Artificial Intelligence+

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Knowing AI techniques is becoming increasingly important in the job market. AI is no longer limited to tech companies. Industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, marketing, education, and logistics are integrating AI to optimize operations, make data-driven decisions, and improve customer experiences. Employers value candidates who understand how to leverage AI tools and techniques. Professionals with AI skills are in high demand, and that often translates to higher salaries and more job opportunities. Roles such as data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI product manager, and business analyst often require or benefit greatly from AI knowledge. Understanding AI allows professionals to automate repetitive tasks, analyze large datasets, create predictive models, and build intelligent systems. This skill set drives innovation and improves efficiency, making employees more valuable to organizations. Even jobs not directly related to AI are likely being impacted by it. For example: marketers use AI for customer segmentation and campaign optimization; HR professionals use AI for talent acquisition and employee engagement; and Finance professionals use AI for fraud detection and risk assessment, among many others.

The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence+ (BSAIP) program is designed to equip students with core AI principles, algorithms, and models so students are able to apply AI techniques to diverse real-world problems. The curriculum is designed to meet the standards of the Computer Science Curricula 2023 (Artificial Intelligence Chapter) jointly developed by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS); and the ABET Accreditation Criteria for Computing.  This curriculum provides a well-rounded graduate with technical, communication, and applied problem-solving skills, ready to enter the workforce in a position requiring rigorous training in the principles and practice of Artificial Intelligence.

Graduates of the BSAIP program will have access to many exciting job opportunities in Computer and Information Technology related professions, as well as in areas where Artificial Intelligence techniques can be applied. BSAIP graduates will also have a wide range of additional educational opportunities, depending on their career goals, interests, and whether they want to deepen technical expertise, broaden their knowledge, or pivot to another field. Possible options include the pursuit of an MS degree in AI/ML, Computer Science, Data Science, Robotics or Human-Computer Interaction, etc.; an advanced certificate of AI in Healthcare, Business, Education, etc.; an advanced degree in MBA with a tech focus or a Law degree with a focus on tech law or AI ethics; or research opportunities in industry or university affiliated AI labs.

In addition to satisfying the increasingly high need for Artificial Intelligence professionals in the public and private sectors, the BSAIP program aligns well with the missions of both the SIUC and the American Artificial Intelligence Initiative, the Executive Order 13859 signed in 2019 as the United States’ national strategy for maintaining American leadership in AI.

Program Educational Objectives

  1. Our graduates will establish themselves as computing professionals or engage in advanced study.
  2. Our graduates will have the depth and breadth of knowledge and skill to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and succeed interdisciplinarily.
  3. Our graduates will have life-long learning skills to adapt to the evolving technologies throughout their professional careers.
  4. Our graduates will bring positive impact on the society responsibly and ethically.

Student Outcomes

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
  6. Apply computer science, specifically Artificial Intelligence, theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing- based solutions.

 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Artificial Intelligence+ Degree Requirements

Degree RequirementsCredit Hours
University Core Curriculum Requirements 39
Requirements for Major in Artificial Intelligence+ 49
Artificial Intelligence+ Core 36
AIP 202, AIP 215, AIP 220, AIP 280 or MATH 282 or STAT 282,
AIP 290, AIP 311, AIP 330, AIP 340, AIP 360, AIP 370, CS 437, each with a grade of C or better
Design Project AIP 498 and AIP 499 5
MATH 150, MATH 250, MATH 221 1 8
Student Selected Minor 2 12
Major Electives 3 12
General Electives 9
Total 121

1 Three credit hours are used to satisfy UCC Quantitative Reasoning.

2 Students in the Artificial Intelligence Plus (AIP) program are required to complete a minor, which typically ranges from 12 to 21 credit hours. To meet the 121 credit-hour graduation requirement, any additional hours needed beyond the minor and major requirements may be fulfilled through free electives. The following minor programs are recommended: Art, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Construction Management & Operations, GIS, Information Technology, Journalism, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Sustainability, Theater. Any other minor must be approved by the program advisor.

3 Approved major electives include: CS 404, AIP 491, CS434, CS 435, CS 441, AIP 440, CS 480, AIP 480, ECE 411, ECE 458, ECE 470, MATH 349, MATH 421, MATH 483. Any other course requires program approval to be used for major elective.