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A diverse group of professionals in a corporate workshop on AI development. A female instructor supervises as the team learns to code advanced machine learning models on their laptops.

Minor 

AI and Society

There’s no denying that artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we learn, work and live. The AI and society minor at BGSU helps you understand the technology and its impact on people, communities and culture.

This interdisciplinary program blends artificial intelligence and machine learning with perspectives from the humanities and social sciences. You’ll gain:

  • Practical skills in AI programming fundamentals and how to use generative tools responsibly 
  • The critical lens to examine ethical questions like bias, privacy and accountability

The AI and society minor is open to students in any major. It’s a great way to make yourself more marketable. Employers want to hire professionals who understand AI and can ethically use it to solve problems, drive innovation and enhance efficiency.

Why study AI and society at BGSU?

  • A relevant, future-focused minor. Want to be more competitive in the job market? The AI and society minor will help you build skills that employers increasingly expect – understanding how AI works and how it shapes the world around us.
  • Pair with any major. This minor complements any major and encourages students to apply AI in novel ways within their primary field of study. No prior coding experience required.
  • Practical skills. Gain confidence with Python, AI models and generative AI tools.
  • Interdisciplinary focus. Our program combines computer science, philosophy, media and communication, and social sciences.
  • Ethics-driven. Learn how AI affects culture, communication and decision-making.
  • Faculty expertise. Courses are taught by professors in computer science, philosophy and other disciplines who bring both technical and societal perspectives.

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Career – what can you do with a minor in AI and society?

The AI and society minor prepares you for a wide range of careers that require both technical fluency and ethical awareness. Employers in every sector are seeking professionals who can bridge AI literacy with critical thinking and responsible innovation.

Career paths

  • Technology and software development
  • Communication and media
  • Education and instructional design
  • Business analytics and marketing
  • Public policy, law and administration
  • Arts and digital humanities

Curriculum

The minor requires 15 credit hours: 9 core courses and 6 electives.

Students who complete the minor will be able to:

  • Employ basic AI and machine learning models using AI programming
  • Apply generative AI to create content in different contexts
  • Examine ethical principles for responsible use of AI

Students should consult with their academic advisor to declare the minor and plan their coursework.

Required courses

AI Circuit and Legal Ethics Overlay Latch

Sample courses

  • Introduction to Python Programming
  • Introduction to AI/ML with its Application
  • Professional and Societal Issues in Computing
  • AI Ethics and Society
  • Introduction to Data Visualization with AI
  • AI & New Technology in Advertising
  • Artificial Intelligence in Electric Energy Systems
  • Philosophy of Consciousness and Intelligence: Humans and AI
  • Politics of AI

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BGSU College of Arts and Sciences

The AI and society minor is offered through the computer science department in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Updated: 10/13/2025 09:37AM