July 11, 2026 Issue, Page 10 of 10

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NEWS 10• SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2026 The Elk City News UCO Launches New AI Degree Programs to Meet Growing Workforce Demand The University of Central Oklahoma machine-learning techniques, including will launch two new degree programs supervised, unsupervised and reinforce- focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in ment learning. fall 2026, expanding opportunities for The new programs align with the students to gain expertise in one of the needs of Oklahoma’s expanding tech- fastest-growing fields in the workforce. nology, aerospace, defense and business The new programs include a Bach- sectors, where AI is increasingly used elor of Science in Computer Science– to drive innovation, improve efficiency Artificial Intelligence and a Master of and enhance decision-making. As em- Business Administration in Advanced ployers seek professionals who can de- Artificial Intelligence and Machine velop, manage and strategically imple- Learning. The additions reflect UCO’s ment AI solutions, UCO’s newest degree commitment to preparing graduates for offerings will help strengthen the state’s careers in emerging technologies while workforce and support continued eco- supporting Oklahoma’s growing de- nomic growth. mand for AI-skilled professionals. The university’s other new offerings “Artificial intelligence is reshaping include a Bachelor of Arts in Politi- the way organizations operate, innovate cal Science–Public Law and Courts, a and compete,” said UCO President Todd graduate certificate in Professional De- G. Lamb. velopment in Nonprofit Management “By launching these new degree pro- and a graduate certificate in Addictions grams, the University of Central Okla- Counseling. homa is responding to evolving work- UCO is accepting applications for force needs and ensuring our students both fall 2026 and fall 2027 admission. are prepared to lead in a rapidly chang- For students seeking fall 2027 admis- ing, technology-driven world. These sion, those who complete an online ap- programs reflect our commitment to plication and submit all required admis- providing relevant, forward-thinking sions documents by Feb. 1, 2027, will educational opportunities that support automatically be considered for UCO’s student success and Oklahoma’s eco- The University of Central Oklahoma will launch two new degree programs focused on artificial intelligence (AI) beginning in fall 2026, academic scholarships, pending eligibil- nomic growth.” expanding opportunities for students to gain expertise in one of the fastest-growing fields in the workforce. The new programs ity. Incoming freshmen may automati- The Bachelor of Science in Computer include a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science–Artificial Intelligence and a Master of Business Administration in Advanced Artificial cally qualify for scholarships worth up Science–Artificial Intelligence will pro- Intelligence and Machine Learning. Pictured, two UCO students on campus. to $2,000 per year for four years based vide students with a strong foundation on their high school GPA and ACT or in computer science while offering spe- will be equipped to design, develop and The MBA in Advanced Artificial In- ronments. Students will explore topics SAT scores. cialized coursework in artificial intelli- implement AI-driven solutions across telligence and Machine Learning is de- including knowledge representation, Visit uco.edu to apply and learn gence, machine learning, data analytics a wide range of industries and applica- signed for professionals seeking to apply search, logic, deduction and planning about academic opportunities, financial and emerging technologies. Graduates tions. AI strategically within business envi- while gaining experience with modern aid, campus involvement and more. SOCAG Head Start now Plans underway for the taking applications Annual Butler Rodeo The local Southwest Commu- nity Action Group’s Headstart/ Early Headstart Birth to Five any child from birth up to the age of five. SOCAG is happy to accept engaging and nurturing boost to help children in their education- al goals and careers long after By Sheryl Ponce both nights. They will also be given money; $75 for junior breakaway program is currently accepting children from their home based they've completed it. for rough stock buckles to two head for 14 years and under; $50 for ju- applications for their 2026-2027 programs as well, continuing to For more information or to The 2026 Annual Butler Open average winners with money given nior barrels for 14 years and young- year. support these kids as they grow apply, please call the Elk City Rodeo will be presented by Lip- to the high score to two sections er; $20 for kiddie barrels for eight This is a terrific project aimed up to continue to give them an Headstart/Early Headstart Birth scomb Dealers in the area, on Aug. nightly. There has been an added years and under; and $20 for mut- to provide a headstart for children advantage. to Five program at 580-225-4103 21st and 22nd, at 8 p.m. each eve- $15,000 money. ton busting for six years and under, who may otherwise not get one. This wonderful initiative is or come by, located at 215 W 12th ning. Entertainment will be provid- The entry fees include $100 for along with a nightly buckle winner. This program is geared towards year round and provides a fun, St. in Elk City. ed by Josie Nichepor and The Red calf roping with $1500 added mon- Entry fees must be paid prior to 7 Dirt Trick Riders. The stock con- ey; $100 for breakaway with $1500 p.m., with cash only. Book opens tractors for this rodeo are Rafter C. added money; $100 for saddle Sunday, Aug. 16th. Cattle. All contestants must call in bronc with $4000 added money; To enter, call Taylor Baker at to enter the competitions. $100 per team (3X) with $1500 580-401-2113, and for more infor- Buckles will be given to all timed added money; $100 for bull riding mation call Matt Baker at 580-331- event average winners, although with $5000 added money; $100 9284. the contestant must compete in for open barrels with $1500 added