Would a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics be appropriate for artificial intelligence?

Question

I intend to by earn a BS in Computer Science, but I'd rather get an MS in Applied Math than Computer Science—for balance. However, I want to work in artificial intelligence, maybe for the defense department. Would the combination of Computer Science / Applied Math be appropriate for this goal? If so, what are some thesis topics for this field that would be relevant to AI? I was thinking operations research, since a lot of the problems it addresses are similar to those addressed by AI, except OR is for organizations and AI is more for individual 'agents'. But I welcome suggestions.

Answer 1

You are quite well informed and mature in your thinking for an undergrad. I completely agree that an applied math MS will greatly help your career. By all means go in for OR. You also have to do an advanced course in algorithms  in the CS dept that would deal with combinatorial search methods, and satisfiability algorithms. You are on the right track. Good luck!