Artificial Intelligence: Computational Structures for AI Systems Major

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the study of creating computer systems that learn from data and interactions to create systems that can reason, generate text and images, and interact in ways that resemble humans. The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence: Computational Structures for AI Systems (BSAI) is a highly technical program that trains students to build new AI systems and algorithms from the ground up, understand the training of models from both a data and systems perspective, and then use those techniques in interdisciplinary applications. The first two years of the program develop a strong technical foundation in programming and understanding the theory of statistical learning, symbolic reasoning, and optimization. The following two years focus on deploying those techniques in interdisciplinary applications enabling students to build state-of-the-art AI systems and also think critically about the effective, ethical application of AI.

The BSAI will offer specializations in:

  • Generative AI;
  • AI Algorithms;
  • Accessibility; and
  • AI, Society, and Decision Making

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Understand and apply core principles of modern and classic AI.
  2. Design and build efficient, scalable and effective algorithms and systems for real-world applications.
  3. Configure, train and deploy existing models for real-world applications.
  4. Critically assess AI tools and outputs to ensure reliability, efficiency, safety and alignment with intended goals.
  5. Apply insights from ethics and social sciences to interdisciplinary applications of AI to address societal challenges and risks of AI such as bias, transparency, fairness and accountability.
  6. Collaborate and communicate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to design AI solutions that address diverse perspectives and priorities.

Requirements: 

Course Title Credits
Core Requirements
CSAI101 (Introductory Seminar)1
MATH140Calculus I4
or MATH340 Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I (Honors)
Introduction to Programming (one of the following):3-4
CMSC141
(Programming with Purpose I: Data-Centric Computing)
Object-Oriented Programming I
Object-Oriented Programming for Information Science
MATH141Calculus II4
Preferences and Rankings (one of the following):3
CSAI220
(Measuring Preferences and Rankings)
Applied Probability and Statistics I
PHIL211AI & ETHICS3
INST204Designing Fair Systems3
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence Algorithms (one of the following):3-4
CSAI221
(Classical AI Algorithms)
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Continuation of Programming (one of the following):4
Object-Oriented Programming II
CMSC142
(Programming with Purpose II: Data Structures and Algorithms)
Sampler (one of the following):3
CSAI102
(Introduction to AI and the Law)
CSAI103
(Introduction to AI and Food)
CSAI104
(Introduction to AI and Creativity)
CMSC250Discrete Structures4
or DATA250 Discrete Mathematics
Linear Algebra (one of the following):3-4
Introduction to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra for Engineers
Introduction to Linear Algebra
Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations II (Honors)
Linear Algebra for Scientists and Engineers
CMSC351Algorithms3
Classification/Data Science (one of the following):3
Data Science Techniques
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science and Machine Learning
CSAI216 (Efficient Systems for AI Applications)4
Specialization (choose one from below)18
Total Credits66-69

Specializations:

General Specialization

Course Title Credits
Required Course:
CSAI473 (Capstone in Artificial Intelligence)3
Electives (take five of the following):15
Introduction to Machine Learning
Game Programming
Computer Vision
Computer Graphics
Algorithms for Data Science
Introduction to Natural Language Processing
Introduction to Computational Game Theory
Robotics Perception and Planning
Selected Topics in Computer Science (CMSC498E Robotics)
Selected Topics in Computer Science (CMSC498Y Statistical Inference and Machine Learning Methods for Genomics Data)
CSAI427
(Reinforcement Learning)
CSAI461
(Multiagent Systems)
Special Topics in Immersive Media (IMDM498E Creative Experiments with AI)
Emerging Technologies and Risk Management
INST436
(User Modeling and Personalization)
Human and Animal Intelligence
Total Credits18

Generative AI Specialization

Course Title Credits
Required Courses:
CSAI370 (Multilingual Text Processing and Evaluation)3
LING200Introductory Linguistics3
LING240Language and Mind3
CSAI424 (Multimodal Generation)3
Electives (take two of the following):6
Computer Vision
Computer Graphics
Introduction to Natural Language Processing
Introduction to Computational Game Theory
CSAI432
(AI and Human Creativity)
CSAI473
(Capstone in Artificial Intelligence)
Syntax I
Phonetics
Phonology I
Phonology II
Grammar and Meaning
Child Language Acquisition
Total Credits18

AI, Society, and Decision Making Specialization

Course Title Credits
Required Courses:
CMSC401Algorithms for Geospatial Computing3
CSAI460 (AI and the Life of Great Cities)3
GEOG398Special Topics in Geography (GEOG398E Introduction to Spatial Artificial Intelligence)3
INST366Privacy, Security and Ethics for Big Data3
Electives (take two of the following):6
Introduction to Computational Game Theory
CSAI433
(Trust, Design, and AI)
CSAI435
(Are Robots Taking our Jobs?)
CSAI473
(Capstone in Artificial Intelligence)
CSAI491
(AI Clinic)
Public Leaders and Active Citizens
Innovation and Social Change: Creating Change for Good
Ethical, Policy and Social Implications of Science and Technology
Introduction to Sociology
Social Aspects of Artificial Intelligence
Social Dimensions of Privacy and Surveillance
Smart Machines and Human Prospects
Digital Technology and Society
Gender, Race and Computing
Total Credits18

AI Algorithms Specialization

Course Title Credits
Required Courses:
CMSC422Introduction to Machine Learning3
CMSC472Introduction to Deep Learning3
CSAI427 (Reinforcement Learning)3
CSAI461 (Multiagent Systems)3
Electives (take two of the following):
Algorithms for Geospatial Computing
Computer Vision
Algorithms for Data Science
Introduction to Natural Language Processing
Introduction to Computational Game Theory
Robotics Perception and Planning
CSAI424
(Multimodal Generation)
Total Credits12

Accessibility Specialization

Course Title Credits
Required Courses:
CMSC434Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction3
INST401Design and Human Disability and Aging3
WGSS105Introduction to Disability Studies3
Electives (take three of the following):9
(Dis)ability in American Film
Introduction to Data Visualization
Programming Handheld Systems
Introduction to Natural Language Processing
CSAI431
(AI and UX)
User-Centered Design
Designing Patient-Centered Technologies
Total Credits18

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