Artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm, and Michigan State University is responding. The university introduced an AI minor, added topics to existing courses and created two brand-new AI classes.
Conversations surrounding AI curriculum have occurred throughout the university since 2023, which led to an AI concentration within the computer science department. The concentration has evolved into a minor that serves multiple disciplines.
Employers, alumni and current students have expressed the necessity of understanding AI in an evolving workplace.
“The College of Engineering and MSU recognize that our graduates will be entering a world where AI literacy is an expectation,” Associate Dean for Academic Programs, College of Engineering S. Patrick Walton said to The State Newsto responsibly and productively apply these tools to augment their work.”
Additional courses centered around AI fundamentals were ideated in 2025 and were able to launch due to the university’s AI Ready Spartans Initiative, which funds faculty proposals to integrate AI responsibility into undergraduate learning.
The initiative was launched in April by the Office of the Provost and Green and White Council — a team of 18 statewide business and civic leaders partnering with the university to prepare students for future jobs. President Kevin Guskiewicz created the council in April 2025.
A $5 million donation from an anonymous Eli Broad College of Business alumnus helps support the council’s initiatives.
The College of Engineering spent time developing the AI minor in 2024, talking to various departments across MSU in order to support disciplines outside of computer science. The minor was formally proposed last fall and launched this academic year.
“We need to make sure that students are well equipped to use these tools so they don’t get left behind by people who are using them,” Marilyn Wulfekuhler, a professor of instruction in the College of Computer Science and Engineering said. “The AI minor in computer science is going to be geared towards people who want to work on improving AI itself. They really need to understand the theory behind how it works and what it’s doing, so that they can continue to advance the field.”
The minor consists of 22 credits and is designed to provide the fundamentals of computing and an understanding of how AI systems develop and operate. Most of the minor’s requirements are computer science classes.
“The core of the minor is CSE 345, Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, which introduces the fundamental concepts and techniques used in artificial intelligence,” Walton said. “Students then select an elective from a range of advanced AI topics, including AI agents, deep learning, biometrics and autonomous vehicles.”
Increased AI in core engineering classes
Most first-year engineering students will now be exposed to AI in their introductory courses, EGR 100 and 102.
