Report: 93% of Students Believe Gen AI Training Belongs in Degree Programs

The vast majority of today's college students — 93% — believe generative AI training should be included in degree programs, according to a recent Coursera report. What's more, 86% of students consider gen AI the most crucial technical skill for career preparation, prioritizing it above in-demand skills such as data strategy and software development. And 94% agree that microcredentials help build the essential skills they need to achieve career success.

For its Microcredentials Impact Report 2025, Coursera surveyed more than 1,200 learners and 1,000 employers around the globe to better understand the demand for microcredentials and their impact on workforce readiness and hiring trends.

Generative AI skills are important to employers as well, the survey found. Ninety-four percent of employers believe universities should equip graduates with gen AI skills for entry-level roles, and 92% said they are more likely to hire a candidate with a gen AI microcredential than someone without one. Roughly three-quarters of employers said they would hire a less experienced candidate who had a gen AI credential over someone more experienced without one.

Despite the demand for gen AI microcredentials among both students and employers, however, only 17% of students reported earning a gen AI microcredential to date.

Other findings from the survey include:

  • 89% of students said they are likely to enroll in a degree program with generative AI microcredentials, compared to one without microcredentials (36%).
  • 80% of entry-level employees with micro-credentials said they enhance their day-to-day job performance and boost their skill confidence.
  • 70% of entry-level employees with generative AI microcredentials said their productivity has increased, and more than 60% said they have developed better problem-solving skills.
  • 74% of employers report challenges sourcing generative AI talent.
  • 69% of entry-level employees would like employer-supported gen AI training; only 33% currently receive it.

The full report is available on the Coursera site (registration required).

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • student reading a book with a brain, a protective hand, a computer monitor showing education icons, gears, and leaves

    4 Steps to Responsible AI Implementation

    Researchers at the University of Kansas Center for Innovation, Design & Digital Learning (CIDDL) have published a new framework for the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence at all levels of education.

  • server racks, a human head with a microchip, data pipes, cloud storage, and analytical symbols

    OpenAI, Oracle Expand AI Infrastructure Partnership

    OpenAI and Oracle have announced they will develop an additional 4.5 gigawatts of data center capacity, expanding their artificial intelligence infrastructure partnership as part of the Stargate Project, a joint venture among OpenAI, Oracle, and Japan's SoftBank Group that aims to deploy 10 gigawatts of computing capacity over four years.

  • mathematical formulas

    McGraw Hill Intros AI-Powered ALEKS for Calculus

    McGraw Hill has expanded its lineup of ALEKS digital learning products with ALEKS for Calculus, bringing AI-powered personalized learning support to the calculus classroom.

  • glowing digital brain above a chessboard with data charts and flowcharts

    Why AI Strategy Matters (and Why Not Having One Is Risky)

    If your institution hasn't started developing an AI strategy, you are likely putting yourself and your stakeholders at risk, particularly when it comes to ethical use, responsible pedagogical and data practices, and innovative exploration.