Catalog Addenda

April 2026

New Courses

ARIN102 Prompt Engineering 

This course introduces students to prompt engineering, the art of designing and refining effective inputs for generative AI and large language models. Students explore prompt engineering techniques such as zero shot prompting, few shot prompting, chain of thought prompting, and tree of thought prompting to support complex tasks and improve desired output quality.

The course also examines how user prompts, precise instructions, and additional context influence AI model behavior and model’s responses across different prompt engineering use cases. Students work with AI tools and generative AI models to practice optimizing prompts that produce accurate responses, relevant output, and clearly defined desired outcomes.

Hands-on exercises and projects provide practical experience in crafting effective prompts, applying prompt engineering best practices, and analyzing intermediate steps in complex reasoning. By course end, students develop core prompt engineering skills and critical thinking abilities needed to use artificial intelligence systems responsibly and effectively across diverse applications. (Prerequisite: ARIN100)

ARIN202 AI Software Foundations

This software principles course introduces core concepts of software development, focusing on computer programs, software systems, and the relationship between application software, system software, and the operating system within a computer system. Students learn how programming languages, source code, machine code, and algorithms are used to create a software program that performs specific tasks on modern computer hardware.

The course covers essential topics such as data structures, software design, and software quality, while emphasizing how developers write, test, and implement code to meet user requirements. Students also examine software licenses, intellectual property rights, and common software development practices used across different types of software, including cloud-based software systems and platform-level services.

By building a strong foundation in computer science principles, students develop the understanding needed to design efficient programs and support reliable software functionality, preparing programmers and future developers for advanced applications in AI and modern technology environments.

ARIN211 User Experience Design

This course explores the principles and practices of UX design within the context of artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Students will learn how to design intuitive, accessible, and ethical AI-powered products that enhance user interaction with intelligent systems. The course emphasizes user-centered UX design process methodologies tailored to AI systems, including chatbots, recommendation systems, and autonomous interfaces. Topics include user research, usability and user testing, ethical considerations, and strategies for integrating AI tools into the design workflow while maintaining human oversight. By combining UX research and design principles with practical applications of relevant AI tools, students will develop the ability to balance human creativity with technology to build trust, ensure inclusivity, and design AI for UX responsibly.

ARIN220 Artificial Intelligence and Software Development 

This AI coding course explores how artificial intelligence and generative AI tools can be used to enhance coding and software development productivity. Students learn to leverage AI tools, including large language models, to support computer programming tasks such as generate code, debugging, and testing, strengthening core coding skills and applied problem solving skills.

The course covers AI concepts and practical AI solutions such as AI-powered code assistants, automated bug detection to fix bugs and code errors, and conversational AI workflows. Emphasis is placed on hands on projects and hands on experience that demonstrate real world applications of AI and machine learning in modern development environments.

Through applied exercises and hands on practice, students gain a foundational understanding of how machine learning, natural language processing, and responsible artificial intelligence technology can be integrated into development workflows. The course prepares aspiring AI engineer and software development professionals to leverage AI effectively while considering ethical considerations and responsible AI use in practical AI applications.

ARIN305 Artificial Intelligence Models & Data Resources 

This AI evals course covers the role of data in refining and evaluating AI systems, emphasizing AI evals, evaluation metrics, and evaluation techniques used to assess generative AI and modern AI applications. Students explore how evaluation criteria, objective criteria, and clear metrics are used to measure AI outputs and model performance, particularly in complex AI systems that differ from traditional software testing.

The course examines evaluating AI systems through a systematic approach, including llm evaluation, evaluating AI agents, and the use of representative data and ground truth. Topics include error analysis, identifying failure modes, handling edge cases, and understanding how evaluation supports continuous improvement and user trust.

