2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Major in Artificial Intelligence
Degree Requirements
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Major at Grand Valley State University is an applied, industry-focused program designed to equip students with practical, hands-on experience and technical expertise, preparing them for high-impact roles in AI-driven sectors. All Artificial Intelligence majors must complete the BS Core Courses (33-37 credits), choose an Emphasis (Emphasis A: 44 credits or Emphasis B: 36-37 credits), and one Elective Track (12 credits).
Artificial Intelligence Majors must complete the following courses. All requirements (sections I, II, III, IV below) must be completed with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
I. BS Core Courses (33-37 credits)
- Computing Courses (14-17 credits)
- AI 201 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- AI 411 - AI Ethics and Bias (3 credits)
- AI 495 - Artificial Intelligence Senior Project (3 credits)
- CIS 290 - Professional Responsibilities and Practices (3 credits)
- CIS 490 - Internship (2 to 5 credits)
- Non-computing Courses (19-20 credits)
- COM 201 - Speech (3 credits)(GE-SBS)
- MTH 124 - Precalculus: Functions and Models (5 credits) OR MTH 201 - Calculus I (4 credits) (GE-MTH)
- MTH 204 - Linear Algebra I (3 credits)
- PHI 102 - Ethics (3 credits) OR PHI 204 - Knowledge, Politics, and Social Media (3 credits)(GE-PL)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits) OR STA 312 - Probability and Statistics (3 credits)
- WRT 350 - Business Communication (3 credits)
II. Required Emphasis: AI majors must choose one emphasis (A or B) below to complete:
A. AI Systems Emphasis (44 credits)
The AI Systems emphasis focuses on programming, algorithms, systems, and advanced AI methods. This prepares students for careers or graduate study in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and software engineering. All students seeking this emphasis complete the following courses:
- Required Computing Courses (38 credits)
- AI 421 - Applied Computer Vision (3 credits)
- AI 431 - Natural Language Processing (3 credits)
- AI 441 - Edge AI (3 credits)
- CIS 162 - Computer Science I (4 credits)
- CIS 163 - Computer Science II (4 credits)
- CIS 241 - System-level Programming and Utilities (3 credits)
- CIS 263 - Data Structures and Algorithms (3 credits)
- CIS 335 - Data Mining (3 credits)
- CIS 350 - Introduction to Software Engineering (3 credits)
- CIS 352 - Operating System Essentials (3 credits)
- CIS 378 - Applied Machine Learning (3 credits)
- CIS 457 - Data Communications (3 credits)
- Required Non-computing Courses (6 credits)
B. Human-Centered Applied AI Emphasis (36-37 credits)
The Human-Centered Applied AI emphasis focuses on the responsible application of AI, human-AI interaction, ethics, visualization, and domain-focused use of AI. This emphasis is designed for students pursuing AI-related roles in healthcare, sustainability, business, policy, education, and other interdisciplinary fields. All students seeking this emphasis complete the following courses:
- Required Computing Courses (36-37 credits)
- AI 102 - Artificial Intelligence and the Environment (3 credits)
- AI 402 - Generative Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- AI 488 - Introduction to AI and Healthcare (3 credits)
- CIS 160 - Learn to Code in Python (3 credits) OR CIS 162 - Computer Science I (4 credits)
- CIS 298 - Applied Computing Studio 1 (3 credits)
- CIS 398 - Applied Computing Studio 2 (3 credits)
- CIS 320 - Visualization of Data and Information (3 credits)
- CIS 331 - Data Analysis Tools and Techniques (3 credits) OR CIS 335 - Data Mining (3 credits)
- CIS 360 - Information Management and Science (3 credits)
- CYB 420 - Trustworthy AI (3 credits)
- HCC 201 - Introduction to Human Centered Computing (3 credits)
- HCC 431 - Human AI Interaction (3 credits)
III. BS Elective Courses (12 credits)
AI majors must choose one of the following elective tracks (A-F) (12 credits):
- A. AI Deployment and Operations Track
The Artificial Intelligence Deployment and Operations track prepares students to build, deploy, and maintain AI systems with a focus on machine learning operations, generative AI, and reinforcement learning. Students gain essential skills in AI software development, testing, and architecture, preparing them for roles as AI engineers, machine learning operations engineers, and AI software developers.
