Enrollment in computer science programs is witnessing a notable decline across UC campuses for the first time since the dot-com bust, with a 6% drop this year following a 3% decrease in 2024, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. In contrast to a national rise of 2% in overall college enrollment, the trend highlights a growing disinterest in traditional CS degrees among students. UC San Diego stands out as the sole UC campus to introduce a dedicated AI major this fall.
This shift may initially appear to be a fleeting reaction to rising concerns over job prospects for CS graduates. However, it likely signals a broader transformation in the educational landscape influenced by global trends. In China, universities are embracing AI literacy as essential, with MIT Technology Review noting that around 60% of students and faculty engage with AI tools daily. Institutions like Zhejiang University now mandate AI coursework, while Tsinghua University has established interdisciplinary AI colleges, making fluency in AI indispensable for students.
In an effort to adapt, numerous U.S. universities are rapidly developing AI-focused programs. MIT’s “AI and Decision-Making” major has become the campus’s second-largest discipline, and the University of South Florida’s new AI and cybersecurity college welcomed over 3,000 students last semester. Similarly, the University at Buffalo recently introduced an “AI and Society” department, generating significant interest with 200 applications prior to opening.
Nevertheless, the transition isn’t uniform. UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts illustrated a divide among faculty, with some enthusiastically adopting AI while others remain resistant. Despite facing pushback, Roberts has championed the integration of AI, underscoring the necessity for universities to adapt or risk losing credibility.
Parental influence is also shaping this transition. Admissions consultant David Reynaldo noted that parents, once inclined to promote computer science, are now guiding their children towards other majors perceived as less vulnerable to automation, such as mechanical and electrical engineering.
Current data from the Computing Research Association indicate that 62% of responding institutions reported declining undergraduate enrollment in computing programs this fall. Meanwhile, interest in AI majors is surging, with universities like USC, Columbia, Pace, and New Mexico State planning to unveil new AI degrees. This suggests that students are not turning away from technology entirely; instead, they are gravitating towards programs centered on AI.
While it’s unclear if this trend represents a permanent shift or a temporary reaction, it serves as a crucial wake-up call for academic administrators. The focus has moved from debating the use of AI tools like ChatGPT to urgently determining whether American institutions can adapt swiftly to this evolving educational landscape.
