Colleges Focus on AI Literacy and Competency

A July 9, 2026, Washington Times article examines Purdue University’s new artificial intelligence graduation requirement, which will make Purdue the first U.S. university to require all undergraduate students to demonstrate AI competency before earning a degree. Beginning with incoming freshmen, Purdue’s nearly 200 academic programs will incorporate AI-related learning opportunities designed to help students understand, evaluate, and responsibly use AI tools in their future professions. Purdue leaders argue that artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the workforce and that graduates need practical experience and critical-thinking skills to succeed in an AI-driven economy.

The article places Purdue’s initiative within a broader higher education trend, noting the rapid expansion of AI majors, minors, certificates, and curriculum reforms at colleges across the country. Supporters view these programs as a necessary response to employer demand and technological change, while some educators caution that institutions must balance AI adoption with maintaining strong critical-thinking skills.

Myers was among the higher education experts quoted in the article. He mentioned a new AI Certificate being introduced at Rollins College. “Campuses that are trying to come to a broad, general agreement about AI competency are going to find it to be challenging, because there are so many different perspectives on the best way to use AI and when to introduce students to different AI skills,” said Myers.

Read the full article here.