Technology.
General Paul M. Nakasone (Ret.), founding director of the Vanderbilt Institute of National Security (Submitted photo)
Vanderbilt Institute of National Security launch event at Student Life Center on Sept. 18, 2024 (Vanderbilt University)
ENVIRONMENT
Environmental challenges require multidisciplinary, research-based solutions to protect global health, infrastructure and economic stability.
- Major in Climate and Environmental Studies, College of Arts and Science
The interdisciplinary program allows students to examine human interaction with climate and the environment by studying methods across the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities, as well as environmental engineering and social engagement. - Major in Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering
The B.E. in environmental engineering provides students with the tools to develop effective solutions to pressing issues around water resources and quality, aging infrastructure, sustainability innovations and energy resources.
Students in Dan Morgan's glacial geology course learned field methods while conducting research in the Arkansas River Valley in Colorado. (Photo by Dan Morgan)
Earth and environmental sciences professor Molly Miller (left) gets assistance from Nashville Mayor Karl Dean while pointing out the geological features hikers could expect to see during the geology walk Feb. 18. (Images courtesy of Metro Photographer Gary Layda)
MAKING FOR THE FUTURE
Human-centered design and collaborative problem-solving are essential for the engineers and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. New minors in both the School of Engineering and the College of Arts and Science are helping advance those keys to making for the future.
- Minor in Innovation and Design Strategy, School of Engineering
This minor, open to all undergraduates, provides an interdisciplinary pathway for students to identify real-world problems, develop solutions through human-centered design, and translate ideas into actionable outcomes. The Wond'ry, Vanderbilt's Innovation Center, provides access to fabrication tools, collaborative spaces and expert staff. - Minor in Digital Fabrication, School of Engineering
This minor combines advances in computer-aided design (e.g., generative design) with state-of-the-art rapid prototyping technologies, including 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC milling, extrusion, and injection molding. - Minor in Quantum Information Science and Engineering, College of Arts and Science and School of Engineering
This minor gives students experience with quantum hardware and theory that prepares them for various roles in quantum engineering, including those involving microelectronic and photonics materials, devices and integrated circuits.
HEALTH CARE INNOVATIONS
Partnerships between researchers across the university, the School of Nursing, School of Medicine, School of Medicine Basic Sciences, and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center create a dynamic environment for true health care innovations.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthetist, School of Nursing
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is launching a nurse anesthetist track. This new three-year program will help fill a nationwide need for safe, cost-effective anesthesia, pain management and critical care experts. - Applied Drug Discovery and Development certificate program, School of Medicine Basic Sciences
The Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, within the Vanderbilt Institute for Therapeutic Advances, is launching an online certificate program focused on applied drug discovery and development.
BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Vanderbilt students interested in business now have new ways to deepen their business foundation with these graduate-level options.
- Master of Science in Business and Technology, School of Engineering and Owen Graduate School of Management
This one-year master's program hosted in New York City spans the engineering and business disciplines and provides a well-rounded base of knowledge to help graduates advance their careers in the region's tech sector and innovation economy. - Master of Management, Owen Graduate School of Management
The nine-month degree program includes concentrations in consulting, entrepreneurship, health care, operations and analytics, and general management. It allows students to enhance their competitiveness for consulting, corporate rotational programs and cross-functional analyst roles. - Dual Master's Degree in Marketing and Sports Management, Owen Graduate School of Management
This dual degree option allows master's in marketing students to earn a second master's degree in sports management strategy through the Real Madrid Graduate School of Universidad Europea.
IMPROVING SOCIETY
A key aspect of a college education is finding ways to make a positive impact on society. Here are some new majors, minors and graduate programs that reach those goals.
- Major and minor in Culture, Advocacy and Leadership, College of Arts and Science
This interdisciplinary program combines classes in human culture, advocacy and leadership to prepare students for an array of careers including law, sports and culture, international relations, human rights, global migrations, entrepreneurial leadership, economic justice and more.
- Minor in Museum and Market Studies, College of Arts and Science
This new minor offers students education and pre-professional training in the histories and theories of museums and art markets. It also provides a bridge between Vanderbilt's campuses in Nashville and New York City. The A&S curriculum in NYC will offer an elective in Intro to Museum Studies along with internship opportunities in the city's rich arts culture. - Minor in Sports and Society, College of Arts and Science
Students explore ways athletes, journalists, public figures, team owners, fans and many others contribute to one of the most influential aspects of the modern world.
- Online Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Peabody College of Education and Human Development
A fully online degree designed to prepare educational practitioners to apply principles of learning theory to improve the lives of families and children with disabilities. The program offers rigorous preparation for individuals pursuing ABA careers in educational settings such as clinics and schools.
- Online Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, Peabody College of Education and Human Development
This program is designed for educational professionals who want to lead more resilient educational systems. Students will choose one of three specializations: Leading Educational Systems (PreK-12), Higher Education Leadership, or International Education and Development.
- Online Master's Degree in Multilingual Education, Peabody College of Education and Human Development
This program is designed to prepare educators to advance multilingual learning through teaching, research and leadership, with a pathway to ESL endorsement. Students in this program also will earn three certificates: in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), in Improving Learning through Applied Research, and in Transforming Educator Leadership in Language Learning.
