CCSU students should definitely consider minoring in artificial intelligence.

I believe establishing this minor will change how AI is seen in the classroom. All of my courses banned the use of AI, which deterred me from learning about it.

As a peer advisor at CCSU, I always encourage students to minor in something that stands out. Artificial intelligence will certainly allow you to stand out among applications. The only downside I see is that they did not do this sooner so more students could take advantage of this opportunity.

CCSU student Katrina Matthews, a cybersecurity major, said the AI minor is a good idea. Although AI can have negative effects, she said it is important to understand it and know how it works.

“It gives students the competitive edge to actually be able to have a better shot in the workforce post-graduation,” Matthews said.

Matthews said when you apply for jobs, they want you to have a lot of experience. She said the introduction of AI will open you up to new possibilities.

Dr. Kimberly Kostelis, CCSU provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, said the AI minor focuses on the application of AI.

Kostelis said this minor will empower you with the knowledge and skills to leverage AI tools theoretically and ethically in any career.

Kostelis knows some people are very skeptical of AI because some students use it to write their papers, she said. She adds that it is not going away, so we need to learn to be better consumers of AI.

“You have to learn how to utilize it correctly, and there could be many benefits,” Kostelis said.

She said the AI minor can be applied to any major and that you can declare it as early as fall 2024.