Solving Problems with Algorithms and AI

ITCS 6114 & 8114
Open Closing on September 22, 2025 / 1 spot left
Main contact
UNC Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Coordinator
4
Timeline
  • September 23, 2025
    Program start
  • October 2, 2025
    Project Brief & Requirements Report
  • October 18, 2025
    Data Understanding & Requirements Analysis
  • October 25, 2025
    Data Preparation & Preprocessing
  • November 1, 2025
    Initial Algorithm Design & Implementation
  • November 8, 2025
    Model Refinement & Iteration
  • December 4, 2025
    Program end
Program
1 projects wanted
Dates set by program
Preferred companies
Anywhere
Any company type
Any industries

Program scope

Categories
Software development Machine learning Artificial intelligence
Skills
computational thinking algorithms algorithm design problem solving artificial intelligence big data large language modeling machine learning methods computer systems artificial intelligence systems
Learner goals and capabilities

Our graduate learners bring strong skills in algorithm design, data structures, and computational problem-solving. They are capable of analyzing complex challenges, developing efficient solutions, and applying modern approaches—including AI and big data techniques—to real-world problems. Companies can expect motivated learners who can deliver computational thinking-oriented insights, prototypes, and optimized solutions to support decision-making and innovation.

Learners

Learners
Graduate
Intermediate levels
30 learners
Project
10-20 hours per learner
Coordinators assign learners to projects
Teams of 4
Expected outcomes and deliverables

Expected Outcomes for Learners:

Learners will strengthen their ability to analyze complex problems, design and implement efficient algorithms, and apply modern data structures, databases, and AI techniques. They will gain hands-on experience working with real-world data and industry challenges, improving both technical and professional skills.

Deliverables for the Employer:

Employers can expect clear documentation of problem analysis, algorithm design, and solution implementation, along with data-driven insights, computational thinking, prototypes, or visualizations tailored to the project. Final deliverables may include a written report, an application form, code, and a presentation summarizing findings and recommendations.

Project timeline
  • September 23, 2025
    Program start
  • October 2, 2025
    Project Brief & Requirements Report
  • October 18, 2025
    Data Understanding & Requirements Analysis
  • October 25, 2025
    Data Preparation & Preprocessing
  • November 1, 2025
    Initial Algorithm Design & Implementation
  • November 8, 2025
    Model Refinement & Iteration
  • December 4, 2025
    Program end

Project examples

Data Optimization: Designing algorithms to optimize logistics, scheduling, or resource allocation.

Big Data Analysis: Applying algorithms to extract insights from large or complex datasets.

AI-Enhanced Solutions: Implementing machine learning or AI techniques for prediction, classification, or recommendation.

Search & Matching Systems: Building efficient search, ranking, or recommendation algorithms for real-world applications.

Network & Graph Analysis: Applying graph algorithms to social networks, transportation systems, or supply chains.

Data Structure Design: Developing customized data structures for performance-critical applications.

Process Automation: Creating algorithmic workflows that improve efficiency or reduce manual effort.

Visualization & Reporting Tools: Turning raw data into meaningful dashboards and visual insights.

Additional company criteria

Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this program:

  • Q1 - Text short
    What real-world problem(s) would you like students to explore or solve using algorithmic approaches?
  • Q2 - Text short
    What type of data (or data access) can you provide, and are there any confidentiality restrictions we should be aware of?
  • Q3 - Text short
    Which outcomes or deliverables would be most valuable to your organization (e.g., reports, visualizations, prototypes, code)?
  • Q4 - Text short
    How often would you or a mentor from your organization be available to meet with students?
  • Q5 - Text short
    Are there specific tools, platforms, or programming languages you would prefer students to use?