Major Minor
Major in Artificial Intelligence
Think critically • Solve problems with AI • Make an impact
John Brown University
2000 W. University St.,
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
What are you looking for?
In the artificial intelligence major, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving landscape of technology, providing a deep understanding of how to harness the power of artificial intelligence for real-world applications. At JBU, you'll be equipped to succeed.
Start your applicationJBU’s AI major provides an excellent opportunity to solve challenging real-world problems using logic and technology. A comprehensive understanding of the concepts and their application in problem solving using AI, ML, NLP, computer vision with power of big data and cloud computing prepares the students for a career in AI.
JBU is the first Christian institution to offer a major in artificial intelligence. You'll learn how to use this powerful tool to serve the kingdom in your vocation.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research jobs, including artificial intelligence specialists, will have a 23% growth in the next decade. JBU will equip you to succeed in this fast-paced field.
You’ll be able to incorporate AI technology with other academic areas such as business, data analytics, engineering, natural sciences, and industries like healthcare, computer science, robotics, manufacturing, e-governances, etc.
The Balzer Technology Center has 40,000 square feet of state-of-the-art labs and learning space.
With JBU's 4+1 program, you can begin taking master's level classes as an undergraduate and finish both your bachelor's in artificial intelligence and master's in cybersecurity in five years. (You can even finish online once you get a full-time job.)
Not only will you learn the latest in artificial intelligence, you'll be mentored by brilliant and experienced faculty who will help you succeed in this rapidly-evolving industry.
The AI major will prepare you for a rapidly evolving field.
Engineers and architects of big data design and develop systems that allow businesses to communicate and collect data, build various ML models and help widely in decision-making.
Learn more about our other engineering and computer science programs.
This course provides an introduction to artificial intelligence concepts such as AI Agents, logical programming, rules and facts, knowledge representation and reasoning, and decision making. Applications may include algorithms for robotics, expert systems, intelligent systems, chatbots, and recommendation systems.
This course provides a practical, hands-on introduction to machine learning. A variety of machine learning approaches will be discussed. These approaches may include linear regression, gradient descent, neural networks, reinforcement learning and/or other algorithms. The course contains a significant practical component, including several programming projects where students implement particular machine learning approaches.
A comprehensive and critical study of morality. Topics can include metaethics, normative ethics, or applied ethics.
An essential course in preparing the student for a role in software design and development. This engineering course covers the disciplined processes involved in software application/product development life-cycle - the analysis, design, construction, testing, and deployment. The focus will be on the practical aspects in preparing requirements specifications, drafting design diagrams, coding using any programming language of choice, and validating the developed product using industry-standard testing frameworks.
Dr. Shanon Vuglar joined the JBU engineering faculty in 2018. He received his B.Tech. (Aeronautical Engineering), B.E. (Electrical Engineering), and M.Sc. (Information Technology) from the University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australia, while serving in the Royal Australian Air Force. On completing his undergraduate degrees, he served as an Engineering Officer, predominantly working in the areas of Information Operations and Communications. In June 2015, he was awarded a Ph.D. (Electrical Engineering) from the University of New South Wales. His doctoral research was in the area of quantum control and considered the physical realizability of quantum systems. Before joining JBU, he held postdoctoral research positions at the University of Melbourne and Princeton University. He has published four journal articles and five peer-reviewed conference papers. Dr. Vuglar values being an active part of a vibrant Christian community and has led prayer and Bible study groups as well as serving on worship teams, playing saxophone and drums. He enjoys running, cycling, mountain biking, and skiing and in July 2018, he successfully completed his first Ironman Triathlon (Lake Placid, NY). He also enjoys playing chess and other board games.
Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering
Dr. Ted Song has served as Chief Intercultural Engagement Officer since 2021, as a member of the President’s Cabinet. He joined JBU in 2012 as a professor of electrical engineering and has held several leadership roles, including Chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee, Director of Innovation, and Chair of the Engineering, Computer Science, and Cybersecurity Departments. In 2023, he was also appointed as Chief Innovation Officer, helping lead the university’s academic innovation and strategic program development.
Ted grew up in both the U.S. and Korea and is a certified facilitator in Cultural Intelligence (CQ®). He was an ROTC cadet during his undergraduate years and later served as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in the Republic of Korea Army. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and an M.S.L. (Master of Studies in Law) from Samford University with a concentration in higher education law and compliance.
Outside of JBU, Dr. Song serves as a Peer Reviewer and Team Chair for the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), is an Appointed Member of the AI & Analytics Center of Excellence of the State of Arkansas, and serves on the board of the Western Benton County Partnership. He also chairs the Diversity & Inclusion Commission of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). A passionate educator and leader committed to Christ-centered higher education, he is the recipient of the 2012 Texas Exes Teaching Award, the 2018 JBU Faculty Excellence Award, and the 2022 Leading with Excellence Award from the Black Action Collective. In 2023, he was selected as an inaugural CCCU Presidential Fellow.