Required
Choose 9 credits of the following:
(If one of these courses was selected in the requirements above, it cannot be counted again in this track)
- AI 402 - Generative Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- AI 451 - Reinforcement Learning (3 credits)
- CIS 163 - Computer Science II (4 credits)
- CIS 350 - Introduction to Software Engineering (3 credits)
- CIS 360 - Information Management and Science (3 credits)
- CIS 418 - Secure Software Engineering (3 credits)
- SE 413 - Software Testing (3 credits)
- SE 422 - Software Architecture and Design (3 credits)
- SE 430 - Software Construction and Delivery (3 credits)
Total 12 credits.
- B. AI and Cybersecurity Track
The Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence track equips students to design, develop, and secure AI systems by integrating core principles of AI trust, security, and ethical hacking. Students gain specialized knowledge in AI security, software assurance, and trustworthy AI, preparing them for roles as AI security analysts, cybersecurity engineers, and ethical hackers in sectors where AI-driven systems must be robust, secure, and ethically sound.
Required
Choose 9 credits of the following:
(If one of these courses was selected in the requirements above, it cannot be counted again in this track)
- CIS 337 - Network Systems Management (3 credits)
- CIS 258 - Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 credits)
- CIS 418 - Secure Software Engineering (3 credits)
- CIS 458 - System Security (3 credits)
- CYB 420 - Trustworthy AI (3 credits)
- CYB 453 - Ethical Hacking (3 credits)
Total 12 credits.
- C. Edge and Cloud AI Track
The Edge and Cloud Artificial Intelligence track prepares students to develop, deploy, and manage AI systems on edge devices and cloud platforms. Students gain skills in hardware-software integration, pervasive computing, and machine learning operations, enabling them to excel as cloud AI engineers, edge AI developers, and system security specialists in industries requiring scalable, low-latency AI solutions.
Required
Choose 6 credits of the following:
- CIS 337 - Network Systems Management (3 credits)
- AI 445 - Machine Learning Operations (3 credits)
- CIS 458 - System Security (3 credits)
- SE 431 - Software Virtualization (3 credits)
Total 12 credits.
- D. AI and Business Track
Required:
(If one of these courses was selected in the core above, it cannot be counted again in this AI and Business track)
Choose 9 credits from the following:
- ACC 201 - Accounting for Non-Business Majors 1 (1.5 credits), ACC 202 - Accounting for Non-Business Majors 2 (1.5 credits)
- FIN 300 - Fundamentals of Finance for Non-Business Majors (3 credits)
- MGT 300 - Fundamentals of Management for Non-Business Majors (3 credits)
- MKT 300 - Fundamentals of Marketing for Nonbusiness Majors (3 credits)
Total 12 credits.
- E. AI and Healthcare Track
Required:
Choose 9 credits from the following:
- AHS 310 - Equity in Health Care (3 credits)
- AHS 321 - Ethical and Legal Responsibilities in Health Care (3 credits)
- AHS 330 - Health Care: A Global Perspective (3 credits)
- AHS 340 - Health Care Management (3 credits)
- AHS 352 - Introduction to Holistic Health Care (3 credits)
Total 12 credits.
- F. AI Design Track
A total of twelve credit hours selected by the student from the following list to customize a specialization track that aligns with and complements the student's program goals; selections must be approved by the student's advisor:
Choose 12 credits from the following:
- AI 489 - Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging Informatics (3 credits)
- HCC 304 - Usability Design and Evaluation (3 credits)
- HCC 311 - User Interaction and Accessibility (3 credits)
- HCC 403 - User Experience Design (3 credits)
- HCC 452 - AR/VR Design and Research (3 credits)
- Other courses may be taken with academic advisor approval and must be supported by appropriate academic justification, and alignment with the student's career goals (e.g., pairing AI with another disciplinary area such as AI + X).
Total 12 credits.
IV. University Degree Requirements
- AI majors must also complete the general university degree requirements as identified in the General Academic Regulations section of the catalog. The university B.S. requirements are met through:
Suggested Order of Coursework - AI Systems Emphasis
This suggested order of coursework assumes that students will seek the help of their advisor to complete the courses in a timely manner. The following course sequence also assumes a strong mathematics background for the entering student. If mathematics deficiencies exist, completing the mathematics prerequisites should be the student's top priority.
