Show HN: OpenGrad – Self-directed, AI-facilitated graduate programs (realadeel.github.io)

OpenGrad has launched a groundbreaking approach to higher education by offering self-directed, AI-facilitated graduate programs that mirror the rigor of traditional doctoral studies. Designed for professionals, these programs demand a commitment of 10-15 hours per week, allowing participants to engage deeply with primary texts without the distractions of external input. The AI supports learners through curriculum design, Socratic dialogue, and rigorous evaluation, while deliberately refraining from intervening during the initial reading process. This unconventional model emphasizes genuine intellectual struggle, placing the onus on students to grapple with complex ideas independently before discussing their interpretations with AI. This initiative is significant for the AI/ML community as it challenges conventional educational paradigms, leveraging AI not as a crutch but as a tool for fostering critical thinking and robust philosophical formation. By maintaining high standards and encouraging deep engagement with material, OpenGrad sets a new precedent for graduate study that prioritizes personal development over credentialing. With its first program set to begin in January 2026, OpenGrad aligns with ongoing trends in education toward flexibility and personalization, and offers potential insights into the future of self-directed learning in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.