WEST LAFAYETTE — Beginning with this fall’s incoming class, Purdue University will require all undergraduate students to complete AI-focused coursework, positioning Purdue among the first universities in the nation to embed AI competency into every degree program. The new foundational learning outcome is designed to help graduates use AI tools effectively in their fields, understand the technology’s limitations, and adapt to future developments in a rapidly evolving workforce.
“At its core, this is about helping students develop critical thinking around AI and preparing them to succeed in the workforce,” said Haley Oliver-Jischke, senior vice provost for academic and student success. “We want Purdue graduates to develop the skills to be the leaders of AI systems rather than letting AI lead them.”
To integrate these skills across all degree programs, Purdue added an AI working competency as one of the university’s 10 core curriculum functional learning outcomes for undergraduates. Within weeks of the Board of Trustees’ December 2025 announcement, a cross-functional team identified, developed, and revised 22 courses to satisfy the requirement and updated more than 300 plans of study, all of which were approved by the Undergraduate Curriculum Council by April 1. Courses range from one to four credit hours each.
Most students arrive at Purdue with at least some experience using AI tools. This initiative is not focused on teaching students how to operate AI tools. Instead, it emphasizes critical thinking, responsible use, and intentionality when deciding if AI is appropriate for a particular task. Students will gain a foundational understanding of how AI is influencing their fields and future careers.
“In talking to some of our top students, we learned that how they’re seeing AI used in the workforce varies widely from how it’s typically used in the college setting,” Oliver-Jischke said. “From productivity to idea generation, it’s changing the nature of work.”
Just as AI tools vary in their capabilities, their application in the workforce differs across industries and professions. Purdue’s AI core curriculum courses will look a little different depending on which college a student’s major falls within.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming every sector of the economy, and Purdue has a responsibility to prepare our students for that reality,” said Lucy Flesch, the Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science. “As one of the first institutions in the nation to embed AI competency into every undergraduate degree program, Purdue is helping define what it means to be truly AI-ready. Our focus is not on teaching any one tool or platform, but on developing graduates who can thoughtfully evaluate, responsibly apply, and confidently adapt AI technologies as they evolve throughout their careers.”
For example, the course AI Applications in Food Science and Industry explores how AI is transforming food and agricultural systems, while also emphasizing AI literacy, critical evaluation of AI-generated content, data privacy, and ethical considerations. Through industry-inspired case studies and a project-based experience, students develop and present AI-enabled solutions to real-world challenges. Similarly, AI in Finance equips students with the knowledge and skills to ethically apply AI tools across key areas of the financial sector while building the strong financial foundation required for today’s evolving workforce. The course emphasizes practical, workplace-focused applications that prepare students for careers at the intersection of finance and emerging technologies.
University leaders expect the AI foundational learning outcome to evolve alongside advances in the technology. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into teaching, research, and the workplace, Purdue plans to update the requirement to ensure graduates remain prepared for emerging technologies and industry expectations.
