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Understanding AI Minor

Learn how artificial intelligence (AI) works, how people use it, and how it affects different fields. Explore the ethical, social, creative, and technical questions shaping the future of AI.

Program Snapshot

Program Type

Minor

Credit Hours

20

Campus

Salem

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A student on their laptop in a classroom surrounded by bright colored sticky notes

Our Understanding AI Minor

Learn when and how to use AI effectively. Study intelligence, evaluate AI using evidence, and explore the benefits, risks, and biases of AI systems. Gain practical skills that can help you use AI in many fields and careers.

Why choose an Understanding AI minor at Willamette?

  • Cross-Disciplinary Learning. Explore artificial intelligence through fields such as philosophy, psychology, math, music, and more. Learn how it affects people, communities, and the world around us.
  • Knowledge for an AI-Driven Future. Prepare for future careers by learning how to evaluate and use AI tools responsibly. Through career support, hands-on learning, and coursework, you'll build skills for a world shaped by AI.
  • Faculty-Guided Exploration. Learn alongside faculty from a range of fields as you explore questions about intelligence, ethics, creativity, and technology. Small class sizes encourage discussion, collaboration, and mentorship as you examine AI's growing role in the world.
  • Engage with Technology in Oregon. Take classes in a region known for innovation and technology. Study AI in the Pacific Northwest and learn how it is shaping technology, business, public policy, and society.

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Do you have questions about the Understanding AI program at Willamette? Fill out this form and we'll get in touch!

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Our Faculty

Understanding AI brings together faculty from several fields. Learn how to use AI responsibly, think about the future of intelligence, and discuss big questions about technology. Work with professors who understand how AI is changing industries and everyday life.

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Curriculum

Study AI through courses in math, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and music. Explore how AI is used in different fields and how it shapes real-world decisions and experiences.

  • AI 101 - Understanding AI

    Students will explore the foundations of artificial intelligence through hands-on investigations of games, image recognition, and text prediction. By building simple models that illustrate core AI concepts, students will examine how machines simulate intelligence and consider the broader implications of AI for individuals, culture, and society.

  • PHIL 235W - Philosophical Ethics

    This course examines major philosophical theories of right and wrong, exploring how ethical principles shape decision-making in society, economics, and political systems. Students will compare different ideas about right and wrong and apply them to a real-world case study.

Program Requirements

The Understanding AI minor requires 20 semester hours. Students must take at least 5 courses, with one from each specific theme.

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Admissions Information

Our Understanding AI minor is open to first-year, transfer, and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.

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FAQs

Both programs equip students with fundamental knowledge in AI, but they have different approaches to the field. Understanding AI focuses on how people use AI and the questions it raises for society. Engineering AI focuses on building, evaluating, and improving AI systems.

Both minors share some courses, but Understanding AI focuses on computation, different forms of intelligence, and the role of technology, language, and ethics. Engineering AI requires more computer science courses and covers topics related to neural networks, MLOps, and multi-agent systems. Speak to an advisor to learn which program is a better fit for your career goals.

Artificial intelligence is changing how people work, create, communicate, and solve problems around the world. By minoring in artificial intelligence, students learn how AI is used across different fields and how it may shape their future work. No matter your major, an AI minor can help you:

  • Build technical literacy
  • Strengthen problem-solving skills
  • Evaluate AI critically
  • Prepare for future careers

Biology students might examine how AI helps analyze genetic data and identify potential treatment paths. Business and economics students can explore how machine learning informs markets and financial decision-making. Students in the humanities and social sciences can study AI's influence on communication, public policy, ethics, and society. No matter what field you're studying, an AI minor can give you the knowledge and perspective to engage with one of the most influential technologies shaping the future.

Absolutely! Willamette has hosted a variety of events, including WU Tech Day, where faculty members discussed how they have applied AI to their fields and work. Willamette students can also discuss computing-related topics at TechBytes, a biweekly event that offers opportunities to learn outside the classroom.

Students can also dive into AI discussions with clubs such as:

  • Computer Science Students Association
  • Philosophy Club
  • Debate Union
  • Video Game Club

Since AI is shaping how we work, create, communicate, and solve problems, students can explore its impact through a variety of clubs and activities across campus.

Willamette University

Understanding AI

  • Salem Campus

    Address

    900 State Street
    Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.