I am thinking about this major but I’m not too into coding and don’t want to major or minor in it. Is coding a big part of AI, or is math (which I like) a bigger part?
Artificial intelligence is typically a subarea of computer science (and is very commonly offered in computer science departments), but computer science at the undergraduate level generally requires a broader coverage of subareas, rather than exclusive focus on one subarea.
To major in computer science, you will need to write software to implement the concepts taught in computer science courses (i.e. you will learn both theory and practice), and have good mathematical and logical thinking skills.
Many schools offer CS degrees with areas of specialization including AI. If you take this path coding will play a big part. If you investigate individual programs you may find some that also have a strong math component (that’s the path my S is taking). CMU actually offers a BS in AI (I think this just launched).
Is it possible to take an applied maths undergrad and then focus in on AI in graduate? Or would I be at a disadvantage
@pandawang16: I would make sure I have a solid foundation in (applied, pure, or - ideally - both) mathematics and statistics. If you do, whatever the applications of it might be called when you graduate - statistics, quantitative analysis, data science, AI or whatever term du jour will be in vogue - you will be in good shape. For the last 60 or so years, coding has been a big part of any work that stems from applied mathematics and statistics, however, how much code you will need to write depends on what you plan to do. Never hurts to learn how to program well though, it will help quite a bit…
I guess the short answer to your question #3 is yes. The classes you take in undegrad will determine if you will be at any advantage/disadvantage. My S works on AI projects with many grad students (and PhD candidates, and post docs) that do not have CS undergrad degrees.
Coding is a necessary means to an end.
It’s possible, but you would still need a strong foundation in computer science (including programming/coding). Most graduate programs in artificial intelligence are going to be based in computer science departments - or at least be heavily grounded in computer science - and will likely require a really strong basis in computer science.
What specifically interests you about artificial intelligence?