Artificial intelligence (AI) is booming, driven by large language models since late 2022. While most focus is on machine learning, OBU’s computer science – AI emphasis returns to AI’s roots in logic, philosophy, and cognitive science. Students gain practical skills in Python, databases, machine learning, and classic AI, alongside courses in philosophy and psychology, offering a uniquely broad, interdisciplinary foundation to advance the state of the art in artificial intelligence.
Benefits of an OBU Computer Science Degree – AI Emphasis Degree
A Broader Vision for AI
Most AI programs focus on the statistical machine learning algorithms that are so popular and successful today. There is much more to AI than this approach. We are seeing that such approaches have their problems (so-called hallucinations). Leading researchers in the field note that these statistical approaches need to be augmented by non-statistical methods. This approach has a name: neuro-symbolic AI that combines the best of statistical methods with the best of other methods, such as logic programming and expert or rule-based systems. Treating all approaches as equally valuable will give students a broad and diverse toolkit for solving AI’s most challenging problems. In addition, the students will be exposed to the theoretical foundations of intelligence in logic and cognitive science that will inform their practical solution development.
Why OBU for Computer Science?
As a Christian liberal arts university, OBU is dedicated to the pursuit of raising up the next generation of technology professionals with the knowledge and experience needed to begin their career, and with the virtues and ethics necessary to bring about positive change in the world, both today and into the future.
OBU’s computer science program offers you a solid foundation in advanced mathematics, computer programming, software engineering, computer hardware, artificial intelligence, data science and analytics, databases and full-stack application development.
OBU’s computer information systems program offers you a solid foundation in multiple business disciplines (accounting, finance, marketing, management), computer programming, artificial intelligence, data science and analytics, databases and full-stack application development.
Both programs are unique within the overall OBU community experience: a grounding in Christian liberal arts; a broad computer science education; and practical, and project-based course work.
Incredible Education, Affordable Cost
At OBU, we believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of your purpose. With generous scholarships and 100% of students receiving aid, your future is within reach.
To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be,please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is, especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!
Scholarships and Grants$60,000
minimum university scholarship per student
over four years
100%
of all OBU students receive financial aid$24,000
average annual financial award
based on 2022-23 IPEDS data
Program Information
Faith Integration
Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) often assume a naturalist worldview—that the mind emerges from the brain and machines will one day match or exceed human intelligence. For Christians, AI raises vital questions about what it means to be human. This program helps students explore the integration of a Christian worldview with computer science and AI by engaging books and articles that examine these topics through a biblical lens, challenging the idea that STEM is worldview-neutral.
Job Opportunities and Outcomes
Current AI, specifically LLMs, have reached a point of diminishing returns. More computation power and more data are not going to solve the fundamental problem of “hallucinations.” What the market needs are AI practitioners with a grounded in all aspects of AI – statistical and symbolic. This breadth of knowledge and skill will satisfy the coming demand for workers that understand the limits of current solutions and have the tools to address and mitigate these limits.
Labs and Resources
Students will work in the Cloud to take advantage of the latest software and libraries in the field.
Internships
Some faculty actively consult within the AI industry. We will use these contacts to identify and place students in leading-edge internships.
World-Class Faculty
OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.
Lawrence Peitz Chair of Business
Assistant Professor of Computer Information Science