Virginia Tech Launches Undergraduate Minor in Artificial Intelligence for All Majors

A new undergraduate minor in artificial intelligence (AI) is set to launch this fall at Virginia Tech, offering students from any major the opportunity to develop AI skills and literacy. The interdisciplinary program aims to equip graduates with a deep understanding of how these technologies work, enabling them to apply their knowledge responsibly across various fields of study and careers.

The minor's design reflects a deliberate choice by its creators to build it for the entire university, rather than just computer science students. This approach has resulted in a unique structure that allows students from diverse backgrounds – such as animal sciences, music, or public policy – to find meaningful paths into AI tailored to their specific interests and career goals.

According to Christine Julien, head of the Department of Computer Science, 'today's students are entering a workforce where AI will be part of nearly every profession.' To address this reality, Virginia Tech has developed an 18-credit-hour minor that covers both technical foundations and interdisciplinary applications. The program includes courses on programming, computational problem-solving, artificial intelligence concepts in practice, ethics, and more.

The required ethics component draws on courses from computer science, philosophy, and business, ensuring students understand the implications of AI on society. Meanwhile, the interdisciplinary application modules offer curated pathways for students to connect AI concepts directly to their academic interests and career aspirations. For instance, a theatre major might explore artificial intelligence in creative practice, while a public policy student could study how AI influences governance, planning, and decision-making.

Jeffrey Loeffert, director of the School of Performing Arts and a working musician, notes that combining expertise from different disciplines creates opportunities for students to develop skills that wouldn't emerge within a single field alone. He emphasizes the importance of preparing students for short- and long-term career opportunities in an era marked by massive transition across nearly every economic sector.

The labor market is undergoing significant changes due to AI adoption, with industry partners frequently highlighting the need for employees who possess high degrees of AI literacy and adaptability. Loeffert frames this challenge as 'students worrying less about losing their jobs to AI and more about losing their jobs to people who know how to use AI.' This sentiment aligns with what educators across campus are striving to achieve: equipping students with the skills necessary for long-term success in an increasingly complex job market.

Virginia Tech's new minor program will continue to expand its course offerings as they are approved. One class already under review is 'AI in Theatre: Applications and Impacts.' Incoming students interested in pursuing the minor can begin enrolling in eligible courses without prerequisites, with applications opening in August for all undergraduates. The College of Engineering will start accepting declarations for the minor on August 3.

The interdisciplinary structure of this AI minor allows students to explore a wide range of disciplines, from business and public policy to music and filmmaking. By providing students with a solid foundation in both technical skills and responsible application, Virginia Tech aims to produce graduates who can effectively harness AI tools for businesses – and adapt as the technologies continue to evolve.