This autumn, enrollment in computer science programs across the University of California system saw a decline for the first time since the dot-com bust, marking a 6% decrease following a 3% drop in 2024. The only notable exception was UC San Diego, which implemented a separate AI program. This trend reflects broader shifts in the educational landscape around artificial intelligence (AI).
Globally, attitudes toward AI are evolving. In China, universities are increasingly integrating AI as a fundamental skill rather than perceiving it as a threat. According to MIT Technology Review, nearly 60% of students and faculty at Chinese institutions utilize AI tools multiple times daily. Zhejiang University has made AI coursework mandatory, and Tsinghua University has established new interdisciplinary AI colleges. In this context, AI proficiency is seen as essential, not optional.
Universities in China are actively integrating AI skills, viewing it not as a threat but as a core infrastructure.
In the United States, similar initiatives are gaining traction. Over recent years, numerous institutions have introduced AI-focused programs. For instance, MIT’s major in AI and Decision Making has become the second-largest program on campus. The University of South Florida reported over 3,000 students enrolled in a recently launched AI and cybersecurity college, while the University at Buffalo debuted its “AI and Society” department, which received more than 200 applications for its new bachelor’s programs last summer.
However, not all responses to these changes have been positive. In a recent discussion, UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts highlighted a divide in attitudes toward AI integration. Some faculty members are eager to embrace AI, while others remain resistant. Roberts, who has a background in finance, is advocating for AI’s inclusion in the curriculum, despite opposition. Recently, UNC announced the merger of two schools to create an AI-oriented division, a decision met with some backlash. “No one will tell students after graduation: ‘Do your best, but if you use AI, you will have problems,'” Roberts remarked. “But now some faculty actually say that.”
Parental influence is also steering students away from traditional computer science disciplines. David Reynaldo of College Zoom noted that parents who once encouraged their children to pursue computer science are now instinctively nudging them toward majors perceived as less vulnerable to AI automation, particularly mechanical and electrical engineering.
Parents who once pushed for CS are now reflexively directing their children toward other fields that seem more resistant to AI automation, particularly mechanical and electrical engineering.
According to the Computing Research Association, 62% of respondents reported a decline in enrollment in computer programs this autumn. Meanwhile, interest in AI-related fields is surging. The University of Southern California is set to launch a degree in AI next season, with additional programs announced at Columbia University, Pace University, and New Mexico State University. This trend points to a growing preference for AI-focused educational paths over traditional computer science tracks.
The shifting focus toward AI in higher education is shaping future disciplines. Institutions are viewing AI not just as a subject but as a tool to enhance teaching quality. This perspective is fostering new interdisciplinary programs that blend technical disciplines with the humanities and social sciences. The demand for AI-related specializations is skyrocketing, outpacing the overall enrollment in computer science, which could redefine job market dynamics and better equip students for varied roles in the future digital economy.
Nevertheless, integrating AI into educational curricula will require careful consideration of associated challenges, including ethics, privacy, and accountability in technology use. In summary, the momentum towards AI-oriented programs continues to grow, prompting educational institutions to rethink their teaching strategies. As students increasingly gravitate toward fields focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and interdisciplinary studies, new opportunities arise for developing skills that are vital for adaptability and innovation in the evolving job landscape.
See also
Andrew Ng Advocates for Coding Skills Amid AI Evolution in Tech
AI’s Growing Influence in Higher Education: Balancing Innovation and Critical Thinking
AI in English Language Education: 6 Principles for Ethical Use and Human-Centered Solutions
Ghana’s Ministry of Education Launches AI Curriculum, Training 68,000 Teachers by 2025
57% of Special Educators Use AI for IEPs, Raising Legal and Ethical Concerns
