An increasing number of U.S. universities are embracing artificial intelligence courses and degrees.

Colleges across the country are rapidly expanding AI-focused programs as demand grows from students and employers seeking graduates with the skills needed to navigate an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Purdue University is taking one of the boldest steps yet by requiring its incoming class of roughly 10,000 freshmen to complete AI coursework before graduation, The Washington Times reported.

The requirement will apply across nearly 200 degree plans at its West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses.

"We have reworked every plan of study ... to ensure there is an AI competency opportunity in each one," Purdue senior vice provost Haley Oliver-Jischke told The Washington Times.

She said the university believes AI is transforming the workplace and graduates must be prepared to use the technology responsibly.

Students will complete one to three credit hours using Google's AI software through projects tailored to their majors.

Purdue has also partnered with Google Cloud to give faculty and students access to advanced AI tools while emphasizing ethical use and critical thinking.

Purdue is hardly alone.

The New York Times recently reported that only five American universities offered AI majors in 2021. Today, at least 74 AI majors and 89 AI minors are available nationwide, with many more expected to launch this academic year as schools race to remain competitive.

Among the newest entrants is the University of Utah, which is introducing an undergraduate AI major this fall through its College of Engineering.

The program will cover machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, computer vision, and data analysis while incorporating instruction on the ethical use of AI.

The university is also adding a Business AI minor and graduate programs focused on AI-powered workplace writing and financial technology.

Meanwhile, the University of Idaho is launching bachelor's, master's, and engineering degrees in artificial intelligence while expanding its robotics curriculum with eight new AI-specific courses, Government Technology reported.

Faculty there say the goal extends well beyond chatbot technology.

"The real world of AI isn't just ChatGPT," robotics director John Shovic told Government Technology. "There's a whole lot more to it than that."

Supporters argue the new programs reflect employers' changing expectations as AI becomes integrated into manufacturing, finance, engineering, agriculture, and healthcare.

Still, some educators caution universities against rushing into trendy programs without sufficient academic rigor.

The New York Times reported that some professors worry schools could simply repackage existing computer science degrees instead of creating substantive AI curricula.