Ted and his wife, Michelle, live in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, with their three daughters. They are active members of Siloam Springs Bible Church (Evangelical Free Church), where Ted leads the College Ministry and serves as an elder.
Professor of Electrical Engineering; Chief Intercultural Engagement Officer, Chief Innovation Officer
Dr. Justus Selwyn holds a Doctorate in Computer Science with a specialization in Software and Knowledge Engineering. Before joining John Brown University, he spent two decades (2001–2021) contributing to academia, industry, and research across several Indian universities.
His research areas of interest include: Software Design & Engineering, data modelling, artificial intelligence in software system design & development. His scholarly work has been published in reputable international journals, and he has presented his research conferences in Germany, Israel, and the United States.
Alongside his academic career, Dr. Selwyn serves as a part-time software consultant, delivering software solutions to technology companies, non-profit organizations, small and medium businesses, Christian ministries, and former employers.
‘Keep things simple to build big’—a philosophy that guides his approach to teaching, research, family life, and community service, where he affirms that little things matter the most.
External links: http://justus.chordiels.com
Department Chair of Computer Science; Professor of Computer Science
Dr. John Lee joined the Engineering Faculty at John Brown University in the fall of 2018. Dr. Lee received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma Christian University in the spring of 2008 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with an emphasis in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in the spring of 2018. His doctoral dissertation is in fluid phase separation via nanochannel arrays for space propulsion. During his academic career he was afforded the opportunity to participate in numerous internships, including a research experience for undergraduates at the University of Arkansas, process engineering at Eaton Corporation, and a dynamics lab at Los Alamos National Labs. While finishing his dissertation research, he worked for WattGlass, a solar panel coating start-up at the University of Arkansas Engineering Research Center.
Dr. Lee and his wife, Nicole, enjoy spending time with their wonderful daughter, Zoey, and amazing son, Zane. They enjoy traveling as a family and experiencing other cultures, cuisines, and foreign landscapes. In his free time, Dr. Lee enjoys sporting events, golf, and woodworking. He and his family are members at Cross Church, Fayetteville.
Department Chair of Engineering; Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Tim Gilmour joined the engineering faculty in August of 2012. He teaches electrical engineering and computer science courses. He received his B.S.E.E. from Cedarville University in 2003, his M.S.E.E. from Penn State University in 2005, and his Ph.D. from Penn State University in 2012. In his master's research, he applied artificial intelligence methods to brain-computer interfaces. In his doctoral work, he applied signal processing techniques to investigate the impact of cell transplants on brain electrical activity in Parkinson’s Disease. He has published seven journal papers and presented several conference papers, and is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Arkansas. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and music. He is passionate about apologetics and spreading the good news about Jesus Christ.
Professor of Electrical Engineering
Dr. Hepsiba Mabel grew up in the Southern part of India and received an opportunity to begin her education at an institute that was established by her great grandparents, and college education at Sarah Tucker College, which was established by American Missionaries. After graduation, she began teaching undergraduate and graduate students. She loves to interact with and provide counseling to students, parents and has many success stories in placing students in top positions in their career and personal life.
Hepsiba has had many opportunities to serve the Lord, such as ministering in the college chapel, organizing and conducting fellowship meetings, and uplifting youngsters. Even to this day, she conducts daily devotions to Sunday school children & teenagers in her community to teach them the Scriptures and help them grow spiritually.
Hepsiba is married to Justus, also a professor at JBU. They have one son, Handel. All three of them are into music ministry and serving God in all possible ways.
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Mrs. Kimberly Cornett has been a dedicated member of the Engineering Department faculty since 2015. A proud alumna of John Brown University, she earned her B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering in 2007 before pursuing her MSEE from the University of Arkansas in 2009. Her master's research focused on the cutting-edge field of integrated circuit design for extreme environments, including applications in space, on the Moon, and Mars. Notably, some of the circuits she contributed to have even orbited aboard the International Space Station.
Prior to her return to academia, Mrs. Cornett gained valuable industry experience as a Servo Systems Engineer at Texas Instruments. There, she developed application-specific integrated circuits for the hard disk drive industry, cultivating her expertise in circuit design and verification, as well as project management.
Passionate about encouraging the next generation of engineers, Mrs. Cornett has served as the faculty advisor for the JBU Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers and actively participates in outreach events for young girls. Her commitment to excellence in teaching was recognized with the JBU Faculty Excellence Award in 2024.
Mrs. Cornett and her husband, Nick Cornett (a faculty member in JBU's Graduate Counseling program), have called Siloam Springs home since 2012. They are actively involved in their local church and cherish spending time with their daughter and two sons. In her free time, Mrs. Cornett enjoys baking, outdoor activities, hosting students for meals, and watching a variety of sports.
Assistant Professor of Engineering
JBU offers a variety of minors related to the engineering, computer science and cybersecurity fields.
Equip yourself for a successful career and a life of purpose.
JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.