Program Overview

Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence Concentration, B.S.

The Computer Science major with an Artificial Intelligence concentration provides students with a strong foundation in computer science and a focus on artificial intelligence. This program introduces students to the foundational principles and methods of Artificial Intelligence, focusing on core areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics.

Program Description

Artificial Intelligence enables computer systems to learn from data, adapt to new information, and make decisions based on patterns and reasoning. The Artificial Intelligence concentration includes curriculum focused on the core areas of machine learning, intelligent systems, and decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Artificial Intelligence or AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest-growing areas in computer science. AI focuses on building intelligent software systems that can learn from data, recognize patterns, make decisions, and solve real-world problems.

How do I earn an AI degree at MTSU?

Students complete the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree and choose the Artificial Intelligence concentration. You'll build a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, and software engineering before advancing into specialized AI topics such as machine learning, intelligent systems, and data-driven decision making.

What can I do with an AI concentration?

Graduates are prepared for exciting careers across many industries, including:

• Machine Learning Engineer
• AI Software Developer
• Data Analyst or Data Scientist
• Robotics and Intelligent Systems Developer
• Computer Vision or Natural Language Processing Engineer

What is the job market like for AI professionals?

The demand for AI professionals continues to grow as companies integrate intelligent technologies into everyday products and services. Employers are actively seeking graduates who combine strong computer science fundamentals with AI specialization—making this concentration an excellent pathway for future-focused careers.

What skills will I gain from an AI focus?

Students in the AI concentration develop both technical expertise and professional skills:

Technical Skills

• Machine learning and data analysis
• Algorithm design and intelligent systems
• Software development for real-world applications
• Problem solving with complex datasets

Professional Skills

• Critical thinking and innovation
• Collaboration on real-world projects
• Ethical and responsible AI development

Careers

The Computer Science Department strives to produce graduates with strong problem-solving, communication, and team skills who are able to design, implement, and document intelligent software systems. Graduates who study artificial intelligence often pursue careers in the following areas:

• Machine Learning Engineer
• AI Research Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Computer Vision Engineer
• Natural Language Processing Engineer
• AI Software Developer
• Robotics Engineer
• AI Product Manager
• Intelligent Systems Designer

Requirements

True Blue Core (41 hours)

The True Blue Core requirements include courses in the Foundational Skills areas of Written Communication, Information Literacy, Non-Written Communication, and Quantitative Literacy. Knowledge Domains include Human Society and Social Relationships, Scientific Literacy, Creativity and Cultural Expression, and History and Civic Learning.

Major Requirements (44 hours)

Computer Science Core (26 hours)

• CSCI 1010 - Computer Science Colloquium
• CSCI 1170 - Computer Science I
• CSCI 2170 - Computer Science II
• CSCI 3080 - Discrete Structures
• CSCI 3110 - Algorithms and Data Structures
• CSCI 3130 - Assembly and Computer Organization
• CSCI 3240 - Introduction to Computer Systems
• CSCI 4700 - Software Engineering

Artificial Intelligence Concentration (18 hours)

• CSCI 4350 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• CSCI 4360 - Intelligent Robot System
• CSCI 4820 - Natural Language Processing
• CSCI 4850 - Neural Networks
• Choose two:
  • CSCI 3038 - Computer Languages: Python
  • CSCI 3350 - Machine Learning
  • CSCI 4330 - Parallel Processing Concepts
  • CSCI 4410 - Web Technologies
  • CSCI 4710 - Secure Software Systems
  • CSCI 4860 - Computer Vision

Supporting Courses (33 hours)

• COMM 2200 - Audience-Centered Communication
• MATH 1910 - Calculus I
• MATH 1920 - Calculus II
• MATH 2050 - Probability and Statistics
• Math elective (3 to 4 credit hours)
• Science (8 credit hours, year-long sequence in the True Blue Core Scientific Literacy area)
• Science (4 credit hours, different prefix from year-long sequence)
• PHIL 3170 - Ethics and Computing Technology

Electives (2-16 hours)

Curriculum: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence Concentration

The following is a suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Freshman Fall

• Written Communication (3 credit hours)
• History and Civic Learning (3 credit hours)
• CSCI 1010 - Computer Science Colloquium
• CSCI 1170 - Computer Science I
• MATH 1910 - Calculus I

Freshman Spring

• Information Literacy (3 credit hours)
• History and Civic Learning (3 credit hours)
• CSCI 2170 - Computer Science II
• MATH 1920 - Calculus II

Sophomore Fall

• Creativity and Cultural Expression Literature (3 credit hours)
• Scientific Literacy (first semester/year-long sequence) (4 credit hours)
• COMM 2200 - Audience-Centered Communication
• CSCI 3080 - Discrete Structures
• CSCI 3130 - Assembly and Computer Organization

Sophomore Spring

• Human Society and Social Relationships (3 credit hours)
• Scientific Literacy (second semester/year-long sequence) (4 credit hours)
• CSCI 3110 - Algorithms and Data Structures
• CSCI 3240 - Introduction to Computer Systems

Junior Fall

• CSCI 4350 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• MATH 2050 - Probability and Statistics
• Science course (different from year-long sequence) (4 credit hours)
• Electives (6 credit hours)

Junior Spring

• CSCI 4360 - Intelligent Robot System
• CSCI 4820 - Natural Language Processing
• PHIL 3170 - Ethics and Computing Technology
• Math elective (MATH major course) (4 credit hours)
• Elective (3 credit hours)

Senior Fall

• CSCI 4850 - Neural Networks
• CSCI Artificial Intelligence elective (3 credit hours)
• Human Society and Social Relationships (3 credit hours)
• Creativity and Cultural Expression (3 credit hours)
• Elective (3 credit hours)

Senior Spring

• CSCI 4700 - Software Engineering
• CSCI Artificial Intelligence elective (3 credit hours)
• Creativity and Cultural Expression (3 credit hours)
• Elective (4 credit hours)

Faculty

• Dr. Medha Shukla Sarkar, Chair
• Dr. Rafet Al-Tobasei, Associate Professor
• Dr. Sal Barbosa, Associate Professor
• Dr. Zhijiang Dong, Professor
• Dr. Yi Gu, Associate Professor
• Dr. Devin Jean, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Cen Li, Professor
• Dr. Joshua L. Phillips, Professor
• Dr. Khem Poudel, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Jaishree Ranganathan, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Arpan Man Sainju, Internship Coordinator | Assistant Professor
• Mr. Robert W. Smith, Lecturer
• Dr. Kritagya Upadhyay, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Arthur Williams, Lecturer
• Dr. Xin Yang, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Letian Zhang, Assistant Professor