Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent adjustments in undergraduate program offerings at various universities in China for the 2025 academic year, highlighting the need for higher education to align with emerging industries and societal demands [3][5]. Group 1: New Programs and Adjustments - Several universities, including Shenyang Aerospace University and Northeast Normal University, have announced new programs such as Low Altitude Technology and Data Science, while also discontinuing programs like Vehicle Engineering and Finance [4][6]. - A total of 603 new programs have been proposed across over 150 universities, with a significant focus on fields like Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Intelligent Manufacturing [5][7]. Group 2: Policy and Strategic Alignment - The Ministry of Education's notification emphasizes optimizing program offerings based on national strategies, market demands, and technological advancements, aiming to enhance the relevance of higher education to economic and social development [5][6]. - The notification encourages universities to develop programs in strategic emerging industries such as integrated circuits, biotechnology, and renewable energy, as well as in modern service sectors like healthcare and logistics [5][6]. Group 3: Trends in Program Discontinuation - The number of discontinued programs has increased, with the top five being Information Management and Information Systems, Public Administration, and Marketing, indicating a shift away from less relevant fields [7][8]. - The discontinuation of programs is often due to poor employment prospects and misalignment with societal needs, prompting universities to focus resources on high-demand areas [7][8]. Group 4: Impact on Faculty - When programs are discontinued, faculty members may be reassigned to related fields, administrative roles, or other institutions, with universities implementing measures to support these transitions [9]. - The article notes that some faculty may shift to teaching graduate courses or take on roles in administration or support services, ensuring a smoother transition for affected staff [9].

Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of undergraduate programs in various universities for the 2025 academic year is being implemented to align with emerging industries and societal needs, leading to the introduction of new programs and the discontinuation of less relevant ones [1][2][3]. Group 1: New Program Additions - Several universities, including Shenyang Aerospace University and Northeast Normal University, are proposing new programs such as Low-altitude Technology and Engineering, Data Science, and Intelligent Aircraft Technology, reflecting a trend towards fields that support national strategic needs and emerging industries [1][2][3]. - A total of 603 new programs have been proposed across over 150 universities, with a significant focus on areas like artificial intelligence, digital economy, and intelligent manufacturing [2]. Group 2: Program Discontinuations - Many programs are being discontinued due to poor employment prospects and misalignment with societal needs, with the top five discontinued programs from 2020 to 2024 being Information Management and Information Systems, Public Administration, and Marketing [4]. - The trend indicates a shift away from traditional programs that do not meet current market demands, with universities focusing on optimizing their offerings to better align with economic and technological advancements [4][5]. Group 3: Institutional Responses - Universities are establishing management measures to facilitate the transition of faculty from discontinued programs to related fields or administrative roles, ensuring a smooth adjustment process [6]. - The emergence of new research-oriented universities is attracting high-scoring students, prompting traditional institutions to reassess and streamline their program offerings to remain competitive [5].

Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of undergraduate programs in universities is crucial to meet the demands of economic and social development, as well as future needs [1] Group 1: Program Adjustments - Many universities are initiating adjustments to their undergraduate programs for the 2025 academic year, with a focus on optimizing their academic offerings [2] - Shenyang Aerospace University plans to add four new programs, including Low-altitude Technology and Engineering, while discontinuing six existing programs [2] - Northeast Normal University intends to withdraw seven programs, including Finance, and propose four new programs such as Data Science [3] - A total of 603 new programs have been proposed across over 150 universities, with a significant number focusing on emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy [3] Group 2: Policy and Strategic Direction - The Ministry of Education has issued guidelines emphasizing the need to align program offerings with national strategies, market demands, and technological advancements [4] - The guidelines encourage universities to develop programs in strategic emerging industries such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology [4] Group 3: Trends in Program Discontinuation - The number of discontinued programs is increasing due to factors like poor employment prospects and misalignment with societal needs [5] - The top five discontinued programs from 2020 to 2024 include Information Management and Information Systems, with 160 programs being cut [5] Group 4: Faculty Transition and Support - Universities are establishing measures to support faculty transitions when programs are discontinued, including reassignment to related fields or administrative roles [7] - Faculty members affected by program discontinuation may have opportunities to teach in related programs or transition to other academic roles [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant changes in higher education in China, particularly the cancellation of traditional majors and the rise of new fields like artificial intelligence and big data, reflecting the evolving job market and educational needs [4][14][16]. Group 1: Major Cancellations and Trends - In 2024, a total of 1,428 academic programs were canceled, and 2,220 programs ceased enrollment, indicating a shift in educational focus [4][6]. - Engineering accounted for 32.84% of the canceled programs, followed by management (18.73%), with other fields like science and arts also seeing significant reductions [6][8]. - The most canceled major was Information Management and Information Systems, with 160 cancellations, followed by Public Administration with 138 [8]. Group 2: Impact on Students - Current students are directly affected by these changes, facing uncertainty and anxiety regarding their future career paths as their majors disappear [9][11]. - Students express feelings of despair and confusion about their professional identities, as seen in the experiences of students from various programs [9][12]. Group 3: Labor Market Dynamics - The labor market is undergoing transformation, with traditional programs failing to meet the evolving demands of employers, particularly in fields like Public Administration [14][15]. - New job roles in AI and digital sectors are emerging, but there is a mismatch between the skills taught in universities and the requirements of these roles [15][16]. - The demand for specialized skills in AI and data management is increasing, leading to the establishment of new programs in these areas [16][23]. Group 4: Future of Disappearing Majors - The cancellation of certain majors does not equate to a lack of demand for related skills; rather, it signifies a shift towards more relevant and specialized fields [18][21]. - The trend indicates that while some traditional fields may decline, the need for skilled professionals in emerging areas remains strong, necessitating continuous skill development [23][24].