Apr 03, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Applied Artificial Intelligence Major, BS in Applied Artificial Intelligence


Students in the Applied Artificial Intelligence B.S. program learn core AI principles, algorithms, and models to prepare for diverse career path in AI. Students learn how to apply AI techniques to real-world problems while considering AI’s ethical, social, and legal impacts. Students will collaborate across disciplines, integrating AI insights and solving complex challenges using creative AI solutions while attaining job readiness through for-credit internships and project-based learning. The AAI program is a 120-credit, 4-year B.S. program that provides customizable transdisciplinary options including stackable certificates, concentrations and minors.

Campus: Knoxville, Distance Education


For additional information regarding distance education programs, including Admissions Requirements, visit https://volsonline.utk.edu/

Not every course is offered each term or available in all modalities. Students should review their degree audit regularly and work closely with their academic advisor to plan their courses and ensure timely progress toward degree completion based on course availability in their declared modality.

uTrack Requirements


Universal Tracking (uTrack) is an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester, known as milestones. Milestones include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA. uTrack requirements only affect full-time, degree-seeking students.

Credit Hours 15


Term 1 Milestone Notes


  • GPA of 2.5 or above

Term 2


Credit Hours 16


Term 2 Milestone Notes


  • GPA of 2.5 or above​​​​​​​

    Term 3


    Credit Hours 15


    Term 3 Milestone Notes


    • GPA of 2.5 or above

    Term 4


    Credit Hours 15


    Term 4 Milestone Notes


    • GPA of 2.5 or above
    • Define TOPS plan

    Term 5


    Credit Hours 15


    Term 5 Milestone Notes


    • GPA of 2.5 or above

    Term 6


    • TOPS Elective Credit Hours
    • TOPS Elective Credit Hours
    • Unrestricted Elective 3 Credit Hours

    Credit Hours 15


    Term 6 Milestone Notes


    • GPA of 2.5 or above
    • Complete at least four TOPS electives

    Term 7


    • TOPS Elective Credit Hours
    • Unrestricted Elective 3 Credit Hours
    • Unrestricted Elective 3 Credit Hours

    Credit Hours 15


    Term 7 Milestone Notes


    • GPA of 2.5 or above  

    ​​​​​​​

    Term 8


    • TOPS Elective Credit Hours 
    • TOPS Elective Credit Hours 
    • Unrestricted Elective 3 Credit Hours
    • Unrestricted Elective 2-3 Credit Hours

    Credit Hours 14-15


    Term 8 Milestone Notes


    • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above

    Total Credit Hours 120


    Footnotes


    1. See Transdisciplinary Options (TOPS) Electives Requirements below for additional information.
    2. Expanded Perspectives Electives must total 6 credit hours from any courses on the approved Arts and Humanities (AH) , Social Sciences (SS) , Global Citizenship - International (GCI) , or Global Citizenship - United States (GCUS)  or Applied Arts and Humanities (AAH)  lists​​​​​​​Engaged Inquiries (EI)  
    3. CECS 485*  has a prerequisite of CECS 385 .

    * Meets Volunteer Core  Requirement.

    Transdisciplinary Options (TOPS) Requirements


    1. Students must take 30 credit hours of Transdisciplinary Options (TOPS) credit.  
    2. Students must complete at least one certificate, minor, second major, or a second bachelor’s degree listed in the undergraduate catalog. 
    3. Students may select program electives from list below to satisfy TOPS credit requirements after completing one certificate, minor, second major, or second bachelor’s degree. 

    Applied AI Program Electives


    The program elective courses listed below are eligible for TOPS credit.  Please consult course catalog for specific course prerequisite requirements.

    Research, Ethics, and Philosophical Foundations