Applied AI & Data Science

Build intelligent systems. Solve complex problems.

Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest-growing fields in today’s economy. The Applied AI & Data Science major at Adrian College prepares students to design, build, and deploy intelligent systems using real data and modern machine-learning techniques.

This highly technical program emphasizes hands-on learning, ethical implementation, and practical problem-solving across industries.

Program Overview

The Applied AI & Data Science, B.A. is designed for students with an interest in programming, analytics, and computational problem-solving. The curriculum integrates computer science, data science, and artificial intelligence into a cohesive program focused on applied skills. Rather than emphasizing theory alone, students learn by building models, training systems, and evaluating outcomes in real-world contexts.

What You’ll Learn

Students in this major will learn to:

• Design and implement machine-learning models
• Analyze and visualize complex data sets
• Build and evaluate AI systems responsibly
• Apply predictive and prescriptive modeling techniques
• Communicate technical results to both technical and non-technical audiences

Curriculum Highlights

Essential Liberal Arts Skills (35 credit hours):

• CCC100 Introduction to College Writing (3)
• CCC102 Public Speaking (3)
• MATH101 Intermediate Algebra (4)
• Scientific Inquiry (4)
• Experiential Learning (3)
• Writing in the Discipline (3)
• GCON110 Great Conversation: The Meaning of Life (3)
• GCON120 Great Conversation: Western Civilization (3)
• GCON130 Great Conversation: Eastern Civilization (3)
• GCON140 Great Conversation: Art (3)
• GCON150 Great Conversation: What it Means to Be a U.S. Citizen (3)

Technical Core (30 credit hours):

• CS101 Introduction to Computer Science (3)
• CS103 Programming for Everyone I (3)
• CS104 Programming for Everyone II (3)
• CS242 Data Structures (3)
• CS341 Algorithms Analysis and Design (3)
• CS473 Artificial Intelligence (3)
• CS474 Artificial Neural Networks (3)
• CS476 Machine Learning (3)
• CS477 Clustering and Classification (3)
• CS479 Capstone: Data Analytics Practicum (3)

Data Science Core (15 credit hours):

• CS271 Foundations of Data Analytics I (3)
• CS272 Foundations of Data Analytics II (3)
• CS373 Data Science I (3)
• CS374 Data Science II (3)
• CS471 AI and Machine Learning (3)

Applied AI Core (12 credit hours):

• AIL101 Introduction to Generative AI (3)
• AIL290 Career Navigation and Exploration in Applied AI (3)
• AIL300 Predictive Modeling in AI (3)
• AIL301 Prescriptive AI (3)

Applied AI Cognates (7 credit hours):

• MATH135 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (4) *
• MATH204 Elementary Statistics (3) *

Note: MATH135 and MATH204 have MATH115 as a prerequisite that may be required.

Professional and Ethical Issues in Business (6 credit hours):

• BUS346 Social, Political & Ethical Issues in Business (3)
• BUS242 Business & Professional Communication (3)

Elective Courses (15 credit hours):

In CS 300 or CS 400-level courses

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

• AI or Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Scientist
• AI Product Manager
• Software Engineer (AI systems)

This major also provides a strong foundation for students pursuing graduate study in artificial intelligence, computer science, or data science. Is This Major Right for You?

This program is ideal for students who:

• Enjoy programming, data, and analytical thinking
• Want to build and test intelligent systems
• Are curious about how AI works under the hood
• Prefer hands-on, project-based learning

Hybrid Learning Options

Some courses in this program are taken online & powered by Rize. The core curriculum will be taken on-campus, giving students the best student life with the flexibility of some online learning.