Artificial Intelligence Major

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The BS in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rigorous 4-year program combining strong mathematical foundations (calculus, discrete mathematics, linear algebra & probability) with technical programming skills and specialized AI coursework.

The program introduces a suite of innovative new courses: Human-Centered AI, GenAI & Agents, Program Synthesis, Data Engineering, and Deep Learning, while leveraging our strengths in existing courses: Foundations of AI, Foundations of Machine Learning, AI for Redistricting, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Computing, Big Data, and Data Mining.

Students will begin with AI & Python programming in the AI-focused CS 111A/112A/245A and the GenAI & Agents courses that immediately introduce AI system building. In this initial sequence, students will also take Ethics & AI, a course developed by Professor Nick Leonard in the Philosophy department that will introduce students to interdisciplinary approaches to critically evaluating AI systems. Next, students will advance through core AI foundations (CS 362), machine learning (CS 463), and a suite of specialized courses. The program culminates in a team-based capstone project (CS 491) addressing real-world human-centered needs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Theory: Explain, analyze, and evaluate AI and machine learning algorithms, including model structures and evaluation metrics
Application: Apply problem-solving skills toward the design and implementation of different AI approaches and techniques
Data & Infrastructure: Understand and apply data engineering skills for building data pipelines, databases, and cloud platforms that support scalable AI systems
Project: Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration on a substantial team project developing AI systems that address human-centered needs and outcomes
Ethics: Study and evaluate the ethical implications of the creation, design, and utilization of different AI modes

Major Requirements (56 units)

Intro Sequences (12 units)

The intended intro sequence, which introduces AI concepts early on:

Please note: CS 110 required with a minimum grade of D or Placement-Computer Science with a minimum score of 40

Foundations (8 units)

AI Capstone Project (4 units)

CS 490 - Senior Team Project

Math Requirements (12 units)

AI Content Courses (16 units)

A total of 4 courses (16 units) should be electives.

All electives must be either an AI content course or a CS 3XX or CS 4XX course other than CS 480, CS 490, CS 498.
At least 3 elective courses must be an AI content course.
At least 3 elective courses must be a CS course.

The following courses are planned to have the AI content designation. We are planning to grow this list to include courses, especially from other departments:

Data Engineering (4 units)

Data Engineering area requirement. One of:

Core Requirement

Lab science (4 units)

Lab science requirement must be satisfied by one of the following:

Ethics core (4 units)

PHIL 248 - Ethics of Algorithms and AI

Degree Planner

First-Year

Fall	Units
CS 111A - Foundations Prog Design w/ AI (Prerequisite CS 110 - Intro to Computer Science with a minimum grade of D)	4
Core B1: MATH 109 - Calculus I (Prerequisite MATH 108 - Precalculus )	4
Core	4
Core or First Year Seminar	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
CS 112A - OOP and Data Structures w/ AI	4
MATH 201 - Discrete Mathematics	4
Core	4
Core D3: PHIL 248 - Ethics of Algorithms and AI	4
Total Semester Units	16

Sophomore Year

Fall	Units
CS 245A - Int Data Structs and Algs w/AI	4
CS 230 - GenAI & Agents (AI Elective 1)	4
MATH 202 - Linear Algebra & Probability	4
Core or Language - Course 1	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
CS 362 - Foundations of AI	4
Core B2: Applied or Laboratory Science	4
Core	4
Core or Language - Course 2	4
Total Semester Units	16

Junior Year

Fall	Units
CS 463 - Foundations of ML	4
CS 452 - Data Engineering with AI	4
Core	4
Core	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
AI Elective 2	4
AI Elective 3	4
Core	4
Core	4
Total Semester Units	16

Senior Year

Fall	Units
CS 490 - Senior Team Project	4
Core/Elective	4
Core/Elective	4
Total Semester Units	12
Spring	Units
AI Elective 4	4
Core/Elective	4
Core/Elective	4
Total Semester Units	12

*This information is subject to change, the degree planner is a sample, and students should consult with the department for any updated information.