Through hands-on activities and real world examples, students develop practical skills to implement effective AI evals and support continuous evaluation of evolving AI products. The course prepares data scientists and technical practitioners to apply AI evaluation methods aligned with business requirements and reliable system performance. (Prerequisites: ARIN102 and CSCI360)

ARIN350 Artificial Intelligence Applications 

This AI app development course covers the architecture and development of AI applications. Students explore components such as the underlying large language models, the AI model, orchestration layers, vector databases, and the user interface layer that together form an AI system. Hands-on activities include implementing orchestration frameworks, using prompt templates, and applying prompt engineering techniques to support effective AI integration.

By synthesizing prior knowledge with practical techniques, students gain the skills to developing AI applications and build a functional app for real world scenarios. The course prepares AI developers and software developers to build AI powered applications using modern AI tools, software development practices, and artificial intelligence capabilities. (Prerequisite: ARIN305)

ARIN360 Collaborative Tools 

This course provides students with practical skills to streamline teamwork in AI development through a beginner friendly introduction to version control, version control systems, and git version control. Students learn git and github as essential tools for managing a repository, creating branches, tracking changes, and collaborating effectively on a shared repo in a central place. Through hands-on examples and guided projects, learners practice making commits, reviewing work, and learning how to resolve conflicts that arise during collaborating on coding tasks. The course also introduces best practices for managing files, addressing bugs, and contributing to open-source communities. By the end of the course, students understand core basics of collaborative development and build the ability to enhance productivity and teamwork in professional AI and software development environments. (Prerequisite: ARIN305)

ARIN410 Artificial Intelligence Impacts, Risks & Ethics 

This AI ethics course examines the societal and economic impacts of artificial intelligence, focusing on the ethical challenges, ethical implications, and ethical issues associated with modern AI systems and artificial intelligence technologies. Students explore AI risks such as data privacy, security risks, AI biases, and unfair outcomes, alongside workforce disruption and social implications. The course introduces key ethical frameworks, ethical considerations, and ethical practices used to support responsible AI, trustworthy AI, and effective AI governance across the AI lifecycle. Topics include machine learning, generative AI, training data, data governance, AI regulation, and the role of government regulation and the private sector in managing AI development. Through applied discussions and case studies, students learn to address issues, evaluate potential risks, and promote AI ethics that respect human rights while supporting innovation and sound decision making. (Prerequisite: ARIN100)

ARIN450 Artificial Intelligence Advance Topics 

This course explores advanced topics in artificial intelligence, focusing on advanced topics shaping the future of AI systems and artificial intelligence systems. Students examine scaling laws, computational power, and the role of inference-time compute in large language models, deep learning, and neural networks. Additional topics in artificial intelligence include reinforcement learning, edge computing, large datasets, expanding context windows, and emerging natural language processing capabilities. Through theoretical analysis and applied exploration, students gain knowledge of state of the art AI techniques, machine learning algorithms, and advanced applications across various industries and business applications. This advanced topics in artificial course equips learners with the tools, techniques, and insight needed to stay ahead of rapidly evolving emerging technologies in artificial intelligence. (Prerequisite: ARIN350)

ARIN499 Artificial Intelligence Capstone 

This artificial intelligence capstone course provides a culminating capstone experience in which students apply foundational concepts, practical skills, and technical expertise developed throughout the program. In this capstone project, learners develop, create, and evaluate a comprehensive AI solution addressing real world challenges and real world applications. Projects may incorporate machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and modern ai tools, with emphasis on hands on experience, deployment considerations, and professional communication. Students work as a team to manage a complete project lifecycle, demonstrating ability, analysis, and evaluation skills. The course concludes with a formal presentation and assessment, allowing learners to showcase a professional portfolio that supports career readiness and reflects applied artificial intelligence knowledge.

CHFD315 Current Trends and Issues in Early Childhood

Just as children grow and change rapidly, so do the trends and issues shaping early childhood. This course examines current key issues and emerging trends in early childhood education that affect parents, caregivers, and professionals who interact with young children. Through exploring research and real-world examples, students gain a deeper understanding of how these trends influence child development, including aspects of emotional development, social and emotional development, and overall well-being. 

