TL;DR Breakdown

  • Stanford University has seen a significant increase in AI-related classes, doubling the number of courses in the past five years. 

  • Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have sparked interest among Stanford students from diverse academic backgrounds. 

  • The fascination with AI at Stanford goes beyond monetary interests as students explore its potential to reshape society.

Stanford University, renowned for its close association with the tech industry, is experiencing significant changes driven by the generative AI craze sweeping through Silicon Valley. As interest in generative AI surpasses the hype surrounding cryptocurrencies, enrollment in existing artificial intelligence classes at Stanford has soared. The university has witnessed a doubling of AI-related classes over the past five years, reflecting the technology sector’s rapid growth. The accessibility of generative AI tools has further fueled curiosity among students from diverse academic backgrounds, who are now actively exploring the political, social, and philosophical implications of the AI revolution.

Increasing interest in generative AI

Traditionally, conversations about AI have been confined to individuals with technical expertise in machine learning, programming, or advanced mathematics. However, the recent surge of interest in generative AI can be attributed to the accessibility of tools like ChatGPT, which enables anyone to experiment and ponder broader questions surrounding artificial intelligence. Stanford students, regardless of their majors, are now engaging in discussions about GPT-4’s capabilities and expressing concerns about AI safety. The university has responded swiftly to accommodate this heightened interest, introducing many AI-related courses across various departments.

Stanford’s course catalog reveals a significant increase in AI-related offerings over the past five years. In the 2018-2019 school year, there were 72 courses with some connection to artificial intelligence, including only five specifically focused on generative AI. However, by the 2022-2023 school year, the number of AI-related courses had nearly doubled to 140, with 14 courses specifically addressing generative AI. This growth in course offerings has been complemented by a surge in enrollment in Stanford’s artificial intelligence-focused computer science classes. For instance, CS 224N, a popular course on natural language processing, experienced a remarkable increase in student enrollment, making it the most sought-after computer science class and the second-most enrolled course in the quarter.

Swift response from Stanford U professors

Stanford professors have been proactive in meeting the rising demand for AI education. Recognizing that instruction in AI should extend beyond Ph.D. programs in computer science, the university has initiated efforts to broaden the scope of AI education to include non-technical students. Professor Bryant Lin, for example, organized a class called “Generative AI and Medicine” in a matter of months, attracting significant interest and a waitlist of 36 students. The increased interest in AI has prompted experts like Peter Norvig to emphasize the importance of providing education that equips individuals from diverse backgrounds to understand AI’s societal impact, utilize available tools, and navigate potential risks and benefits.

The acceleration of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT has raised questions about the future of coding and essential academic skills. However, these concerns have not yet gained significant traction on Stanford’s campus. Students acknowledge that while generative AI simplifies the utilization of existing code, it also demands increased critical thinking skills from individuals. Instead of rendering academic skills obsolete, generative AI underscores the need for a deeper understanding of AI and its implications.

AI as a societal disruptor

The interest in AI at Stanford extends beyond the academic realm. With its deep connections to the venture capital industry, the university serves as a breeding ground for entrepreneurial endeavors. While some students draw comparisons between the AI hype cycle and the crypto craze of the past, they recognize that the fascination with generative AI stems from its potential to reshape society rather than purely monetary interests. Undergraduates, in particular, are engaging in AI experimentation, developing applications in various domains. However, most students are in the early stages of exploration and have not yet abandoned traditional career paths to launch AI startups.

Stanford University is witnessing a surge in AI interest as generative AI takes center stage. The university has responded by expanding AI-related course offerings and accommodating the growing demand. Students from diverse academic backgrounds actively discuss AI’s implications, reflecting the increasing accessibility and impact of generative AI tools. As Stanford continues to adapt its educational programs to cater to a broader audience, the focus remains on equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of AI and harness its benefits while being mindful of potential risks.