Year One
- CIS 162 - Computer Science I (4 credits)
- CIS 163 - Computer Science II (4 credits)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits) OR STA 312 - Probability and Statistics (3 credits)
- COM 201 - Speech (3 credits)
- MTH 225 - Discrete Structures: Computer Science (3 credits)
- MTH 124 - Precalculus: Functions and Models (5 credits) OR MTH 201 - Calculus I (4 credits)
- AI 201 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- Appropriate general education coursework
Year Two
- MTH 204 - Linear Algebra I (3 credits)
- MTH 205 - Linear Algebra II (3 credits)
- CIS 241 - System-level Programming and Utilities (3 credits)
- CIS 290 - Professional Responsibilities and Practices (3 credits)
- CIS 263 - Data Structures and Algorithms (3 credits)
- CIS 350 - Introduction to Software Engineering (3 credits)
- AI 411 - AI Ethics and Bias (3 credits)
- PHI 102 - Ethics (3 credits) OR PHI 204 - Knowledge, Politics, and Social Media (3 credits) (GE-PL)
Year Three
- CIS 378 - Applied Machine Learning (3 credits)
- CIS 335 - Data Mining (3 credits)
- CIS 457 - Data Communications (3 credits)
- CIS 352 - Operating System Essentials (3 credits)
- AI 421 - Applied Computer Vision (3 credits)
- AI Major Track Course(s)
- Appropriate general education coursework
- Appropriate general education coursework
Year Four
- AI 441 - Edge AI (3 credits)
- AI 495 - Artificial Intelligence Senior Project (3 credits)
- CIS 490 - Internship (2 to 5 credits)
- AI 431 - Natural Language Processing (3 credits)
- AI Major Track Course(s)
- Appropriate general education coursework
Suggested Order of Coursework - Human-Centered Applied AI Emphasis
This suggested order of coursework assumes that students will seek the help of their advisor to complete the courses in a timely manner. The following course sequence also assumes a strong mathematics background for the entering student. If mathematics deficiencies exist, completing the mathematics prerequisites should be the student's top priority.
Year One
- AI 201 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- CIS 160 - Learn to Code in Python (3 credits) OR CIS 162 - Computer Science I (4 credits)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits)
- COM 201 - Speech (3 credits)
- MTH 124 - Precalculus: Functions and Models (5 credits) OR MTH 201 - Calculus I (4 credits)
- AI 201 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- HCC 201 - Introduction to Human Centered Computing (3 credits)
- Appropriate general education coursework
Year Two
- MTH 204 - Linear Algebra I (3 credits)
- AI 402 - Generative Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- CIS 298 - Applied Computing Studio 1 (3 credits)
- CIS 290 - Professional Responsibilities and Practices (3 credits)
- CIS 320 - Visualization of Data and Information (3 credits)
- PHI 102 - Ethics (3 credits) OR PHI 204 - Knowledge, Politics, and Social Media (3 credits) (GE-PL)
- WRT 350 - Business Communication (3 credits)
- Appropriate general education coursework
Year Three
- CIS 398 - Applied Computing Studio 2 (3 credits)
- CIS 331 - Data Analysis Tools and Techniques (3 credits) OR CIS 335 - Data Mining (3 credits)
- CIS 360 - Information Management and Science (3 credits)
- AI 411 - AI Ethics and Bias (3 credits)
- CYB 420 - Trustworthy AI (3 credits)
- AI Major Track Course(s)
- Appropriate general education coursework
Year Four
- HCC 431 - Human AI Interaction (3 credits)
- AI 488 - Introduction to AI and Healthcare (3 credits)
- AI 495 - Artificial Intelligence Senior Project (3 credits)
- CIS 490 - Internship (2 to 5 credits)
- AI Major Track Course(s)
- Appropriate general education coursework
Second BS Degree in AI (minimum of 30 credits)
The Second Bachelor's Degree in Artificial Intelligence is a post-baccalaureate pathway designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to reskill or transition into AI-related fields, building on their prior academic experience to enter or advance in the field of AI.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform every sector, from healthcare and business to education and beyond, there is a growing need for professionals who can apply AI effectively within their domains. Working professionals and career changers will find this program a flexible pathway to reskill and remain competitive in an AI-driven workforce. The curriculum is intentionally interdisciplinary, reflecting the expanding role of AI across diverse fields and real-world contexts, and preparing graduates to leverage AI as a tool for innovation, decision-making, and societal impact.
