AI Programs & Courses in the Curriculum
VCU offers a variety of courses designed to equip you with the skills needed to excel in the AI-driven world. From foundational courses to advanced specializations, our offerings provide hands-on learning opportunities that prepare you for real-world applications of AI. Explore the possibilities and take the first step towards a future in AI.
Integrating AI into the Curriculum
AI for
Specialists
Practical AI for all students
Introductory AI in General Education
- Artificial Intelligence minor (Target: Engineering students)
- Data Science minor (Target: Computer Science and Math/Statistics students)
- MS, Data Science
- BA, BS, MS, Ph.D., Computer Science
- Mixed and Immersive Reality Studies minor
- Practical Al minor
- Ethics and Philosophy of Al microcreditional (in development)
- Master of Interdisciplinary Studies, Practical Artificial Intelligence focus (in development)
- ENGR 125 Practical Artificial Intelligence (Engineering)
- PHIL 202 Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (Philosophy)
- CMSC 225 Essentials of Artificial Intelligence (Computer Science)
Our ever-expanding selection ensures you'll find the perfect opportunity to explore and expand your knowledge of AI. Take the first step towards a future enriched with cutting-edge knowledge and skills—dive into our AI offerings today.
Explore AI in Courses here at VCU
Introductory AI in General Education
Explore a variety of courses and programs to advance your knowledge in Artificial Intelligence. These courses are available to any student interested in learning about AI, with no prerequisites required.
ENGR 125. Practical Artificial Intelligence
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
An introduction to the world of artificial intelligence through a nontechnical lens, focusing on its applications in various sectors such as medicine, gaming, business, art, literature and smart engineering systems.
PHIL 202. Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits.
An exploration of the nature of artificial intelligence and the ethical questions raised by its use and creation.
CMSC 225. Essentials of Artificial Intelligence
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online). 3 credits.
An introduction and comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence, including its history, how it works, a survey of algorithms that underlie the technology and current and future uses of AI.
Practical AI for Students
Practical AI courses equip students with hands-on experience and real-world applications of artificial intelligence, preparing them for careers in the rapidly evolving tech industry. Below is a sample of the courses offered in this minor. Learn more about the Practical AI minor
IDST 370. Practical AI Synthesis.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students in the practical AI minor.
The course is designed to help students in the practical AI minor evaluate and synthesize distinct conceptual, methodological and disciplinary approaches to artificial intelligence.
HUMS 392. Topics in Practical AI.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online or face-to-face). 3 credits.
Specialized topics on the use, effects and ethics of artificial intelligence on communication, the environment, human behavior, politics and/or science.
BUSN 320. AI in Business.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
This course explores the applications of artificial intelligence in business operations. Students will gain a non-technical understanding of AI and machine learning techniques, with a particular focus on generative AI.
AI for Specialists
Specialist targeted AI courses equip engineering students with hands-on experience and real-world applications of artificial intelligence, preparing them for careers in the rapidly evolving tech industry. Below is a sample of the courses offered in this minor. Learn more about the AI minor for Specialists
CMSC 436. Artificial Intelligence.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Covers problem spaces, problem-solving methods, game playing, knowledge representatives, expert systems, natural language understanding.
CMSC 235. Computing and Data Ethics.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits.
Introduction to ethical considerations for computing and working with data, legal implications surrounding data and computational systems, and sociotechnical responsibilities.
CMSC 438. Machine Learning.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits.
Enrollment is restricted to majors in the computer science program. The course will assume undergraduate-level background in algorithms, linear algebra, calculus, statistics and probability.
Learn how AI is being taught at VCU
ENGINEERING
Erdem Topsakal, Nibir Dhar, and Sherif Abdelwahed introduce their new course, Practical Artificial Intelligence (ENGR 125), offered to all students.
Learn more about VCU’s College of Engineering.
AI FUTURES LAB
Jennifer Rhee introduces the AI Futures Lab; an interdisciplinary hub dedicated to understanding power relations that organize AI systems and imagining ethical AI practices and Futures.
Learn more about VCU’s AI Futures Lab.