Colleges Adapt to Rising Demand for AI Skills

Christian Vivas, a 37-year-old media studio owner, enrolled in Miami Dade College’s new artificial intelligence program after experimenting with ChatGPT to enhance his client communications. Vivas, who holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, has since integrated AI into nearly every aspect of his business, from generating images and videos to crafting marketing plans and social media content.

Vivas is not alone. Many of his classmates are adults already established in their careers, seeking to enhance their AI skills. The rapid adoption of AI in the labor market has prompted a surge in demand for AI education, not just in tech but in sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and media.

Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with AI competencies, even for non-technical roles. A global survey of over 1,000 large businesses found that 41% expect to reduce their workforce within five years due to AI. However, 77% of these companies plan to train their existing employees to work alongside AI, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report.

The number of job postings that include generative AI as a desired skill grew by 323% in the last year, from fewer than 16,000 to over 66,000, according to a report from labor analytics firm Lightcast. This trend has motivated colleges to expand their AI offerings.

Miami Dade College, for instance, launched its artificial intelligence certificate program in 2023, just over a month after ChatGPT was released. The program includes courses in machine learning, ethics, and natural language programming. Since then, the college has added associate and bachelor’s degree programs in applied AI.

Antonio Delgado, vice president of innovation and technology partnerships at Miami Dade College, emphasized the program’s accessibility. “We started developing this idea around the application of AI — how you can apply AI, how can you learn AI at a community college — where it is open to everyone, not just to a few who can get a master’s or PhD,” he said.

Miami Dade College also created Miami Tech Works in 2022, an organization that helps tech companies find skilled workers. Recently, more businesses outside the tech sector have sought out individuals with AI expertise.

Vicky Cheung, a former hospital employee, enrolled in Miami Dade College’s AI awareness certificate program after being laid off from her job of over two decades. Her AI courses, combined with her extensive work experience, helped her secure a new position as a process improvement analyst at another hospital.

“Enrolling in the program showed employers that I’m trying to find a way to improve my skill sets,” Cheung said.

Other institutions across the country are following suit, offering courses and programs in AI for non-computer science majors. For example, Harvard University offers a course on AI in business, and Central Michigan University has introduced a minor in AI.

As the demand for AI skills continues to grow, colleges are playing a crucial role in preparing the workforce for the AI-driven future.