Earn a Second Bachelor's Degree in Artificial Intelligence at GVSU
Build AI Skills. Transform Your Career.
Why Earn a Second Bachelor Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
70% growth in U.S. job postings requiring AI skills in just one year.
800% growth in generative AI skill demand across non-technical occupations since 2022
AI-related skills are the fastest-growing workforce competencies globally through 2030
AI skills can boost job opportunities and lead to salaries exceeding $130,000.
Why Choose GVSU?
Complete the program in as few as 30 credits
Fully online or in-person options
Designed for career changers and working professionals
Choose a Human-Centered AI or Technical AI pathway
Artificial Intelligence is transforming every industry from healthcare and business to education, manufacturing, government, and the creative economy. Organizations are looking for professionals who can understand, apply, and lead AI-driven innovation.
The Second Bachelor's Degree in Artificial Intelligence at Grand Valley State University is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and want to quickly gain practical, career-focused AI expertise. Whether you are advancing in your current field or pursuing a new career path, this flexible program provides the technical, ethical, and practical skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered world.
Program Overview
Students should select one out of two AI pathways.
Human-Centered Applied AI
Best for students who want to use AI to solve real-world problems involving people, organizations, and society.
AI Systems
Best for students seeking deeper technical preparation in AI development and deployment.
Human-Centered Applied AI (30-33 credits)
● Generative AI
● Human-AI Interaction
● Trustworthy AI
● AI Ethics and Bias
● AI in Healthcare
● Responsible AI Design
● Business
● Healthcare
● Education
● Psychology
● Communications
● Social Sciences
● Design
Students complete 30-33 credits of required coursework:
- AI 102: AI Climate and Environment
- AI 201: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- AI 402: Generative Artificial Intelligence
- AI 411: AI Ethics and Bias
- AI 488: Introduction to AI and Healthcare
- AI 495: Artificial Intelligence Senior Project
- CIS 360: Information Management and Science
- CYB 420: Trustworthy AI
- HCC 201: Introduction to Human-Centered Computing
- HCC 431: Human AI Interaction
Depending on the student’s background, additional coursework may be required, such as
- CIS 160: Learn to Code in Python.
AI Systems (30-47 credits)
● Machine Learning
● Computer Vision
● Natural Language Processing
● Edge AI
● Data Mining
● Operating Systems
● Data Communications
● Computer Science
● Engineering
● Mathematics
● Data Science
● Information Technology
Students complete 30 credits of required coursework:
- AI 201: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- AI 411: AI Ethics and Bias
- AI 421: Applied Computer Vision
- AI 431: Natural Language Processing
- AI 441: Edge AI
- AI 495: Artificial Intelligence Senior Project
- CIS 335: Data Mining
- CIS 352: Operating System Essentials
- CIS 378: Applied Machine Learning
- CIS 457: Data Communications
Additional prerequisite coursework may be required based on the student’s prior degree and experience. These courses may include:
- CIS 163: Computer Science II
- CIS 241: System-level Programming and Utilities
- CIS 263: Data Structures and Algorithms
- CIS 350: Introduction to Software Engineering.
Students without prior programming experience may also need
- CIS 162: Computer Science I.
Ready to Get Started?
5
Start Building
Begin building the skills needed for the AI-driven workforce.
What You Need to Know
This program is ideal for professionals from any discipline who want to combine existing expertise with AI knowledge to create impact in their field (e.g. Business, Health, Education, Marketing, Engineering, Humanities and beyond).
● 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).
● At Grand Valley State University (GVSU), students who already hold a bachelor's degree are automatically considered to have fulfilled all GVSU’s general education requirements.
● Grand Valley State University (GVSU) requires you to earn a minimum of 30 credits at GVSU to be awarded a second bachelor’s degree. Your last 30 semester hours of coursework must be taken directly at GVSU.
Learn AI by Doing AI
Students work on real projects and applied AI challenges through GVSU's innovative experiential learning model.
Industry-Informed Curriculum
Our AI curriculum was developed with input from nearly 160 industry professionals, alumni, students, and more than 80 employer partners.
Human-Centered Approach
We teach students not only how to build AI systems, but how to deploy them responsibly, ethically, and effectively.
Flexible Learning
Study online or on campus while balancing work and family commitments.
Your completion timeline depends on your previous degree and coursework.
Many students can complete the program in:
Enrollment Estimated Completion
Full-time: 8-12 months (2-3 semesters)
Part-time: 16-24 months (4-6 semesters)
An advisor will create a personalized degree plan after reviewing your transcripts.
Because you already hold a bachelor's degree:
● All General Education requirements are satisfied.
● Previous coursework may be applied toward prerequisites following this mapping.
● Professional experience will help inform course planning.
● Advisors will evaluate your transcript individually.
This means you focus mainly on AI; not repeating courses you have already completed.
Graduates pursue careers such as:
● AI Specialist
● AI Product Manager
● Machine Learning Engineer
● AI Business Analyst
● Data Analyst
● AI Solutions Consultant
● Human-Centered AI Designer
● Healthcare AI Specialist
● AI Project Manager
1. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed by you and/or your parents or spouse. You should fill out the FAFSA completely and accurately. Do not leave blank spaces. Indicate zeros in situations that do not apply. The FAFSA is the only form you need to use to apply for need-based financial aid and loans. For maximum consideration for need-based aid, applicants should file the FAFSA by March 1. The Grand Valley FAFSA code is 002268. For more information about financial aid,
2. To be considered for non-need, merit-based academic scholarships, you must have your admission application completed by March 1st. Your admission file must be complete including all official transcripts and test scores.
3. Grand Valley’s Financial Aid Office may request additional information if, upon reviewing data you have presented, we believe that further clarification of your financial situation is needed. Such information may include submission of the applicant’s or parents’ IRS 1040 forms.
4. General eligibility requirements for federal aid require a valid Social Security number. To assist with your financial aid, please complete this field on the application. 5. All students applying for federal student financial aid should provide a final high school transcript to the Admissions Office.
Students are encouraged to apply early. Submit all required materials at least 30 days before classes begin.
Spring/Summer
- Scholarship consideration deadline: March 1
- General admission: At least 30 days before classes begin
Fall
- Scholarship consideration deadline: July 1
- General admission: At least 30 days before classes begin
Winter
- Scholarship consideration deadline: November 1
- General admission: At least 30 days before classes begin
GVSU is one of the most affordable colleges in Michigan. All needed information can be found in the following link. https://www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/tuition-fees-26-27-268.htm
Do I need a computing background?
No. The Human-Centered Applied AI pathway is specifically designed for students from non-computing disciplines.
Can I complete the program online?
Yes. Students may complete the degree online.
Will my previous bachelor's degree count?
Yes. Your prior degree satisfies most general education requirements and may satisfy additional prerequisites.
How many credits will I need?
Most students complete between 30 and 47 credits depending on their academic background and chosen emphasis.
Can I continue to graduate school afterward?
Yes. The program provides strong preparation for graduate study in AI, computing, data science, and related disciplines.
How can this degree build on my existing expertise?
A few examples are described in the following:
Business Professionals
Learn how to leverage AI to improve decision-making, operations, customer engagement, and innovation.
Healthcare Professionals
Apply AI to healthcare analytics, patient care, medical technologies, and health systems.
Educators
Understand how AI is transforming learning, assessment, and workforce preparation.
Engineers and STEM Graduates
Expand your technical skills into machine learning, computer vision, and intelligent systems.
Career Changers
Transition into one of the fastest-growing technology fields without starting over.