The Second Bachelor's Degree in AI recognizes the knowledge and skills acquired in the first degree, allowing students to leverage existing foundations while focusing on an AI-specific emphasis in AI Systems or Human-Centered Applied AI. In accordance with GVSU's Credit for Prior Learning policy, students may request an evaluation of prior academic, professional, or experiential learning for potential credit. All requests are reviewed individually, and credit is granted only when prior learning demonstrates clear and direct equivalence to the intended course outcomes.
Admissions Requirements
- Acceptance into Grand Valley State University as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.
- The applicant's first bachelor's degree must be earned and officially verified by the university.
- Overall GPA: Applicants must earn a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 for admission consideration. This overall GPA includes grades in all college-level courses (graduate and undergraduate).
The Second Bachelor's Degree in AI majors must complete one Emphasis area with a minimum of 30 semester hours (assuming all prerequisites as listed are satisfied through prior learning) as follows:
Second BS Degree in AI Based on the AI Systems Emphasis
Prerequisites Courses (32-37 credits)
The following courses are satisfied either through prior learning, such as coursework completed in the student's first bachelor's degree, or by completing the required prerequisite courses before enrolling in advanced courses.
- CIS 162 - Computer Science I (4 credits)
- CIS 163 - Computer Science II (4 credits)
- CIS 241 - System-level Programming and Utilities (3 credits)
- CIS 263 - Data Structures and Algorithms (3 credits)
- CIS 290 - Professional Responsibilities and Practices (3 credits)
- CIS 350 - Introduction to Software Engineering (3 credits)
- CIS 490 - Internship (2 to 5 credits)
- Students are expected to complete an internship or demonstrate equivalent experiential learning, unless waived based on prior professional experience.
- COM 201 - Speech (3 credits)
- MTH 110 - Algebra (4 credits) OR MTH 108 - Algebra - Stretch I (3 credits) AND MTH 109 - Algebra - Stretch II (3 credits)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits) or STA 312 - Probability and Statistics (3 credits)
Required Computing Courses (30 credits)
- AI 201 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- AI 411 - AI Ethics and Bias (3 credits)
- AI 421 - Applied Computer Vision (3 credits)
- AI 431 - Natural Language Processing (3 credits)
- AI 441 - Edge AI (3 credits)
- AI 495 - Artificial Intelligence Senior Project (3 credits)
- CIS 335 - Data Mining (3 credits)
- CIS 352 - Operating System Essentials (3 credits)
- CIS 378 - Applied Machine Learning (3 credits)
- CIS 457 - Data Communications (3 credits)
Second BS Degree in AI Based on the Human-Centered Applied AI Emphasis
Prerequisites Courses (30-36 credits)
The following courses are satisfied either through prior learning, such as coursework completed in the student's first bachelor's degree, or by completing the required prerequisite courses before enrolling in advanced courses.
- CIS 160 - Learn to Code in Python (3 credits) OR CIS 162 - Computer Science I (4 credits)
- CIS 290 - Professional Responsibilities and Practices (3 credits)
- CIS 320 - Visualization of Data and Information (3 credits)
- CIS 331 - Data Analysis Tools and Techniques (3 credits) OR CIS 335 - Data Mining (3 credits)
- CIS 298 - Applied Computing Studio 1 (3 credits)
- CIS 398 - Applied Computing Studio 2 (3 credits)
- CIS 490 - Internship (2 to 5 credits)
- Students are expected to complete an internship or demonstrate equivalent experiential learning, unless waived based on prior professional experience.
- COM 201 - Speech (3 credits)
- MTH 110 - Algebra (4 credits) OR MTH 108 - Algebra - Stretch I (3 credits) AND MTH 109 - Algebra - Stretch II (3 credits)
- STA 215 - Introductory Applied Statistics (3 credits) OR STA 312 - Probability and Statistics (3 credits)
Required Computing Courses (30 credits)
- AI 102 - Artificial Intelligence and the Environment (3 credits)
- AI 201 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- AI 402 - Generative Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
- AI 411 - AI Ethics and Bias (3 credits)
- AI 488 - Introduction to AI and Healthcare (3 credits)
- AI 495 - Artificial Intelligence Senior Project (3 credits)
- CIS 360 - Information Management and Science (3 credits)
- CYB 420 - Trustworthy AI (3 credits)
- HCC 201 - Introduction to Human Centered Computing (3 credits)
- HCC 431 - Human AI Interaction (3 credits)