Computer Science faculty at Northeastern’s Roux Institute are proposing an AI-Application focus for students seeking graduate degrees in Data Science (MS DS), Artificial Intelligence (MS AI), or Computer Science (MS CS).
The focus prepares students to design and deploy professional-grade AI Applications by threading real client projects throughout the curriculum—from introductory courses through capstone work.
For example, Bangor Savings Bank—a founding partner of The Roux—may need AI-powered tools for mortgage underwriting and customer service that meet rigorous financial industry standards. The Roux Institute provides opportunities because it is co-located with Northeastern’s Institute for Experiential AI (EAI), a research institute that develops practical AI applications by operating the Solutions Hub—a consulting practice that delivers production systems to paying clients with real requirements, deadlines, and quality standards. In their first courses, students may engage with a company like Bangor Savings through XN experiences that expose them to client requirements and professional workflows. They progress to building and testing system components in courses like cloud computing (for scalable deployment), full-stack web development (for complete applications), and software engineering (for robust, maintainable code). By capstone, they architect complete solutions, manage stakeholder communications, and deliver systems that meet production standards—gaining the project management and quality assurance experience that employers value.
This approach is possible because of Roux’s scale, mission, and location. Being co-located with EAI gives our students direct access to live projects and mentorship from practitioners who build systems for organizations like Bangor Savings Bank and MaineHealth. EAI staff collaborate with Roux faculty to provide project briefs, review student work, and guide professional development. As a network campus designed for innovation, we can coordinate this partnership across courses without creating new administrative structures. Our flexible course charters allow participating faculty to build sustained engagement with professional AI development throughout the student experience.
The result: graduates who combine technical depth with professional experience, making them immediately productive in AI roles.