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].

Core Insights - The Ministry of Education announced the results of the 2024 undergraduate program approvals, revealing a significant restructuring in higher education with 1,839 new programs, 1,670 programs canceled, and 2,220 programs suspended [1][5][12]. Group 1: Professional Adjustments - The adjustments in higher education programs reflect a broader trend of reform, with traditional programs like civil engineering and public administration being phased out in favor of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and low-altitude technology [3][12]. - The Ministry's plan aims to optimize and adjust about 20% of higher education programs by 2025, indicating a systemic shift in educational focus [3][5]. - Notable universities like Shandong University and Sichuan University have also begun to eliminate numerous traditional programs, aligning with national policy changes [7][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The shift in program offerings is driven by industrial upgrades and changing talent demands, as China transitions from a manufacturing powerhouse to a stronghold in intelligent manufacturing [12][13]. - The job market's supply-demand imbalance has led to the elimination of programs with low employment rates, such as public administration, which has seen over a hundred programs canceled due to a lack of market demand [12][13]. - The rapid approval of new programs in fields like low-altitude technology and carbon neutrality reflects the government's response to emerging industries and technological advancements [13][14]. Group 3: Impact on Faculty - The cancellation of programs directly affects teaching positions, with faculty potentially facing reduced course loads and job security concerns [16][18]. - Universities are implementing measures to reassign faculty from canceled programs to related fields or administrative roles, but this transition may pose challenges for older faculty members [19][22]. - Continuous professional development and training opportunities are being offered to help faculty adapt to new teaching demands, emphasizing the need for flexibility and cross-disciplinary skills [24][26].