AI and ML Education in Informatics
Because of the rapid evolution of technical solutions, it is critical to retool courses to continue meeting industry needs. Preparing for tomorrow’s artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) demands more than teaching algorithms alone. It requires fostering a deep understanding of how intelligence works across the entire domain of the program’s courses. Because of this, the Informatics program is moving to teaching AI across the curriculum.
Our undergraduate computing programs give students the foundations they need to excel in this dynamic field. Through an integrated journey that blends rigorous theory, hands-on engineering, and thoughtful exploration of AI’s societal impacts, students develop the skills and perspectives essential for the AI and ML careers of tomorrow.
The following table highlights key courses in our curriculum and their specific roles in shaping a well-rounded AI/ML education:
| Course | Course Title | Focus and Role in AI/ML Education |
|---|---|---|
| INFX 101 | Informatics Fundamentals | Students receive a foundational awareness of AI's pervasive impact on technology and society. |
| INFX 210 | Human-Computer Interaction | Include user needs in AI-enabled interfaces, explainability, trust, fairness, feedback loops, and ethical implications of AI systems. |
| INFX 301 | Computational Thinking. | Gives students introduction ML fundamentals where they will learn about the key ML concepts, explore various algorithms like regression, classification and clustering |
| INFX 321 | Network Security | Prepares students to defend enterprise networks against a variety of threats that have been enhanced by AI and ML. |
| INFX 322 | Cybersecurity Planning and Management | This course prepares students to adapt to a changing landscape where AI and ML are used to conduct sophisticated attacks against organizations. |
| INFX 330 | Information Management | AI is used to help develop the ERDs based on past business and compare the responses from students and AI. |
| INFX 380 | Systems Integration and Architecture | AI integration with customer service or human-computer interaction, such as AI chatbot, AI agent or hybrid platform |
| INFX 420 | Cryptography Applications | Students will possess the knowledge needed to preserve information and network security in the face of new threats posed by AI and ML. |
| INFX 435 | Business Intelligence and Advanced Databases | Includes conceptual and experiential learning about topics such as AI-powered database optimization |
| INFX 443 | Distributed Information Systems | AI in networking; foundations of AI, machine learning, and deep learning; AI and machine learning in network design. |
| INFX 490 | IT Project Management | Capstone: student-led AI/ML projects with mentorship, showcasing design, implementation, and creativity. |
Graduates of UL Lafayette’s computing programs emerge as well-rounded, forward-thinking professionals, ready to thrive as AI engineers, data scientists, software developers, or advanced researchers. They stand out not only for their technical expertise but for a principled, human-centered perspective, prepared to lead in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent systems.
Our graduates put these skills to work across Louisiana and beyond. Locally, they’ve helped drive innovation at CGI, Perficient, Techneaux, Stuller, McIlhenny, IBM in Baton Rouge, and GE in New Orleans. Others have launched careers with global leaders like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, HP, and Intel, applying AI and ML to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges. Many also contribute their expertise at national laboratories and across U.S. federal and state agencies, bringing intelligent systems to critical public and research missions.
Whether your goal is to push the boundaries of machine learning, build systems that adapt and learn on their own, or ensure tomorrow’s AI technologies are fair and transparent, you’ll find your launchpad here.