Beacom Bridge creates new pathway into DSU's M.S. in Artificial Intelligence
August 20, 2026
MADISON, S.D. – Dakota State University is creating a new pathway into artificial intelligence for students whose undergraduate education may not have included computer science or advanced mathematics.
The Beacom Bridge to Artificial Intelligence is designed for career changers, working professionals, and graduates from nontechnical disciplines who want to earn a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) at DSU. The program provides foundational coursework in computing, mathematics, and AI before students move into the standard master’s curriculum.
The pathway can help graduates in fields such as political science, criminal justice, pre-law, marketing, business administration, and biology translate their existing knowledge into careers involving AI and data-driven technologies.
Students’ previous academic experience will determine how much bridge coursework they need. Students complete up to 12 bridge credits, depending on their background, followed by the standard 30-credit M.S. in Artificial Intelligence curriculum.
Rather than asking students to complete a disconnected list of prerequisites before beginning graduate study, the Beacom Bridge incorporates that preparation into a structured degree pathway. Students admitted to the bridge are also admitted to the MSAI program, provided they continue to make satisfactory academic progress.
“The Beacom Bridge creates a clear and supportive pathway for students who are interested in artificial intelligence but may not have studied computer science or advanced mathematics as undergraduates,” said Dr. Mark Hawkes, dean of Graduate Studies. “By building foundational coursework into the graduate experience, we can help talented students from a wide range of disciplines prepare for and succeed in DSU’s Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence program.”
The curriculum may include up to four courses, depending on the student's entry skills, covering the essentials of computer science, applied mathematics for AI, the mathematical foundations of AI, and foundational AI concepts. Together, the courses develop skills in programming, algorithms, computational thinking, calculus, statistics, probability, linear algebra, machine learning, and modern AI tools and workflows.
“The program combines rigorous coursework with mentoring, tutoring, and cohort-based support,” Hawkes said. “It gives career changers and working professionals the resources they need to enter the field of artificial intelligence with confidence. ”
Building on DSU’s strengths
The Beacom Bridge builds on DSU’s depth in computer science, cybersecurity, analytics, and artificial intelligence, as well as its experience serving online learners, working adults, and career changers. Its applied-learning approach will allow students to develop workforce-relevant skills through practical problem-solving and advanced coursework.
“Dakota State has deep expertise in computer science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence,” Dr. Mary Bell, dean of The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences, said. “The Beacom Bridge allows us to use that expertise to expand access to graduate AI education and prepare more students to apply these technologies thoughtfully and effectively in their professions.”
By recognizing that AI expertise can begin with experience in another discipline, the program creates opportunities for students to bring a wider range of perspectives into the field. A graduate with experience in business, biology, public policy, marketing, or criminal justice can approach AI challenges with subject-matter knowledge that complements newly developed technical skills.
A national effort to expand access
The Beacom Bridge was developed through a three-year partnership with Northeastern University’s Center for Inclusive Computing (CIC). The CIC works with colleges and universities to identify and remove institutional barriers that can prevent students from discovering, entering, and completing computing programs.
The CIC also serves as the administrative home of the MS Pathways to Computing Consortium, a national network of institutions creating graduate bridge programs for students who did not study computing as undergraduates. Through these partnerships, universities develop intentionally designed and well-supported pathways into master’s programs in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity.
The CIC was launched in 2019 with core funding from Pivotal, a company founded by Melinda French Gates to accelerate social progress in the United States by removing barriers that hold people back.
“Pivotal’s support for the Center for Inclusive Computing is important because it allows this work to reach universities and students across the country,” said Bell. “Through DSU’s partnership with the CIC, we can create a pathway for students from different academic and professional backgrounds to enter AI and bring new perspectives to the development and use of these technologies.”
Applications are now open for the Beacom Bridge program, with the first cohort beginning in the spring 2027 semester. To learn more about the program or apply, visit the Beacom Bridge homepage.