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Bachelor of Science, Applied Artificial Intelligence | OU Polytechnic Institute

Bachelor of Science:
Applied Artificial Intelligence

Applied Artificial Intelligence Program Overview

The OU Polytechnic Institute aims to prepare students for rewarding careers by presenting them with a combination of AI fundamentals and exposure to cutting-edge tools they will encounter in the corporate environment. Additionally, students will learn about related topics in cybersecurity and software development. The bachelor degree completion program will provide students with a deep and comprehensive understanding of AI’s principles, tools, and applications. Students will be equipped with the skills necessary to develop intelligent software solutions for complex, real-world problems. The program will also emphasize the importance of understanding the ethical and societal impacts of AI.

Why Study Applied Artificial Intelligence at OUPI?

There are more than 600 jobs in computer and information technology in northeastern Oklahoma and 375 of those job openings are in the Tulsa area. The OU Polytechnic Institute is designed with this in mind, working with local and state industry partners to develop programs, like the BS in Applied Artificial Intelligence, to meet the skyrocketing demand for these jobs.

Bachelor Degree Completion Program Requirements

  • Completed OUPI Application
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Minimum 24 credit hours earned at the time of application

This is a bachelor's completion program. Students traditionally transfer to OUPI once they have earned an associate's degree or taken at least 24 hours from an accredited institution, such as a community college.

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Applied Artificial Intelligence Program Curriculum

This 60 hour bachelor's degree completion program is designed to be completed in two years and developed with the needs of local, state and regional employers in mind. Upon graduation, students will hold a Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence from the University of Oklahoma. Your OU degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence will make you uniquely prepared to take advantage of many career opportunities. Combining hands-on learning with projects that span multiple relevant fields of study, you will make real-world connections, including internships and industry-sponsored senior design projects.

Courses in the curriculum will include:
  • Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning
  • Reinforcement Learning and Robotics
  • Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models
  • Cluster Computing and Database with Spark
  • Cybersecurity
  • Software Project Management
An OUPI class in session.

Accreditation Objectives & Outcomes

The Applied Artificial Intelligence program is not currently ABET-accredited. OUPI plans to seek initial ABET accreditation after the program’s first graduating cohort, as required by ABET.

Program Educational Objectives

Within 3 - 5 years of graduation, alumni of the Applied AI program will:

1. Professional Success

Graduates will exhibit the capabilities necessary to apply AI principles to solve real-world challenges and contribute to innovation in industry settings, leading to successful career in AI-related fields.

2. Lifelong Learning

Graduates will engage in lifelong learning through self-directed study, professional development, or other means to remain current with advancements in applied AI and related technologies.

3. Ethical and Social Responsibility

Graduates will demonstrate ethical behavior and social responsibility in the design and deployment of AI systems that consider fairness, transparency, privacy, and societal impact.

4. Leadership and Teamwork

Graduates will take on leadership roles and collaborate effectively as team members in interdisciplinary and multicultural environments to develop and implement AI solutions.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the program will have an ability to:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts. 
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.

OUPI Class Schedules

At the OU Polytechnic Institute on the OU-Tulsa campus, most classes are strategically scheduled only two days a week, with some variations. Class days are grouped together and may vary by semester to accommodate program needs. This schedule allows students to complete their degree while balancing time for work, internships, and personal growth.

Scholarships

The University of Oklahoma offers various scholarships to admitted and enrolled transfer students in the OU Polytechnic Institute based on criteria such as academics, leadership, and community involvement. OUPI students are eligible to receive any of these scholarships for which they qualify. In addition, a fund has been established to provide stipends necessary for technology purchases including laptops or software. Qualified OUPI students can receive stipends of up to $1,000 for technology purchases.

Graduate Skills

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  • Apply principles of artificial intelligence and machine learning to design and implement intelligent systems that address real-world challenges.
  • Integrate modern AI technologies such as deep learning, natural language processing, and robotics into software solutions.
  • Analyze and manage large-scale data systems using distributed computing tools like Spark.
  • Evaluate ethical, legal, and societal implications of artificial intelligence and make informed professional judgments.
  • Communicate technical concepts effectively in professional and interdisciplinary environments.
  • Collaborate as leaders and team members to plan, develop, and deploy AI-driven projects.

Career Paths

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Some typical career paths include:

  • Big Data Analyst
  • AI/ML Project Manager
  • User Experience (UX) Designer/Developer
  • Data Mining and Analysis
  • Information Security Analysts
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers

The estimated annual starting salary in the applied artificial intelligence field is $85,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Industries

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OU Polytechnic Institute graduates will be qualified for job openings in industries such as:

  • Gaming/Native American Tribes
  • Transportation
  • Education
  • Real Estate 
  • Arts
  • Supply Chain Management/Logistics

Take the Next Step

Your degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence from OUPI can open doors that set you off on a journey of a lifetime.

Applications are now open. Join our mailing list to learn more about application deadlines, scholarships, and courses.

Student wearing OUPI shirt standing on campus in front of a bench and an OU flag.