Computer scientists with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) enjoy a robust career outlook. AI and machine learning specialists top the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) 2023 list of fast-growing jobs; more than 75 percent of companies plan to adopt these technologies in the next five years.
For those interested in an AI-related career, a computer science master’s degree—like the online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) offered by Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)—can provide the skills needed to reach your career goals. CWRU’s online MSCS offers a comprehensive curriculum that addresses current trends and best practices. This article examines the AI courses you’ll take as an online MSCS student at Case Western Reserve.
Explore AI courses in the online MSCS at CWRU
Choose your path with tracks tailored to your level of experience
AI Courses at Case Western Reserve
CWRU’s online MSCS is designed for professionals in mid-level to advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It offers two tracks, each tailored to your level of technical expertise and encompassing AI technology and best practices. The pathways track suits students with a strong STEM background who want to transition into computer science. The advanced track accommodates students with agile STEM backgrounds and strong foundations in computer science.
Irrespective of which track you choose, you will follow an industry-relevant curriculum focused on four key areas: AI, databases and data mining, security and privacy, and software engineering. Students in both tracks will take the AI courses outlined below.
Introduction of Artificial Intelligence
“Introduction to Artificial Intelligence,” taught by Soumya Ray PhD, provides students with a unified view of the AI field. Coursework covers AI basics and foundations and dives into several subfields. Despite the course’s introductory title, Ray notes that students will explore complex and abstract ideas and their implementation in various applications.
Topics covered include problem-solving with search, constraint satisfaction, adversarial games, knowledge representation and reasoning using propositional and first-order logic, reasoning under uncertainty, introduction to machine learning, reinforcement learning and natural language processing, and automated planning.
Upon completing this course, students should have a solid knowledge framework that will allow them to take more advanced AI courses to develop specialist knowledge and skills.
Analysis of Algorithms
This course covers fundamental topics in algorithm design and analysis. Algorithms provide a set of instructions for carrying out calculations or other operations. In AI, algorithms provide the programming that tells the computer how to learn and operate independently. Without algorithms, AI and machine learning would not exist; accordingly, understanding algorithm design proves critical for anyone interested in a career in AI.
Topics covered in “Analysis of Algorithms” include amortized analysis, NP-completeness and reductions, dynamic programming, advanced graph algorithms, string algorithms, geometric algorithms and local search heuristics.
Computational Perception
“Computational Perception” examines the information processing and computational algorithms that underlie perception. It focuses on vision and audition but also covers other senses and various types of perceptual processing in biological systems. Topics include signal detection and processing, sound localization, motion perception and estimation, sensory coding, perception of structure, active perception, perceptual invariance, attention, object, sound, speech recognition, and visual and auditory scene analysis.
AI programmers must understand computational perception to interpret and make sense of information gained from the environment. Examples of computational perception systems include speech recognition AI tools like Google Voice Assistant or Amazon Alexa and natural language processing tools like ChatGPT.
Additional AI Training
As an online MSCS student, you build your AI knowledge and skills through the courses listed above and through additional coursework covering complementary concepts and tools. For example, “Database Systems” focuses on file processing and database management systems; many organizations use AI to enhance their database management systems. When embedded throughout a data management system, AI can improve database query accuracy and performance and optimize system resources.
In the “Data Mining” course, you will learn how to derive knowledge from large amounts of data stored in databases, data warehouses, or other information repositories. AI can automate and enhance the data mining process, enabling you to discover patterns in large data sets more efficiently.
How Case Western Reserve Prepares You for the Future of Computer Science
CWRU’s online MS in Computer Science curriculum aligns with industry trends and focuses on developing the skills employers seek in computer science job candidates. The program benefits from Case School of Engineering’s research into industry-relevant topics such as AI and machine learning, algorithms, databases, and data mining. As an online CWRU student, you will learn from and connect with expert faculty members who have conducted extensive research in the fields of AI and machine learning.
Build Your AI Expertise with an MS in Computer Science
As AI technology becomes more widely adopted, the demand for workers with AI expertise will continue to grow. The World Economic Forum predicts that 97 million new jobs will emerge by 2025 as humans, machines, and algorithms work more closely and frequently together. Enrolling in an MS in Computer Science degree with a focus on AI offers a proven pathway to gain the skills needed to take advantage of this increased demand and accelerate your career.
CWRU’s online MS in Computer Science program will help you develop your skills in four in-demand specializations: AI, databases and data mining, security and privacy, and software engineering. Furthermore, the program’s flexible design–combining live and independent online coursework–enables you to earn your advanced degree without putting your professional development or personal life on hold.
Ready to take the next step toward your AI career? Connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more about the CWRU online MSCS, or start your application today.