This cutting-edge program is designed to responsibly usher CUW students into a world that is rapidly utilizing AI technology in many career fields. Applied AI graduates will be prepared to ethically utilize AI tools in today’s society.
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence is a new program coming to CUW this fall. As a highly sought after field, with many different paths, Applied AI is a wonderful addition to Concordia’s academic pool. This major is designed to prepare students to lead in one of the fastest growing career paths today using technical skills, ethical reflection, and real-world problem solving skills.
Reshaping the job industry
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, AI in not a new development, however, public interest has increased substantially since the release of the large language model ChatGPT (November 2022) and continues to grow—percentage varies on job. For example, a data scientist is projected to grow 36 percent from 2023 to 2033.
From machine learning and natural language processing to generative AI tools that create images, video, and sound, the sky really is the limit for this career path. Most importantly, however, is what makes CUW’s undergrad degree unique.
“As Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape our world, students trained in Applied AI are uniquely equipped to lead with both technical skill and moral clarity,” acknowledges Dr. Michael Litman, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science. “As Jeff Goldblum said in the movie ‘Jurassic Park,’ ‘Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should’—a degree in Applied AI from CUW equips you to ethically innovate in immerging fields like Machine Learning, Robotics, and Large Language Models (LLMs). “
So what does a Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence—grounded in the University’s Christ-centered mission—look like?
Key program components
Dr. Joshua Locklair, associate professor of computer science, currently teaches all of the undergrad AI classes in the computer science curriculum. The Applied AI major will include the computer science curriculum, at least one new computer science class, and required philosophy courses as well—which Locklair is very excited about.
“Everybody talks about [AI]—everybody kind of thinks of it as this magic button that gives you the answers to all of your questions automatically—and it really isn’t,” explains Locklair. “There’s a lot of work that has to go into creating these systems and understanding how to use the systems effectively.” He stresses the importance of students understanding what AI is good at and what it’s not so good at.
The program will involve the technical expertise that comes from working with all of the hot AI machine learning algorithms. Students will learn the very basics of AI up to the transformer architecture—the underlying basis for LLMs. They will take some more holistic courses that examine AI as a whole, which will include machine learning approaches. Students will also develop an understanding of where the field has been in the past, how it is progressing in the present, and where it’s going to go in the future.
Students will be faced with the ethical and moral issues associated with AI from a technical standpoint. “AI is not like the human brain,” explains Locklair. Chatbots are trained to appear human-like and converse using casual, conversational language, which is all pattern matching.
A philosophical viewpoint
Knowledge of cutting-edge AI procedures is balanced with the wisdom needed to use them responsibly.
– Dr. Angus Menuge
This is where courses like the Philosophy of Mind, and new classes that will explore ethical case studies in AI, come into play—students will look at real-world examples through the Lutheran-Christian perspective.
Questions like, ‘Should we or shouldn’t we?’ Just because we can employ AI, does that mean we should? Dr. Angus Menuge, professor of philosophy and department chair, is one of the many spectacular faculty members involved in this program’s curriculum. He believes that applying Concordia’s “Christian emphasis on the distinctive powers of the human soul and the ethical use of AI,” is imperative.
“Students will acquire the discernment needed to use AI to support vocations and human dignity rather than undermine them,” says Menuge. “They will develop a reasonable assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of various AI technologies, avoiding the extremes of fearful rejection and idolatrous veneration.”
Career prospects for Applied AI students
Employers, regardless of their religious affiliations, are looking for employees who understand the ethical and moral implications of AI.
“It can be very easy to kind of miss the big picture of how it fits into everything,” says Locklair. “It’s very easy … to buy into the hype and get your blinders on … you’re so focused on all these technical things, you don’t really think about how it’s going to integrate.” CUW offers the Lutheran/Christian perspective needed to approach these careers with an understanding of the challenges and shortcomings associated with this technology.
Career paths include:
- Data, Robotics, or Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- AI Ethics Consultant
- Business Intelligence Developer (BI)
- Machine Learning Engineer (ML)
- AI Research Scientist
- AI Product Manager
- Natural Language Procession Engineer (NLP)
- Algorithm Developer/Engineer
- AI Content Creator/Writer
- AI Artist/Designer
- And more …
Program instructors and resources:
- Dr. Joshua Locklair, associate professor of computer science
- Dr. Michael Litman, computer science professor and chair
- Dr. Gary Locklair, computer science professor
- Dr. Robert Wahl, associate professor of computer science
- Dr. Angus Menuge, philosophy professor and chair
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. The Applied AI program is designed to prepare students to lead in one of the fastest growing career paths today using technical skills, ethical reflection, and real-world problem solving skills.