Some students jeered AI at college graduations. But it’s the elephant in the classroom.

As the academic year comes to a close, a growing number of colleges and universities are embracing the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence by introducing new majors and programs focused on the technology. This shift may seem counterintuitive, given the recent backlash against AI in some commencement speeches, where speakers were met with boos and jeers from students and faculty. However, experts say that the increasing importance of AI in various industries is driving demand for skilled professionals who can develop, implement, and manage AI systems. From data science and machine learning to robotics and computer vision, these new majors aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a world where AI is becoming increasingly pervasive.

Some commencement speakers were booed when they mentioned AI this spring, but colleges are adding majors focused on the technology.