HRMT320 Employment Law

This course on employment law offers a comprehensive overview of legal frameworks relevant to human resources management. Students will explore key legislation, regulatory requirements, and case law affecting the employer-employee relationship. Topics include the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Civil Rights Act, anti-discrimination laws, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, employee rights, workplace safety, and labor relations. Through case studies and practical exercises, students will develop skills to navigate legal issues and ensure compliance in the workplace, preparing for roles as HR professionals and legal compliance specialists.

MKTG403 Marketing Management

This course provides a comprehensive overview of how marketing managers transform strategic plans into coordinated, high-impact marketing execution. Students will explore the operational responsibilities of marketing leadership, including campaign planning, resource allocation, cross-functional collaboration, and team management. Emphasis is placed on aligning execution with business goals, measuring performance, and adapting strategies using customer insights, analytics, and technology. Through practical applications, students learn to lead marketing efforts that drive results, foster customer loyalty, and respond to dynamic market conditions.

New Programs

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence

The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence prepares students to design, develop, and apply artificial intelligence systems across industries. This undergraduate program emphasizes AI fundamentals, core AI concepts, and practical experience with machine learning, deep learning, and data analysis. Through hands-on learning and a focus on ethical considerations and responsible AI practices, students build the technical skills and critical thinking needed to implement AI-driven solutions in diverse professional settings.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

• Analyze real-world scenarios and apply their understanding of artificial intelligence models and systems to identify solutions.
• Design, implement, and evaluate artificial intelligence-based solutions to meet a given set of requirements in the context of the discipline’s theory and technologies.
• Utilize modern artificial intelligence-based tools to augment productivity in developing AI software systems and in all workplace activities.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
• Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in artificial intelligence practice based on legal and ethical principles.
• Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in artificial intelligence projects.

Program Requirements (120 semester hours)

General Education (30 semester hours)

Arts and Humanities (6 semester hours)

Select 2 courses from the following:

• ARAB100 Arabic I
• ARAB101 Arabic II
• ARTH200 Art Appreciation
• ARTH240 Survey of Photography
• ARTH241 Film and Literature
• DSIN141 Image Enhancement using Adobe Photoshop®
• FREN100 French I
• FREN101 French II
• GERM100 German I
• GERM101 German II
• JAPN100 Introduction to Japanese
• LITR215 Literature of American Encounters, Revolution, and Rebellion
• LITR218 From Abolition to #MeToo: Literature of the American Civil Rights Movement
• LITR222 Pivotal Figures in Early British Literature
• LITR225 British Literature from Wordsworth through the Wasteland
• LITR231 Leadership in World Literature: Antiquity to the Early Modern Period
• LITR233 Literature of the Newly Globalized World: The Individual’s Struggle to Adapt
• MUSI200 Music Appreciation
• MUSI212 Jazz and Rock
• MUSI250 World Music and Cultures
• PHIL101 Introduction to Philosophy
• PHIL110 Critical Thinking
• PHIL200 Introduction to Ethics
• PHIL202 Philosophy of Science
• PORT100 Introduction to Brazilian Portuguese
• RELS101 Introduction to the Study of Religion
• RELS201 Introduction to World Religions
• RUSS100 Russian I
• SPAN100 Spanish I
• SPAN101 Spanish II
• STEM270 Thinking and Acting Ethically

Civics, Political and Social Sciences (6 semester hours)

Select 2 courses from the following:

