Artificial Intelligence Focal Path

The Department of Computer Science offers an Artificial Intelligence Focal Path– a curated sequence of four courses designed for students who want to take a focused area of study in AI. More information is found on this page.

A focal path is a selection of courses that a student can take to demonstrate they have fulfilled a set of courses the department has defined for that area of focus in computing. Unlike a second major or minor, it does not appear on the transcript. Once the courses are completed, the student can apply for a Letter of Completion from the department. Courses that count for the focal path can also count for any other major or minor requirement.

Course Requirements

Category I: AI Foundations

These two (2) courses are required:

• CS 4710: Artificial Intelligence
• CS 4774: Machine Learning

Category II: AI Techniques

Students will choose one (1) course from this list:

• CS 4770: Natural Language Processing
• CS 4771: Reinforcement Learning
• CS 4501: Machine Learning in Image Analysis
• CS 4501: Autonomous Vehicles
• CS 4501: Computer Vision

Category III: AI Applications and Impacts

Students must take one (1) course that has a focus on AI and society. Options include:

• CS 4501: Law and AI
• CS 4501: Risks and Benefits of Generative AI and LLMs
• MDST 3510: AI Policy and Society

More courses may be added to Categories II and III in coming semesters.