AI in CS
AI didn't replace computer science — it runs on computer science. Someone has to build the models, secure the networks, design the hardware, and make sense of the data behind every "smart" tool you use. Software, hardware, networks, data science, AI itself — these are all branches of the same tree, and they all need people who understand how computers actually work.
We believe that a successful computer science major should be able to understand core computer science concepts and problem solving approaches, but should also have experience using modern programming tools. AI is one such tool.
AI is Part of Many Courses
AI isn't something we ignore — it's part of how we teach. From your very first course, CS151, you'll get a taste of AI-guided coding labs while building your programming fundamentals. By your senior year in CS482 Software Engineering, you'll be trained to use agentic AI coding tools to build real software — the same way professional teams do today. Throughout your degree, you master coding on your own, then learn to work with powerful tools to become faster, sharper, and more capable — not replaceable.
Level 1: Build the Foundation
Focus on human logic, problem solving, and core programming fundamentals. At this level students establish strong coding ability, which is crucial to be able to solve more advanced problems with or without AI.
Level 2: Intelligent Assistance
Utilize AI tools for syntax suggestions, bug fixing, and faster completion. At this level students practice smarter coding, leaning on the foundations they have already developed.
Level 3: System Integration
Integrate powerful AI components into larger software projects, speeding up development of complex systems. In the 400-level courses students learn how to understand complex code and use AI to integrate systems.
Level 4: Agentic AI Control
By senior year, students are ready to architect, manage, and build like a professional using Agentic AI systems and leaning on their solid computer science core they've developed over the prior 3 years of CS education.
Beyond AI: Explore Every Corner of Computing
AI is just one piece of the puzzle. Our electives let you specialize in the areas that excite you most — Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing, Game Development, Web & App Development, and Data Science, to name a few. Whatever direction technology takes next, you'll have the foundation to go there. Many of these courses incorporate AI, or help you understand how AI works, but there is so much more in computing than AI. Some examples of electives include:
- Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Quantum Computing
- Game Development
- Data Science