LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College has approved a new interdisciplinary minor in artificial intelligence, providing students with opportunities to gain technical foundations and experience in one of the most rapidly evolving areas of modern technology.
Developed collaboratively by the Computing and Information Systems and Mathematics departments, along with the Data Science program in the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing, the 18-credit minor draws upon coursework in computer science, data science, mathematics and ethics. Students will explore foundational concepts of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data and knowledge engineering, and the design and implementation of AI-related technologies.
The program emphasizes both the technical foundations of artificial intelligence and the ethical considerations associated with its development and use. Its flexible structure allows students to select courses across several areas of study, complementing their primary academic interests and career goals.
“Artificial intelligence is a part of nearly all professions today,” said Dr. Anthony Serapiglia, chair of the Department of Computing and Information Systems. “Our goal is to provide students with a direct technical foundation and practical experience to be able to leverage what AI can do in any environment that they may find themselves in, all the while maintaining the emphasis on human responsibility and ethical considerations that are inherent in everything we do here at Saint Vincent.”
Dr. Mary Regina Boland, C’10, an assistant professor of data science, said Boyer School leadership recently surveyed regional employers to uncover the desired educational needs of industry. One of the key findings was a desire for more AI training.
“This new minor in artificial intelligence will be perfect for students seeking employment in our region,” Boland said. “It can be paired nicely with several existing SVC majors, including computer science, data science, mathematics, cybersecurity and information systems.”
The new minor reflects Saint Vincent College’s commitment to preparing graduates who can do more than simply use emerging technologies. By combining technical skills with ethical reasoning and practical applications, the program aims to equip students to take leadership roles in an increasingly AI-driven world and to help determine the shape of our future.
“Artificial intelligence has its roots in computer science, but its applications now extend across virtually every field of study and profession,” said Dr. Stephen Jodis, Boyer School dean. “By bringing together faculty from computer science, data science, mathematics and related disciplines, we have developed a minor that gives students a strong technical foundation in AI that complements their primary areas of study. Our goal is to prepare students to understand, develop and responsibly apply these technologies in their chosen fields.”
