Artificial intelligence now touches every career path. Many of the courses you will take in your major will show you how AI is used in that field.
But to enhance your own employability, and to satisfy your own curiosity, you might want to go deeper.
That's what the Minor in Applied AI is for.
Minors at NKU are typically seven courses that give you knowledge and experience in a different field from your major.
The Applied AI minor will give you give you foundational knowledge of AI: how it works, where it is headed, and how to use it responsibly across a variety of domains.
After learning some basics in computing, machine learning, and prompt engineering, you will get a deep look into the societal, ethical and legal implications of AI.
Electives in psychology, philosophy, and newly emerging special topics classes across all NKU colleges will add perspective. The list of electives in the minor is growing every year.
Q: Does this minor help me complete NKU's General Education requirement?
A: Yes. Two of the seven courses count toward General Education. INF 120 Elementary Programming counts toward the Natural Science requirement. STA 205 (or 205R) Statistical Methods counts toward the Mathematics and Statistics requirement.
Q: I have a minor already, and my major has a lot of course requirements. If I add a second minor it might slow down my graduation. Is there another way I can add more AI to my degree?
Many degree programs at NKU are adding AI to their courses, so chances are you will still pick up some AI specialized to your major. If you'd like more a thorough survey, consider INF 125 AI Literacy. This course will be piloted in Spring 2026 (as INF 194). More sections will be available next year.
Q. I worry that AI is taking jobs, harming the environment, facilitating disinformation, and in general is creating a more dangerous future. Given that, should I really consider a minor in Applied AI?
A. Actually, that's a great reason to minor in Applied AI. The increasing use of AI has led to some intense and high-stakes debates. By having a minor in AI, you will be able to contribute more knowledge and experience to these important societal discussions.
Q: I've always been drawn to the arts and humanities; I was never interested in studying tech. So I'm probably not a good candidate for this minor in Applied AI, right?
A. Well, the minor does have two courses you could consider "tech": an introduction to writing code, and an introduction to machine learning. And you will take one beginning course in Statistics. Those courses are there to make sure you have a solid foundation on how AI works. After that, however, the other requirements and electives are generally non-technical, and allow you to explore the applications and implications that meet your own personal or professional interests.
Q: What kind of math do I need?
A: Essentially high school algebra. If you need to pick that up at NKU, you would complete MAT 102 before starting the courses in minor.
Q: I want a full-fledged major in AI. Can I do that at NKU?
A: NKU is in the process of developing a bachelor's degree in AI. We will keep this web page (and other spots) updated. In the meantime, if you are interested in the science and technology side of AI, check out our ABET-accredited Data Science major or our Computer Science major.
Q: I heard NKU's Minor in Applied AI got some local TV coverage. Is that true?
A: Yes. Check out this story on WLWT (Channel 5) and this story on WCPO (Channel 9). It was also covered by the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Q: How can I find out more?
You can reach out to Dr. Jen Ungerleider, Informatics Program Coordinator and Advisor, at ungerleidj1@nku.edu. And if you are already enrolled in this Minor, we'd love your feedback. Feel free to share this with Dr. Ungerleider as well.