• ANTH100 Introduction to Anthropology
• ANTH200 World Archaeology
• ANTH202 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
• CHFD220 Human Sexuality
• COLL114 Planning Your Future with Purpose in STEM
• COMM211 Social Media and Society
• COMM240 Intercultural Communication
• ECON101 Microeconomics
• ECON102 Macroeconomics
• EDUC200 Humane Education: A Global Interdisciplinary Perspective
• GEOG101 Introduction to Geography
• HOSP110 Practical Food Safety and Awareness
• IRLS210 International Relations I
• POLS101 Introduction to Political Science
• POLS210 American Government I
• PSYC101 Introduction to Psychology
• RELS250 Death and Dying
• RELS260 Race & Religion
• RELS270 Hope and Resilience
• SOCI111 Introduction to Sociology
• SOCI212 Social Problems
• SOCI220 American Popular Culture
• STEM280 Exploring Society and Cultures via Science Fiction

Communication: Writing, Oral, and Multimedia (9 semester hours)

COMM120 Information and Digital Literacy
ENGL110 Making Writing Relevant

Select 1 course from the following:

• COMM150 Emerging Technology for College Success
• COMM200 Public Speaking
• ENGL101 Proficiency in Writing
• ENGL115 Argumentation and Rhetoric
• ENGL210 Introduction to Literature
• ENGL220 Technical Writing
• ENGL221 Scientific Writing
• ENGL226 Effective Business Communication
• HRMT101 Human Relations Communication
• IRLS200 Information Literacy and Global Citizenship
• ITCC231 Introduction to Information Technology Writing
• MGMT100 Human Relations

History (3 semester hours)

Select 1 course from the following:

• HIST101 American History to 1877
• HIST102 American History since 1877
• HIST111 World Civilization before 1650
• HIST112 World Civilization since 1650
• HIST121 Western Civilization before The Thirty Years War
• HIST122 Western Civilization since The Thirty Years War
• HIST221 African-American History before 1877
• HIST222 African-American History since 1877
• HIST223 History of the American Indian
• HIST270 History of Science
• STEM185 The History and Context of STEM

Mathematics and Applied Reasoning (3 semester hours)

Select 1 course from the following:

• ACCT100 Accounting I
• ACCT105 Accounting for Non Accounting Majors
• ENTD150 Beginning Programming
• MATH110 College Algebra
• MATH111 College Trigonometry
• MATH112 Pre-Calculus
• MATH120 Introduction to Statistics
• MATH125 Math for Liberal Arts Majors
• MATH225 Calculus

Natural Sciences (3 semester hours)

Select 1 course from the following:

• BIOL180 Introduction to Biology
• BIOL181 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
• CHEM180 Introduction to Chemistry
• ERSC180 Introduction to Meteorology
• ERSC181 Introduction to Geology
• EVSP180 Introduction to Environmental Science
• PHYS180 Introduction to Physics
• SPST180 Introduction to Astronomy

Major Required (57 semester hours)

ARIN100 Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence
ARIN102 Prompt Engineering
ARIN210 Machine Learning in Business
ARIN211 User Experience Design
DATS200 Functional Methods and Coding
DATS281 Introduction to Python I
ARIN202 AI Software Foundations
ARIN220 Artificial Intelligence and Software Development
MATH302 Statistics
CSCI345 Algorithms and Data Structures II
CSCI360 Introduction to Database Systems
DATS211 Introduction to Data Science
DATS381 Behind the Data, Our values and beliefs
ARIN305 Artificial Intelligence Models & Data Resources
ARIN350 Artificial Intelligence Applications
CSCI381 Machine Learning
ARIN360 Collaborative Tools
ARIN450 Artificial Intelligence Advance Topics
ARIN410 Artificial Intelligence Impacts, Risks & Ethics

Final Program Requirements (3 semester hours)

ARIN499 Artificial Intelligence Capstone 

Elective Requirements (30 semester hours)

Bachelor of Science in Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biology helps you build a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. This online biology program offers virtual hands-on laboratory courses that reinforce key concepts through experimentation. You’ll study the scientific method, explore biological systems, and gain an understanding of cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and evolution—the fundamental principles shaping the life sciences.

