Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence
The University System of Georgia's first B.S. in Applied AI. Launching at MGA's Warner Robins Campus.
Program Overview
The B.S. in Applied Artificial Intelligence is designed to prepare students for careers in AI through hands-on, interdisciplinary learning focused on practical applications of AI technology. Applied AI addresses real-world challenges across industries including healthcare, agriculture, aerospace, logistics, manufacturing, and cybersecurity.
Degree Requirements
- Core IMPACTS (General Ed)42 hrs
- Field of Study18 hrs
- Applied AI Core30 hrs
- Electives18 hrs
Choose Your Concentration
12 credit hours in one of three major focus areas
Advanced AI
Deep technical specialization
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing
Data Science
Analytics and insight
- Statistics
- Data Visualization
- Analytics & Data Mining
Project Leadership
Management and strategy
- Management
- Leadership
- Risk & Decision-Making
Career Outlook & Growth
Data-driven projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry reports
Software developers projected growth 2023–2033
~303,700 new jobs (BLS)
Computer occupations overall growth
~586,800 new jobs (BLS)
Data scientist positions projected increase
2024–2034 (Coursera)
Organizations using AI in 2025
Up from 55% in 2023
Compensation Snapshot
AI and ML roles command strong compensation. Machine learning engineers earn an average of $183K+ annually, while data scientists average $130K+, with junior roles starting around $77K. Production-ready skills in MLOps, LLM engineering, and model governance are increasingly valued by employers.
Sources: BLS Employment Projections, Glassdoor, Indeed, Burtch Works 2025 Compensation Report
Career Outcomes
Roles our graduates are prepared for across AI, data, and technology
Technical & Engineering
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist / Analyst
- AI Solutions Architect
- Database Architect
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems
- AI Researcher
Business & Leadership
- Technology Project Manager
- Product Leader / Innovation Strategist
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- UX Designer (AI & HCI)
- Market Research Analyst
- Agri-Tech Data Science
- Logistics Planning & Optimization
AI Trends Students Should Know
Emerging directions that shape careers and the future of technology
Generative AI Adoption
GenAI is the fastest-growing skill among learners—course enrollments surged 866% year-over-year. Over 70% of organizations now use generative AI in at least one business function. Students who learn to build, refine, and deploy GenAI tools are in high demand across industries.
Reasoning & Autonomous Systems
Next-gen AI can plan, reflect, and self-correct over long time horizons. Embodied AI and robotics are moving from lab demos to real deployments. Understanding how AI reasons and acts in the world—not just pattern-matching—is where the field is headed.
AI Investment & Infrastructure
Global private AI investment hit a record $252 billion in 2024. Multi-gigawatt data centers and cloud AI platforms are creating a new industrial layer. ~44% of U.S. businesses now pay for AI tools—opportunities span startups, enterprises, and government.
Responsible AI & Ethics
Employers increasingly value risk management, data ethics, and cybersecurity alongside technical skills. Knowing how to build AI that is fair, transparent, and trustworthy opens doors in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and government.
AI as a Scientific Collaborator
AI is accelerating research in drug discovery, materials science, climate modeling, and more. Students interested in combining domain expertise with AI—e.g., biology + ML or physics + deep learning—can shape the next wave of scientific breakthroughs.
Bridge Professionals in Demand
Companies need people who can translate between technical teams and business stakeholders—"bridge" professionals who understand both AI capabilities and real-world workflows. Applied AI graduates are uniquely positioned for these roles.
Ready to Shape the Future of AI?
Join the first cohort of Applied AI students in the University System of Georgia. Applications open for Fall 2025.