Chinese universities are overhauling their engineering and technology majors to prioritize hi-tech areas such as artificial intelligence and big data. This is in response to a government call for more specialized talent. By July 31, a total of 19 universities had suspended or completely removed 99 majors.
Sichuan University was considering eliminating 31 majors, including animation, acting, and applied physics, to establish a new major in biomass science and engineering. The university indicated this change was intended to support traditional industries, such as tanning and papermaking, while adapting to future needs in the emerging biomass industry. This restructuring follows directives from the Ministry of Education to “adjust structures of university majors and talent-training schemes to better serve China’s modernization.
Last month, a ministry document endorsed efforts to cultivate expertise in areas such as integrated circuits, AI, quantum technology, life sciences, and energy.
A research paper from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology revealed that the most significant academic changes over the past decade have been in engineering majors. From 2013 to 2022, the number of engineering majors in Chinese universities increased by 7,566, with 96 new fields of study emerging, including robotics, AI, and big data.
Overhauling majors for hi-tech growth
The removed majors typically belonged to traditional engineering sectors, while new ones—such as blockchain, integrated circuit design, and cybersecurity—aligned with emerging technologies, governmental strategies, and regional economic development. Education Vice-minister Wu Yan emphasized the need for education to better align with industry developments. In a recent article, Wu highlighted that universities were encouraged to focus on areas where talent was most urgently required.
This initiative is driven from the highest levels of government. President Xi Jinping has been pushing for an innovation-driven economy amid competition with the United States and striving for self-reliance in light of Western sanctions that limit access to critical technologies like semiconductors. In a June speech, Xi stressed that China needed to “seize the high ground” in technology and scientific research to overcome existing weaknesses and support national strategic objectives.
China has also initiated programs to train digital engineers, technicians, and workers in fields such as big data, AI, smart manufacturing, integrated circuits, and data security. According to a recent three-year government plan, universities are required to introduce new majors related to the digital economy and enhance interdisciplinary training. This strategic pivot underscores China’s commitment to becoming a leader in hi-tech industries and reducing reliance on foreign technology.