The program emphasizes the theory and application of the biological sciences while developing your skills in scientific analysis, research, and communication. Students will investigate the relationships between humans and the natural world, preparing for a variety of careers or graduate study in biomedical sciences, environmental science, biotechnology, or other life science fields.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate a solid foundation in the biological sciences and related natural sciences.
• Apply the scientific method to investigate and solve problems in biology.
• Use critical thinking and data analysis to evaluate biological systems.
• Formulate and test scientific hypotheses using laboratory and quantitative biology methods.
• Communicate effectively across a variety of scientific and professional audiences.

Program Requirements (120 semester hours)

General Education (30 semester hours)

Arts and Humanities (6 semester hours)

STEM270 Thinking and Acting Ethically
PHIL202 Philosophy of Science

Civics, Political and Social Sciences (6 semester hours)

COLL114 Planning Your Future with Purpose in STEM

Select 1 course from the following:

• ANTH100 Introduction to Anthropology
• ANTH200 World Archaeology
• ANTH202 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
• CHFD220 Human Sexuality
• COMM211 Social Media and Society
• COMM240 Intercultural Communication
• ECON101 Microeconomics
• ECON102 Macroeconomics
• EDUC200 Humane Education: A Global Interdisciplinary Perspective
• GEOG101 Introduction to Geography
• HOSP110 Practical Food Safety and Awareness
• IRLS210 International Relations I
• POLS101 Introduction to Political Science
• POLS210 American Government I
• PSYC101 Introduction to Psychology
• RELS250 Death and Dying
• RELS260 Race & Religion
• RELS270 Hope and Resilience
• SOCI111 Introduction to Sociology
• SOCI212 Social Problems
• SOCI220 American Popular Culture
• STEM280 Exploring Society and Cultures via Science Fiction

Communication: Writing, Oral, and Multimedia (9 semester hours)

COMM120 Information and Digital Literacy
ENGL110 Making Writing Relevant
ENGL221 Scientific Writing

History (3 semester hours)

Select 1 course from the following:

• HIST101 American History to 1877
• HIST102 American History since 1877
• HIST111 World Civilization before 1650
• HIST112 World Civilization since 1650
• HIST121 Western Civilization before The Thirty Years War
• HIST122 Western Civilization since The Thirty Years War
• HIST221 African-American History before 1877
• HIST222 African-American History since 1877
• HIST223 History of the American Indian
• HIST270 History of Science
• STEM185 The History and Context of STEM

Mathematics and Applied Reasoning (3 semester hours)

MATH111 College Trigonometry

Natural Sciences (3 semester hours)

Select 1 course from the following:

• BIOL180 Introduction to Biology
• BIOL181 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
• CHEM180 Introduction to Chemistry
• ERSC180 Introduction to Meteorology
• ERSC181 Introduction to Geology
• EVSP180 Introduction to Environmental Science
• PHYS180 Introduction to Physics
• SPST180 Introduction to Astronomy

Major Required (43 semester hours)

CHEM133 General Chemistry I with Lab
BIOL133 General Biology I with Lab
CHEM134 General Chemistry II with Lab
BIOL134 General Biology II with Lab
SCIN211 Principles of Genetics with Lab
MATH225 Calculus
Select 1 course from the following:

• PHYS133 Elements of Physics I with Lab
• SCIN233 Physics I with Lab

BIOL240 Elements of Biological Chemistry
Select 1 course from the following:

• PHYS134 Elements of Physics II with Lab
• SCIN234 Physics II with Lab

MATH302 Statistics
STEM380 Coevolution of Society, Culture, and Technology
Select 1 course from the following:

• STEM470 Cybersecurity, Surveillance, Privacy and Ethics
• STEM471 Analytics, Algorithms, AI, and Humanity

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program and may select from a Concentration in General Biology, Concentration in Pre-Professional Health Studies, or Concentration in Synthetic Biology.

