Some students jeered AI at college graduations. But it’s the elephant in the classroom.

Graduates at U.S. colleges and universities received boos this spring when commencement speakers mentioned artificial intelligence, signaling unease about how the technology could reshape their careers. Schools are now rushing to address this anxiety by expanding AI-focused programs, aiming to shift perceptions of AI from a threat to a valuable tool. Nearly 200 AI bachelor’s degree programs and over 300 master’s programs are now available across the U.S., according to Programs.com. The University of Southern California is launching a $200 million AI initiative this fall, while Drexel University in Philadelphia is integrating AI into its cooperative education program and introducing an AI major. Employers have reportedly requested that students be trained in AI use, with Drexel’s interim dean, Ali Shokoufandeh, warning that job prospects will shrink for those without AI/ML skills within three years. A survey of nearly 10,000 students by education consulting firm EAB found that 42% expect AI to influence their career choices, and 10% have already changed majors due to AI. Half of the surveyed students expressed uncertainty about AI’s impact, though some see it as a helpful tool for simplifying tasks. Remington Ochoa, a graduating high school senior from Jersey City, New Jersey, initially resisted AI after seeing peers use it to cheat but later adopted it for research and creative projects, calling it a ‘teacher’ for problem-solving. Despite the optimism, faculty at institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, are urging caution and developing policies to prevent AI misuse. Drexel University hosted prospective AI major students, where attendees described AI as a tool for easing daily tasks and enhancing productivity. The shift in perception suggests colleges are making progress in framing AI as an asset rather than a looming threat to future careers.