Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the introduction of new undergraduate majors in Chinese universities for 2025, highlighting the significant focus on low-altitude technology and engineering, which is expected to become a leading field in the coming years due to the burgeoning low-altitude economy [2][4][5]. Group 1: New Undergraduate Majors - A total of 239 new undergraduate majors have been proposed, with 863 applications from various universities, including prestigious institutions like Fudan University and Nanjing University [2]. - The low-altitude technology and engineering major has the highest number of applications, with 120 universities applying, indicating a strong demand for talent in this emerging field [4][5]. - Other new majors include network space security, information security, and various educational disciplines such as sports training and artificial intelligence education, reflecting a diverse range of employment opportunities [2][5]. Group 2: Employment Opportunities - The introduction of new majors is primarily driven by employment needs, with the education sector being the largest employer of university graduates, accounting for 13.9% of employment in 2024 [9]. - There is a significant talent gap in low-altitude technology, with an estimated annual demand for 4,000 professionals, while only 360 students are expected to be admitted in the first year [5]. - The education sector is experiencing a recovery, with a rising trend in employment opportunities, particularly in artificial intelligence education, where there is a reported shortage of over 500,000 qualified teachers [10][9]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The low-altitude economy is on the verge of rapid development, supported by technological advancements and policy backing, necessitating a skilled workforce to sustain growth [5][6]. - The sports industry is also evolving, with new majors in sports training and management being established to meet the demand for high-level sports talent, driven by recent policy changes [12][13]. - The sports industry has shown significant growth, with an annual increase of 11.6% in value added, indicating a shift towards becoming a pillar industry in the economy [14].

Group 1: New Undergraduate Programs - The Ministry of Education announced 239 new undergraduate programs for 2025, totaling 863 applications from various universities, including top institutions like Fudan University and Nanjing University [1][2] - The most popular new program is Low Altitude Technology and Engineering, with 120 universities applying, indicating a significant push towards developing talent in the low-altitude economy [1][2] - Other new programs include disciplines in sports training, artificial intelligence education, and e-sports management, reflecting a growing demand for skilled professionals in these areas [1][5] Group 2: Employment Trends - The education sector remains the largest employer for university graduates, with a reported employment rate of 13.9% for the 2024 cohort, showing a recovery trend since the "double reduction" policy in 2021 [5][6] - There is a significant talent gap in low-altitude technology, with an estimated annual demand for 4,000 professionals against a planned enrollment of only 360 students in the first batch of universities offering this program [2][3] - The introduction of new programs is largely driven by employment needs, with both new and traditional sectors creating job opportunities through transformation and innovation [1][5] Group 3: Industry Development - The low-altitude economy is on the verge of rapid growth, supported by technological advancements and government policies, yet faces challenges such as talent shortages and market fluctuations [2][3] - The sports industry is also evolving, with a 11.6% annual growth rate in value added since the 14th Five-Year Plan, indicating a shift towards becoming a pillar industry in the economy [12] - The establishment of new programs in sports training and related fields aims to address the demand for high-level sports talent in educational institutions and the broader sports industry [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and importance of college major selection for high school graduates, particularly in light of the introduction of 29 new majors, including artificial intelligence education, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in emerging fields [2][22]. Group 1: Importance of Major Selection - The debate between the significance of exam scores and the choice of majors has intensified, with a shift towards emphasizing the latter as a critical factor in shaping students' future career paths [2][3]. - The introduction of new majors provides students with more diverse options, highlighting the urgent need for talent in fields like artificial intelligence [2][5]. Group 2: Employment Perspectives - Choosing new majors presents both risks and opportunities; while they align with current market demands, graduates may face uncertainties due to the lack of established educational frameworks [5][8]. - The rapid growth of industries like artificial intelligence creates a high demand for skilled professionals, potentially offering lucrative career opportunities for graduates [6][14]. Group 3: Educational Trends - The establishment of new majors often follows the emergence of industries, indicating that while the fields may be promising, competition can become fierce as they mature [8][14]. - Vocational training institutions are adapting quickly to market needs, offering targeted courses that prepare students for immediate employment in high-demand areas [9][12]. Group 4: Student Perspectives - Students are increasingly seeking a balance between personal interests and job prospects when selecting majors, reflecting a broader trend of anxiety regarding future employment [16][19]. - The new examination system requires students to consider their future career paths earlier, adding pressure to make informed decisions about their education [18][21]. Group 5: Long-term Considerations - The article emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and long-term planning in major selection, encouraging students to align their interests with market trends and educational opportunities [22]. - The evolving job market necessitates continuous learning and adaptability, suggesting that students should cultivate a mindset geared towards lifelong education [21][22].

Core Insights - The Ministry of Education has updated the "Directory of Undergraduate Majors in General Higher Education (2025)", adding 29 new majors to better align with national strategic needs and high-quality development [1] Group 1: New Majors - The new directory includes 93 categories and 845 types of majors, reflecting a comprehensive response to national strategy, market demand, and technological advancements [1] - Newly added majors include Regional Studies, Carbon Neutral Science and Engineering, Marine Science and Technology, and Health and Medical Security, which are aligned with national strategic needs [1] - To address technological frontiers, new majors such as Intelligent Molecular Engineering, Medical Devices and Equipment Engineering, and Spatiotemporal Information Engineering have been introduced [1] Group 2: Market Demand Adaptation - The updated directory also includes majors that respond to market demands, such as International Cruise Management and Aviation Sports [1] - A focus on artificial intelligence's role in economic and social development is evident with the introduction of majors like Artificial Intelligence Education, Intelligent Audiovisual Engineering, and Digital Drama [1]

Group 1 - The announcement of college entrance examination scores has become a trending topic, highlighting the mixed emotions of joy and disappointment among students and parents [1] - The examination scores serve as a summary of past efforts and a foundation for future growth, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination in the learning process [3] - The upcoming college application process is crucial, with students encouraged to consider their interests and societal needs when choosing majors and schools, as new interdisciplinary programs have been introduced to align with national development strategies [3] Group 2 - There is a warning about potential scams targeting anxious students and parents, including fake score-checking websites and fraudulent admission offers, urging caution and the importance of verifying information through official channels [4] - The significance of examination scores is acknowledged, but it is emphasized that they are merely a marker in a larger journey, and do not define a person's potential for growth and exploration in life [6] - Students are encouraged to embrace the new phase of life with confidence and courage, using past experiences as a foundation for a meaningful future [6]