A photo of a hand typing on a laptop. In front of the laptop screen is a projection that shows an illustration of a brain and text that reads \"AI\"
This fall, VCU is introducing an interdisciplinary minor in AI studies in humanities and sciences that will explore AI from perspectives throughout the college’s disciplines. (Getty Images)

May 28, 2025

VCU introducing minor in AI studies that uses the humanities and sciences as a framework

Students can delve into the historical, ethical and critical implications of artificial intelligence.

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By Sian Wilkerson

Virginia Commonwealth University is broadening its artificial intelligence studies with a new minor that will explore the evolving technology through a humanities and sciences lens.

This fall, the College of Humanities and Sciences is introducing an interdisciplinary minor in AI studies in humanities and sciences that will explore AI from perspectives throughout the college’s disciplines.

“This will be a tremendous addition to student portfolios,” said Marcus Messner, Ph.D., associate dean for faculty and academic affairs in the college. “Students will not only learn about the history and ethical implications of AI but also about its impact on climate change, governance and digital rhetoric, as well as engaging in AI storytelling techniques and personal knowledge management.”

Messner and fellow associate dean Amy Rector, Ph.D., worked with colleagues throughout the college to discuss expanding AI-related offerings. Currently, there are 24 AI studies courses offered across its departments and schools.

“Our faculty saw a need to offer courses that study and research the impact of AI on society, science and humanity,” Messner said. “The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence course offered by our Department of Philosophy is already the most popular AI-focused course at VCU, and we intend to build on that success with more offerings in the humanities and sciences.”

As an intellectual and innovative hub at VCU, the college wants to put its “stake in the ground” in the field of AI studies, Messner added.

“Our students and faculty will play an important role in researching and studying the impact of AI,” he said. “The speed at which AI is developing and advancing into many aspects of our lives demands that we constantly innovate our curriculum to provide a cutting-edge education for our students.”

The goal is to add many of the course offerings to the general education curriculum in the future so they are available to every student entering the university.

VCU offers two other interdisciplinary minors related to AI: one in practical AI and one in mixed and immersive reality studies. Additionally, students can use these minors to design a customized major through the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program.