Higher education institutions expand AI academic programs

Universities across the United States are rapidly expanding their academic offerings to include artificial intelligence, driven by student demand and the evolving job market. At Bentley University, enrollment in its AI major has grown to nearly 100 undergraduates this year, following initial skepticism during its 2024 launch.

Other regional institutions, including MIT, Northeastern University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, have also implemented AI majors. Nationally, more than 100 universities now offer AI within computer science departments, a figure that has nearly doubled in the past year.

To complement traditional degrees, UMass Boston has introduced an AI microcredential program through the Paul English Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute. This program utilizes short-term classes and contests to provide practical, ethical AI skills that can be updated more quickly than traditional academic curricula to keep pace with technological advancements.