AI Assistants Spark Interest Across Campus Disciplines, Colleges Adapt to Meet Demand
A growing number of students from various majors are taking an interest in artificial intelligence, prompting colleges and universities to adapt their course offerings. This shift is evident at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where Faith Maeba, a psychology major, initially hesitated when her mother suggested she enroll in AI classes but eventually decided to pursue a minor in the subject. According to Maeba, 21, studying AI has given her an edge and helped her stand out among peers.
Despite declining enrollment in computer science programs nationwide, colleges are experiencing increased demand for courses on artificial intelligence. This trend is attributed to the growing recognition that new graduates need some level of AI literacy to be competitive in their respective fields. Peter Stone, chair of computer science at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasizes the importance of democratizing access to AI knowledge, stating that ‘everybody needs a degree of AI literacy’ similar to math and reading skills.
Several institutions are responding by introducing new programs or requirements related to AI. For instance, Purdue University has implemented an AI graduation requirement, while Harvard University is incorporating large language models into freshman writing classes. Ohio State University’s AI fluency program includes hands-on workshops for students from various disciplines. Additionally, undergraduate and graduate degrees focused on AI are proliferating across the country.
At Northwestern University, computer science faculty members have shifted their focus to teaching non-majors due to a decline in incoming computer science majors. The school is adding an AI major while streamlining prerequisites to make it easier for students from other disciplines to take AI or machine learning classes. Samir Khuller, chair of the computer science department at Northwestern, notes that ‘classes are going to be a lot more accessible moving forward’ as the university tries to hire three additional professors.
The trend is not limited to traditional universities; community colleges and online programs are also adapting to meet the growing demand for AI education. Johnson County Community College in Kansas City offers an AI certificate program, while Southern New Hampshire University has developed an online graduate degree in applied AI. These institutions recognize that AI can bridge the gap between novice and expert levels, making it more accessible for students from various backgrounds.
Professors are working to prepare students for a wide range of career goals involving AI. At VCU’s AI minor program, Althea Pappas is exploring philosophical questions related to AI, such as ‘what happens when we create actual life?’ Meanwhile, aspiring neurologist Makenzie Stovall sees the potential for AI to emulate human brain functions and believes studying it can help her better understand how to improve brain function.
The pace of change in course offerings has been remarkable, with institutions often struggling to keep up with the rapid advancements in AI technology. Paul LeBlanc, a visiting scholar at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, notes that ‘it’s impossible to keep up with the technology’ but acknowledges that this is true for every organization today.
Community colleges are particularly well-positioned to adapt quickly due to less stringent approval processes. One such institution in suburban Kansas City recently offered a non-credit course on ‘vibe-coding,’ which teaches nontechies how to create working software using AI tools. Grant Carlson, program coordinator for workforce development and continuing education at Johnson County Community College, emphasizes that AI can shrink the distance between novice and expert levels.
Colleges are also recognizing the need to prepare students for a future where AI will be increasingly integrated into various industries. At VCU, Andrew Arroyo, senior vice provost of academic affairs, notes that course design and approval processes have accelerated significantly in recent months, with some courses being approved within weeks.
The growing interest in AI education has sparked concerns about the potential for AI to encroach on human skills. Murtaza Ali, a doctoral candidate at the University of Washington whose research focuses on computer science education, warns that even if AI is used solely for writing code, it can eventually lead to a lack of understanding among college graduates regarding basic concepts in their field.
Despite these concerns, colleges and universities are committed to providing students with comprehensive knowledge about AI. By adapting course offerings and requirements, institutions aim to equip future professionals with the necessary skills to navigate an increasingly AI-driven landscape.