Core Points - The Ministry of Education is accelerating the adjustment and optimization of higher education disciplines and majors to align with market needs and emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and low-altitude economy [1][2] - A new mechanism for the rapid layout of urgently needed disciplines has been initiated, allowing universities to set up new programs outside the traditional three-year review cycle [2] - A national talent supply and demand data platform has been launched to provide precise predictions of future talent needs, aiding in the decision-making for academic programs and student employment [3] Group 1 - The Ministry of Education is leading a "major reshuffle" of academic disciplines to better match the future needs of the country and improve job prospects for students [1] - The new mechanism supports universities like Tsinghua University and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in establishing new disciplines such as "Low Altitude Technology and Engineering" to quickly address talent shortages [2] - In 2024, 1,839 new undergraduate programs will be added, while 1,428 programs will be removed and 2,220 will stop enrollment to ensure effective allocation of higher education resources [2] Group 2 - The national talent supply and demand platform integrates various data sources to analyze supply and demand, providing employment support and professional warnings [3] - Eighteen provinces and 97 universities have submitted 290 pilot task proposals to explore new paths for discipline reform, focusing on urgent national and regional development needs [4] - The "reveal and take charge" mechanism aims to stimulate grassroots innovation and create replicable reform experiences in higher education [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses the recent adjustments in higher education programs in China, reflecting the changing demands of the economy and technology, with a focus on new and emerging fields such as AI, low-altitude technology, and carbon neutrality [1][2][3] Group 1: New Programs and Trends - The Ministry of Education has added 29 new undergraduate programs for 2025, including fields like low-altitude technology and carbon neutrality, indicating a response to national strategic needs and market demands [1][3] - Over the past decade, there has been a significant shift in popular majors, with engineering and technology-related fields becoming increasingly prominent, while traditional fields like civil engineering have seen a decline [2][7] - A total of 3,424 programs have been added, removed, or adjusted across the country, showcasing the dynamic nature of higher education in response to societal needs [2][3] Group 2: Professional Adjustments and Market Alignment - The adjustments in higher education programs are closely tied to market demands, with a notable increase in programs related to national strategic needs and emerging technologies [10][17] - The article highlights that between 2014 and 2023, 6,636 undergraduate programs were removed, with a significant number of these being in fields that no longer align with job market needs [10][12] - The trend indicates a shift from degree-oriented education to competency-based education, emphasizing the importance of aligning educational offerings with labor market requirements [10][21] Group 3: Regional Development and Industry Needs - Various provinces are implementing initiatives to align higher education programs with regional industrial needs, with significant adjustments in program offerings to support local economic development [18][19] - The low-altitude economy is projected to become a major growth area, with the market expected to reach 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025, creating a demand for specialized talent in this field [17][18] - The Ministry of Education is promoting a broader alignment of undergraduate programs with regional development, indicating a continued trend of adapting educational offerings to meet local industry demands [20][21]