Beacom Bridge to Artificial Intelligence, MS
Program Quick Facts
Credits
30-42
Start Terms
Fall
|Spring
|Summer
Available
On Campus
|Online
Pathway to a Master's in AI for non-technical students
Transition into the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence through the Beacom Bridge. This structured pathway is designed for students who are ready to transition into the field of AI but do not have a technical background in computer science or advanced mathematics. This program provides an on-ramp for domains like political science, criminal justice, pre-law, marketing, business admin, biology, and more into the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI).
The Bridge pathway may include up to 12 credits, depending on your prior academic preparation. These courses are designed to help you build the foundational knowledge needed to transition into the standard 30-credit MSAI curriculum.
Why choose this program?
Start your career in AI
Designed for career changers, interdisciplinary graduates, and working professionals, the Beacom Bridge provides a supportive pathway into artificial intelligence without requiring a long list of prerequisite courses. Students build foundational skills in computing, mathematics, and AI while preparing for graduate study and high-demand careers in technology and data-driven fields.
Flexible, online learning
Offered entirely online, the program is designed for working professionals and can be completed on a schedule that fits students’ personal and professional commitments.
Personalized support for bridge students
Students accepted into the Beacom Bridge pathway will also receive enhanced academic support designed specifically for the bridge student cohort. Made possible by a grant from the Center for Inclusive Computing (CIC), students have access to graduate teaching assistants serving as mentors and tutors, career-focused seminars, and built-in peer engagement as part of a cohort, all in addition to expert faculty instruction.
Course structure
Through a carefully designed sequence of courses, students build essential skills in programming, mathematical reasoning, and AI systems. This foundation will prepare you to succeed in the MSAI program and progress confidently into advanced coursework. After students complete up to four Bridge courses, they will continue seamlessly into the master’s program, completing the remaining 10 courses. Explore the MSAI program.
Introduces foundational concepts in computer science, including programming, algorithms, computational thinking, and problem solving.
Provides an applied introduction to the mathematical concepts most relevant to artificial intelligence, including calculus, statistics, probability, and linear algebra.
Covers the mathematical foundations of artificial intelligence and machine learning, including optimization, probability, statistics, and linear algebra. Students in the bridge pathway may enter this course after completing AI 518 and AI 536.
This course has been redesigned to introduce modern AI concepts, tools, and workflows to prepare students for advanced AI coursework.
