Interdisciplinary Studies, Human-Centered AI Concentration, B.A.

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The B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies has concentrations in the following areas: Capitalism Studies, Human-Centered AI, Film & Media Production, Gerontology, Health & Medical Humanities, and Women’s and Gender Studies. The program allows students to combine an interdisciplinary concentration in one of these areas with in-depth coursework in a disciplinary field to create an individually designed major reflecting their own interests. Through the combination of interdisciplinary and disciplinary coursework, students gain a deeper understanding of these areas of study from multiple perspectives and develop competencies in oral and written communication, critical thinking, data analysis, teamwork, and leadership.

All program-level Admissions and Progression Requirements are in addition to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Admission Requirements .

Admission Requirements

Open to all students
This program is housed in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) and must adhere to the requirements of the IDST. Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Studies website for IDST requirement details.

Freshmen and Transfers

All students must meet UNC Charlotte requirements for admission for undergraduate students. General advising for prospective and newly declared majors will introduce students to the curriculum and degree requirements so as not to delay graduation or result in higher costs to students.
See University Admission Requirements

Currently Enrolled Students

Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA unless it is their first semester at UNC Charlotte and a cumulative GPA has not been established.
Declaration of Major: Students who want to declare a major in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in HCAI should first meet with the HCAI Program Director, then complete the “Add IDST Major” form located on the Interdisciplinary Studies department website.

Degree Requirements

The UNC Charlotte College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Human-Centered AI. This program teaches students how to critically engage with intelligent systems, covering the full range of machine learning platforms; from the early history of thinking machines to modern generative artificial intelligence. Utilizing a humanities, earth, and social science lens, students will critique, evaluate, analyze, and develop strategies for both responsibly applying AI to solve contemporary problems and critically addressing the major societal and ethical issues posed by artificial intelligence in academic, professional, and civic life.

This program places the human experience, ethics, society, and history at the heart of AI study. Its unique focus is on preparing students by first ensuring they possess the foundational skills of a Humanities and Social Sciences education: critical thinking, analysis, collaboration, communication, research, and philosophy; essential human abilities necessary for success beyond the University. Additionally, the curriculum equips students with the necessary AI literacy, agency, skills, and application knowledge. This approach ensures graduates are competitive not just as AI users, but as human agents capable of engaging with AI ethically, responsibly, and in ways that empower their career pursuits rather than undermining them.

General Education (31-32 credit hours)

For details on required courses, refer to the General Education Program . Total hours to satisfy General Education Requirements may vary as some general education requirements may be double-counted in the major with departmental approval. Please see your advisor for information.

Foreign Language Requirement (0-8 Credit Hours)

For details on required courses, refer to the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences Foreign Language Requirement .

Major Requirements (33-39 credit hours)

Human-Centered AI Concentration Courses (21 Credit Hours)

The Human-Centered AI Concentration requires seven (7) core courses totaling 21 credit hours.

Foundations (6 credit hours)

Disciplinary Depth Coursework (18 credit hours)

Select 18 credit hours in a field of study that complements your concentration. A minor is preferred. An alternative course of study for disciplinary depth coursework is allowed upon approval by the Executive Director of Interdisciplinary Studies. A maximum of two courses (6 hours) from a student’s minor or alternative course of study for disciplinary depth can count toward the courses in their Interdisciplinary Studies concentration, allowing completion of the major in 33 credit hours with proper planning. No more than two courses (6 hours) from another declared major can count toward the student’s Interdisciplinary Studies major.

Unrestricted Elective Courses, Double Major and/or Minor to Complete Requirements for Graduation

Students must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate. This requirement can be fulfilled through a combination of elective courses, a minor, or a double major. The 120-credit minimum must be satisfied regardless of the specific academic path chosen (e.g., a minor combined with electives).

Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours; Major 33 credit hours ‘with proper planning’

Progression Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to continue in the major.