Concentration in General Biology (23 semester hours)

In addition to the general biology courses required in this major, the General Biology concentration offers advanced science courses that allow you to study biology at multiple scales. You’ll explore genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, plant biology, ecology, and evolution, gaining a broad understanding of the diversity of living organisms and their interactions within biological systems. 

Students will learn to apply scientific hypotheses, perform data analysis, and design experiments that examine organismal structure, function, and development. The concentration prepares students for research or graduate study in the biological sciences, as well as for careers in education, biotechnology, or environmental science. 

Objectives 

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to: 

• Describe the organization, functions, and biochemical pathways required for life at the cellular level. 
• Integrate the laws of chemistry and physics with the principles of cell biology. 
• Relate the structures and functions of multicellular organisms with the maintenance of homeostasis. 
• Apply the principles of genetics, heredity, and biological evolution. 
• Describe and evaluate research methods in biology and interpret experimental data. 

Concentration Requirements (23 semester hours) 

Select 1 course from the following: 

• MATH226 Calculus II 
• MATH303 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists 

SCIN314 Botany
BIOL241 Cell Biology
BIOL202 Principles of Microbiology with Lab
EVSP416 General Ecology
SCIN401 Mammalogy
BIOL250 Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I 

Concentration in Preprofessional Health Studies (23 semester hours) 

The Preprofessional Health Studies concentration focuses on biology and chemistry courses relevant to the health sciences. Students will study microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, and organic chemistry, building a strong foundation in the natural sciences to prepare for admission to medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, and other health professional schools. 

This concentration emphasizes research methods, biological systems, and the scientific method as tools for solving problems in the healthcare and medical fields. Students planning to enter the health professions will gain knowledge of human cell biology, genetics, and the biochemical principles underlying the structure and function of the human body. 

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to: 

• Integrate the principles of genetics, heredity, and biological evolution. 
• Describe the organization of the human body from the cellular level to organ systems. 
• Relate the structures to the functions of the organs of the human body. 
• Apply inorganic and organic chemistry to understand human physiology. 
• Summarize the interactions and impact of microorganisms on human health. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of research methods and scientific data analysis relevant to health science. 

Concentration Requirements (23 semester hours) 

Select 1 course from the following:

• MATH226 Calculus II
• MATH303 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists

BIOL202 Principles of Microbiology with Lab
BIOL250 Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I
BIOL251 Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II
CHEM233 Organic Chemistry I with Lab
CHEM234 Organic Chemistry II with Lab

 

Concentration in Synthetic Biology (23 semester hours)

The Synthetic Biology concentration offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and engineering. Students will examine how to design and construct synthetic biological systems by combining biological components, genes, and proteins to create new or improved biological functions.

Through coursework in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and systems biology, students develop the computational and laboratory skills necessary for synthetic biology research. The program explores topics such as gene expression, genome editing, and the ethical implications of creating engineered organisms with new capabilities for applications in biotechnology, medicine, and environmental science. 

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to: 

• Describe the organization, functions, and biochemical pathways required for life at the molecular and cellular levels. 
• Integrate the laws of chemistry with the principles of genetics, molecular biology, and systems engineering. 
• Differentiate the strategies by which gene expression is regulated in natural and synthetic organisms. 
• Explain genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques used in modern biological research. 
• Discuss the practical applications and ethical considerations of synthetic biology in addressing challenges in medicine, biotechnology, and public health. 

Concentration Requirements (23 semester hours)

MATH226 Calculus II
MATH303 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists
BIOL241 Cell Biology
CHEM233 Organic Chemistry I with Lab
CHEM234 Organic Chemistry II with Lab
BIOL301 Molecular Biology
BIOL404 Synthetic Biology

Final Program Requirements (6 semester hours)

SCIN400 Research Methods in Natural Sciences
SCIN499 Senior Seminar in Natural Sciences

Elective Requirements (18 semester hours)

It is recommended that students take 3 credits of a SCIN course to fulfill their elective requirements.