New Degrees & Opportunities for Wildcats in 2026

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This year, as always, there’s a lot happening at the University of Arizona! Below are just a few of the new opportunities available to undergraduate students joining us in the fall of 2026.

New Undergraduate Degrees 

BS in Cyber Operations 

The Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations, offered both on campus and online at the University of Arizona, prepares students to become highly skilled professionals through emphasis areas in both Artificial Intelligence and Security. As one of only 23 programs nationwide designated by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations, the program equips students with the skills to think both like attackers and defenders, gaining experience in virtual labs, simulating real world cyber threats in a safe, controlled environment. Students develop expertise in areas such as malware analysis, penetration testing, network security, and low-level programming, while simultaneously applying legal and ethical principles to complex cybersecurity challenges. 

The Artificial Intelligence emphasis focuses on vulnerability analysis and simulated cyber operations. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in high demand such as cybersecurity analysts, penetration testers, cloud security specialists, and digital forensics analysts with leading employers including government agencies, defense contractors, and Fortune 500 companies.  

BS in Genetics and Genomics

Another new major at the University of Arizona is Genetics and Genomics, from the College of Science, offering students an interdisciplinary foundation in how genes shape life. The program blends molecular genetics, human genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and genetic epidemiology, giving students both the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to understand inheritance and genome function across living systems. Students engage in hands-on lab courses and course-related research opportunities, allowing them to build expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. This major prepares graduates for careers in biotechnology, healthcare, medicine, genetic counseling, forensics, agriculture, conservation, patent law, science policy, and science communication.

BS in Agriculture and Applied Economics

The new Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Applied Economics from the College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences brings together the former Agribusiness Economics & Management and Environmental Water & Resource Economics degrees into a single program with two tracks: Agribusiness Economics & Management (AEM) and Environmental Economics & Policy (EEP). This degree blends business, economics, and public policy, giving students a hybrid education that connects management skills with agriculture, food systems, environmental issues, and policymaking. Students build strong foundations in economic analysis, business strategy, and policy evaluation, while simultaneously participating in hands-on experience in data science and analytics. Graduates are well prepared for leadership roles in divisions such as food, finance, energy, agriculture, hospitality, and government, where they analyze economic conditions, manage organizations, and help shape public policy. 

BS in Integrated Business Engineering

Also new in fall of 2026, the University of Arizona will offer Arizona’s first and only undergraduate Integrated Business Engineering degree program. The new Bachelor of Science in IBE combines the expertise of faculty from the College of Engineering and Eller College of Management to provide students with the opportunity to develop a technical engineering mindset along with strong business acumen. 

IBE Program Director Dr. Michael Kwinn said the skills acquired through the new IBE degree program – from engineering design to foundational business skills like presentation, leadership, and ethics – can be valuable to any industry, translating to jobs in a wide variety of fields, from finance and banking to aerospace engineering and automaking.

BA in Public Relations

Starting fall semester 2026, the University of Arizona’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. This program will develop skills in:

• Strategic Planning
• Social media
• Media relations
• Crisis communications
• Event planning
• Campaign management
• Public relations writing 

The program will also emphasize the importance of ethics, critical thinking, and research. 

Graduating with a BA in Public Relations will prepare you to work in PR agencies and departments, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, educational settings, and more. 

New Club:  American Academy of Medicine & Surgery (AAMS)

If you’d like to explore medicine, develop real clinical skills, and build the confidence to thrive in healthcare careers, the new American Academy of Medicine and Surgery (AAMS) club on campus may be for you.

Inspired by a UCLA Surgical Skills summer program, Sasha Sher, a Physiology & Medical Sciences major at the U of A, created the AAMS club for students with a curiosity about physiology and medicine and an interest in hands-on education in these areas. Open to all pre-health majors, the club offers surgical simulations and physician-led workshops.

“While AAMS has a strong medical and surgical emphasis, the club engages with a wide range of medical professionals (from family practice physicians to medical device salesmen) who expose members to many aspects of healthcare,” said Sasha.

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The first AAMS meeting in September 2025 featured a suture training workshop led by U of A College of Medicine-Tucson medical students. 

More Admitted Student Days

Students admitted to our Main Campus for fall 2026 and their families are invited to attend any of three Admitted Student Days, this year. Admitted Student Day is a fun day celebrating your admittance to the University of Arizona and introducing you to campus and available student resources. You will be able to structure your day as you like, visiting various amenities, taking tours, and connecting with admitted college experiences. It’s your chance to try on Wildcat Life! Dates available include:

• February 27, 2026
• March 20, 2026
• April 11, 2026 

“Admitted Students Day opened my eyes to the opportunities given to undergraduate students.” – Sasha from CA, a Physiology and Medical Sciences major and W.A. Franke Honors Wildcat

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