2026-2027

Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor of Science

School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems

Steve Sanghi College of Engineering

Pending Arizona Board of Regents' approval.

The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides students with a strong foundation in computing and mathematics while focusing on the design, analysis, and application of intelligent systems. The program emphasizes modern AI methods, hands-on learning, and responsible development to prepare graduates for careers and graduate study in AI-related fields.

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's general studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

     

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • 20 units of preprofessional requirements.

  • 59 units of professional requirements.

  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 216
University Honors Program Optional
Progression Plan Link Not Available

Purpose Statement

The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) prepares students to design, analyze, and deploy intelligent computational systems grounded in core computing and mathematical foundations. The program focuses on artificial intelligence methods such as machine learning, data-centric modeling, and intelligent decision-making, with attention to ethical, societal, and security considerations.

Students engage in a progression of theoretical and applied learning experiences including programming, AI algorithms, model theory, and hands-on, project-based coursework. Through laboratories, team-based projects, and a senior capstone, students develop the technical and professional skills needed to build and evaluate AI-enabled systems.

Graduates of the BS in Artificial Intelligence are prepared for diverse career pathways, including roles such as AI engineer, machine learning engineer, data scientist, software developer, and AI analyst. The program also provides strong preparation for graduate study in artificial intelligence, computer science, data science, cybersecurity, and related fields. By combining technical depth, applied learning, and ethical awareness, the program equips graduates to contribute responsibly and effectively to the development and deployment of AI technologies in industry, research, and society.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Design and implement artificial intelligence systems by applying appropriate programming techniques, data structures, and algorithms within AI contexts.
  • Develop, train, and evaluate machine learning models using real-world data, and interpret model behavior, performance, and limitations.
  • Use an understanding of the mathematical and theoretical foundations of artificial intelligence to innovate and contribute to future research and development.
  • Critically analyze artificial intelligence solutions assessing tradeoffs among accuracy, efficiency, robustness, interpretability, and scalability.
  • Integrate ethical, legal, privacy, and societal considerations into the design, evaluation, and communication of AI-enabled systems.
  • Communicate technical concepts, methods, and results related to artificial intelligence effectively in written, oral, and visual forms for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and evaluate AI solutions that address real-world problems.

Major Requirements

  • This major requires 79 units distributed as follows:

    • Preprofessional Requirements: 20 units
      • Mathematics and Analysis: 8 units
      • Psychology Foundations: 6 units
      • Applied AI Electives: 6 units
    • Professional Requirements: 59 units
      • Artificial Intelligence Coursework: 24 units
      • Computing Coursework: 14 units
      • Additional Coursework: 18 units


    Take the following 79 units:

  • Preprofessional Requirements (20 units)

    • Applied AI Electives (6 units)

      • Coursework related to applying AI tools in any field.
        • Selected in consultation with your advisor.

  • Professional Requirements (59 units)

    • Artificial Intelligence Coursework (24 units)

      • <Course Error>, <Course Error>, <Course Error> (9 units)
      • <Course Error>, <Course Error>, <Course Error>, <Course Error> (12 units)
      • CS 470 (3 units)

    • Additional Coursework (18 units)

      • EGR 333W which meets the junior-level writing requirement. (3 units)
      • <Course Error> which meets the senior capstone requirement. (3 units)
      • Select from the following (15 units):
        • <Course Error>, <Course Error>
        • AIML 499
        • <Course Error>, CS 472, CS 477
        • EE 443, <Course Error>, <Course Error>
        • Additional coursework
          • Chosen in consultation with your advisor.

       

      The following courses have additional prerequisites:

General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.

    We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.