This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The minor in Practical AI provides an overview of artificial intelligence and its applications across a variety of disciplines and fields. It is meant to be applicable -and accessible- to all majors at VCU. When combined with the appropriate major, the minor can be useful to students in understanding and applying AI ethically in their chosen field and careers.
The minor consists of 18 credit hours. Students must achieve an overall GPA of 2.0 in all courses counted toward the minor.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| CMSC 225 | Essentials of Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| or MATH 170 | The Language of Artificial Intelligence | |
| PHIL 202 | Ethics of Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| IDST 370 | Practical AI Synthesis | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Choose nine credits from at least two of the following categories (at least six credits must be 300 level or higher). | 9 | |
| STEM | ||
| Essentials of Artificial Intelligence | ||
or MATH 170 | The Language of Artificial Intelligence | |
| Practical Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Mathematical Foundations for Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Humanities and social sciences | ||
| Topics in Practical AI | ||
| AI in Mass Media | ||
| Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Statistical Computing for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Business and administration | ||
| AI in Business | ||
| Data Preparation for AI | ||
| Artificial Intelligence for Business Intelligence | ||
| AI Services for Business | ||
| Design of AI Systems | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
CMSC 225 or MATH 170 and PHIL 202 should be completed at the beginning of the minor, while IDST 370 should be completed at the end.
Students may choose CMSC 225 or MATH 170 as an elective if they do not take it as a required course.
In some of the minor categories, a student may substitute an internship, co-op, undergraduate research, study abroad or vertically integrated project for the required three credits with the approval of the interdisciplinary studies program director. Additional special topics or new courses may be substituted if appropriate. Students should discuss such substitutions with the interdisciplinary studies program director prior to enrolling in the substitute course.
Some courses have restrictions and/or prerequisites. Students should work with their adviser to plan the best courses for them, including possible overrides.