Shaping Tomorrow: SEAS Introduces Robotics and AI Programs

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Gonzaga University has taken an exciting leap forward with the launch of new academic pathways in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). These cutting-edge programs include both concentrations for ECE majors and interdisciplinary minors for students across the University, all designed to prepare graduates for the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The Robotics Concentration and Minor, introduced in Fall 2024, equips students with hands-on experience in intelligent systems, embedded control, and autonomous navigation. Supported in part by a generous grant from Boeing, the new Robotics Lab features car robots, robot dogs, and humanoid robots — offering students opportunities to design, test, and innovate in real-world environments.

Debuting in Fall 2025, the Applied AI Concentration and Minor respond to the growing demand for AI-literate professionals across diverse fields such as health care, robotics, finance, and environmental science. Courses such as AI-powered automation, machine learning in biomedicine, and autonomous mobile robots provide students with practical and ethical grounding in the development and deployment of intelligent systems. A newly-established Applied AI Lab, supported by a significant grant from NIST, provides self-driving platforms for students to experiment with complex AI algorithms in realistic settings.

By offering interdisciplinary minors and in-depth technical concentrations, the ECE department is making robotics and AI education accessible to a wide range of students — from business and biology majors to those pursuing traditional engineering degrees. These efforts reflect Gonzaga’s Mission to deliver education that is both innovative and human-centered, empowering students to shape an increasingly automated world in service of the common good.