Dear Roadie,
My teen wants to major in AI. I know it’s the future, but it’s hard to tell which programs are legit and which ones are just riding the hype. How do we find a school that actually prepares students for the real world?
— Future-Proofing Parent
Dear Future-Proofing Parent,
Take a deep breath—you’re not alone. A growing number of parents are asking the same question as teens eye AI as the hot new major. Between ChatGPT, generative art, and viral robot dog clips, artificial intelligence feels like the only future that matters. But what does it really mean to major in AI—and is it worth betting your kid’s education on a trend?
First, let’s talk reality. AI isn’t the future, it’s the present (hint: it’s already here). AI isn’t just a buzzword, either; it’s a real and expanding field, with subdisciplines in machine learning, robotics, data science, ethics, and more. The job market needs talent here. But—and this is key—not all AI programs are created equal.
Some schools are scrambling to bolt “AI” onto outdated computer science courses, while others genuinely offer robust, interdisciplinary programs that blend engineering with philosophy, linguistics, and design thinking. Look for programs that emphasize applied problem-solving and critical reasoning, not just coding. The future belongs to those who can shape and challenge AI tools, not just build them. This means you don’t need to be leaning into STEM to succeed the same way you would if you were majoring in chemical engineering, for example.
That said, a broader crisis is unfolding in higher ed that’s hard to ignore. Students across the country, from Utah to the Ivy League, are openly admitting that AI now does most of their homework—writing essays, completing assignments, even prepping for interviews. One undergrad bluntly said, “College is just how well I can use ChatGPT at this point.” Professors feel like they’re grading bots. Employers are pulling back on campus recruiting because GPAs no longer signal ability or effort. And in some circles, there’s real fear that students may graduate functionally illiterate.
But AI didn’t cause this problem—it just exposed it. For years, school has felt like a high-stakes obstacle course focused on grades, not growth. Now that shortcuts are instant and undetectable, the system’s cracks are impossible to ignore.
So what should your teen do?
Encourage them to treat AI as a tool, not a destination. The best preparation for the future isn’t just studying artificial intelligence—it’s learning how to solve messy, ambiguous problems with it. That means working on real-world projects: launching a product, building an app, organizing an event, or even starting a small business. Use AI to brainstorm, build, or scale—but let your teen be the irreplaceable human at the center of it all.
The most valuable graduates won’t be the ones who “majored in AI.” They’ll be the ones who learned how to think critically, collaborate deeply, and turn big, messy challenges into new ideas.
In short: Support your teen’s curiosity—but vet the program, not just the brand name. The right school won’t just teach AI. It’ll teach your kid how to build a future with it.
_______
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