Virginia Tech is launching a groundbreaking initiative this fall with the introduction of a new undergraduate minor in artificial intelligence (AI). This minor program is designed to cater to students from all majors, providing them with essential AI skills and literacy that can be applied across various fields and future careers. The program's unique approach is centered around interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that the curriculum meets the needs of students from diverse disciplines, including the arts, social sciences, philosophy, and public policy.
The minor program, led by Christine Julien, head of the Department of Computer Science, offers a comprehensive 18-credit-hour curriculum. It includes a technical foundation covering programming, computational problem-solving, and practical AI concepts. An integral part of the program is the ethics component, drawing from courses in computer science, philosophy, and business. The highlight of the minor is its interdisciplinary application modules, which offer students a wide range of pathways in the arts, social sciences, and humanities.
One of the key collaborators in this initiative is Jeffrey Loeffert, director of the School of Performing Arts and a working musician. Loeffert emphasizes the importance of combining expertise from different disciplines to create opportunities for students to explore new ideas and develop skills that wouldn't emerge within a single field. This approach aligns with the changing job market, where employers seek individuals with high AI literacy and the ability to adapt to evolving technologies.
The minor's course offerings are diverse and engaging, providing students with a well-rounded AI education. For instance, students can explore AI's impact on creativity and the arts, study AI and global languages, delve into the ethical implications of AI, or even examine AI's role in filmmaking and music. These courses cater to various interests, allowing students to connect AI concepts directly to their academic and career goals.
The minor's structure is designed to be flexible and adaptable, with the potential for further expansion. As the program progresses, more classes will be added, and existing courses will be refined to meet the evolving needs of students. Incoming students can review the course requirements and begin enrolling in eligible courses without prerequisites. The minor can be declared through the College of Engineering, marking a significant step towards ensuring that Virginia Tech graduates are well-equipped to navigate the AI-driven future of the workforce.
