The Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Track focuses on the ethical, societal, and organizational impact of AI. This track is ideal for students who want to work alongside AI technologies in roles that emphasize responsible AI, policy, governance, user experience, leadership, education, healthcare, business, or other fields where human judgment and ethical decision-making are essential.

While this track provides foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence and applied machine learning, it prioritizes critical examination of ethical challenges, bias, transparency, accountability, and the broader societal consequences of AI deployment.

You'll learn to assess AI systems responsibly, translate technical concepts for diverse stakeholders, and contribute to informed decision-making in organizational, regulatory, and public-sector contexts.

Courses include:

• Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
• Dark Side of AI (3 credits)
• Mind, Intelligence, and Machines (3 credits)
• AI, Law, and Public Policy (3 credits)
• AI Applications in Industry (3 credits)

In the Machine-Centered Intelligence Track, you'll develop the advanced technical skills needed to design, build, deploy, and evaluate intelligent AI systems. This track is ideal for students pursuing careers in AI engineering, machine learning, data science, intelligent systems development, robotics, and AI research.

Through applied and industry-focused coursework, students will gain experience designing, implementing, and evaluating AI systems and preparing them to contribute directly to technical innovation, system development, and research-driven applications of artificial intelligence.

This track is best for students with strong foundations in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or related technical fields.

Courses include:

• Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
• Machine Learning (3 credits)
• Deep Learning & Neural Networks (3 credits)
• Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
• Select one course from Human-Based Artificial Intelligence Track (above)

Built into the program is an independent graduate-level project, where you'll apply advance machine learning / A.I. concepts to a research problem or real-world application.

Students may collaborate with industry partners or pursue independent research, gaining valuable experience while building a portfolio of work that demonstrates your expertise.

Consistent with GMercyU’s core values and Mercy mission, both tracks of this degree emphasize the ethical use of artificial intelligence, where technological decisions carry significant social, legal, and moral implications.

The program fosters critical reflection, cultural understanding, and principled decision-making, equipping graduates to confront emerging ethical challenges with integrity and professional responsibility.

Cindy Casey, PhD
Position: Assistant Professor, Chair of the Computational Sciences Department
Did You Know? Casey earned her Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence. She has received multiple accolades for her research in digital forensics and cybersecurity, and she has consulted for law enforcement as well as the private sector.
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