Portland University Launches AI Minor Program

Published Date : 29/09/2025 

The University of Portland's Shiley School of Engineering is launching a new 12-credit minor in Artificial Intelligence (AI), designed to provide students with a deep understanding of AI and its applications across various fields. 

The Shiley School of Engineering at the University of Portland (UP) is taking a significant step forward in the field of technology with the introduction of a new minor in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This 12-credit minor aims to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI.

The university has offered courses in AI since 2018, but this is the first semester where the computer science faculty have structured a series of courses to form a cohesive minor. Tammy VanDeGrift, the interim dean for the Shiley School of Engineering and a professor of computer science, emphasizes that the minor goes beyond the popular trends in AI.

“AI is much broader than ChatGPT,” VanDeGrift said. “It encompasses a wide range of techniques and applications that have been developing over decades.”

AI has a rich history, and its recent surge in popularity can be attributed to the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a free demo version that brought generative AI into the mainstream. However, the principles of AI and machine learning, such as model building and probability theory, have been around for a long time. The recent advancements in data storage and access have opened new avenues for applying these techniques.

VanDeGrift explains, “We can now store data in ways that were previously impossible, and we have access to data that was once out of reach. This has allowed us to apply AI techniques in innovative ways.”

The AI minor is open to all students, regardless of their major, and is designed to complement a wide range of fields. Andrew Nuxoll, an associate professor and department chair of computer science, likens computer science to chocolate, suggesting that it pairs well with other disciplines.

“Computer science is like chocolate, it goes really well with something [else],” Nuxoll said.

For students new to the field, the course Introduction to Computer Science provides a foundational understanding of the minor. Upper-division courses, such as the Computer Science Seminar, build on this knowledge by delving into programming, mathematics, and the ethical dilemmas faced by AI professionals.

One of the highlights of the curriculum is the hands-on experience students gain. In Nuxoll’s AI class, CS 421, students are working on a game called ReAntics, a two-player game where at least one player is an AI. Nuxoll has developed a custom environment for the class, which is designed to be simple enough for students to write AI to play but complex enough to challenge them.

“I have a custom environment I use in the class,” Nuxoll said. “It's a game that's simple enough to write an AI to play but complicated enough to make it a challenge.”

Despite being a new minor, students are already eager to declare it. Chengen Li and Joshua Krasnogorov, two junior computer science majors, have scheduled appointments with their academic advisers to declare the AI minor. Li believes that the minor will enhance his resume and make him more competitive in the job market.

“A lot of companies are moving towards AI, and I feel like keeping up with that demand is a necessary skill to have. There's not a whole lot of engineers that know a lot about AI or how to create that,” Li said.

Krasnogorov adds that AI programming is more accessible than it might seem, especially for those with a background in mathematics. “This is an oversimplification, but it's all matrix multiplication. And when you get down to it, everything is linear algebra. But you don't really need to be super math-heavy to get it. It's just syntax,” Krasnogorov said.

While math majors might have an advantage due to their expertise in linear algebra or coding, other majors can also benefit from the AI minor. Li points out that AI has significant applications in the medical field, where machine learning can help detect certain cells from images that might be missed by human doctors.

“AI in the medical field, especially machine learning, can detect certain cells from an image that maybe some doctors might have missed. I think AI is very good for it, and I think it benefits society,” Li said.

Krasnogorov encourages his peers to consider the AI minor. “I know there are some smart people out there who can pick up almost anything, and if it's one of those things where you can get into a subject and learn it quickly, then why not? To the dean and whoever made it happen, I would like to say thank you, because it's a minor that is really convenient for computer science students,” Krasnogorov said.

The introduction of the AI minor at the University of Portland is a significant step towards preparing students for the future of technology. It not only equips them with the skills needed to succeed in the job market but also encourages them to explore the ethical and societal implications of AI. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the new minor introduced by the University of Portland?

A: The University of Portland has introduced a new 12-credit minor in Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the Shiley School of Engineering.

Q: When did the University of Portland start offering AI courses?

A: The University of Portland has been offering AI courses since 2018, but the structured 12-credit minor is new for the current semester.

Q: Who is the interim dean of the Shiley School of Engineering?

A: Tammy VanDeGrift is the interim dean for the Shiley School of Engineering and a professor of computer science at the University of Portland.

Q: What is the significance of the AI minor for students?

A: The AI minor is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of AI and its applications, making them more competitive in the job market and preparing them for the future of technology.

Q: What is one of the key courses in the AI minor?

A: One of the key courses in the AI minor is CS 421, where students work on a game called ReAntics, a two-player game where at least one player is an AI. 

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