This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2025-2026 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 helps students understand and apply AI to their chosen field and careers. Combining foundational course work in the technology and ethics of AI with classes from a variety of disciplines, the minor is applicable and accessible to all students at VCU.
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 | |
| IDST 370 | Practical AI Synthesis | 3 |
| PHIL 202 | Ethics of Artificial Intelligence | 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 | ||
| Artificial Intelligence for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | ||
| Mathematical Foundations for Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Humanities and social sciences | ||
| Language, Society, and AI: Sociolinguistic Perspectives | ||
| Topics in AI | ||
| AI in Mass Media | ||
| Creativity With AI | ||
| Strategic Communication With AI | ||
| Storytelling With AI | ||
| 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 | ||
| Learning & Education | ||
| Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Education | ||
| Personal Knowledge Management: Building Your AI-Supported Second Brain | ||
| 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.