The great computer science exodus (and where students are going instead)

A surprising trend has emerged at University of California campuses this semester. Computer science enrollment has dropped for the first time since the dot-com crash, declining by 6% system-wide this year following a 3% decrease in 2024, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. While overall college enrollment has increased by 2% nationally, students are moving away from traditional computer science degrees.

The exception to this downward trend is UC San Diego, which introduced a dedicated AI major this semester – the only UC campus to do so.

This shift may seem temporary, possibly linked to reports of fewer computer science graduates securing jobs post-graduation. However, it likely signals a broader trend for the future, one that China is actively embracing. Chinese universities have heavily emphasized AI literacy, viewing AI as crucial infrastructure rather than a threat. A significant percentage of Chinese students and faculty now use AI tools daily, with institutions like Zhejiang University making AI coursework mandatory. Top universities like Tsinghua have established interdisciplinary AI colleges. In China, proficiency in AI is no longer optional; it’s a necessity.

American universities are now racing to catch up. Over the past two years, numerous institutions have launched AI-specific programs. MIT’s “AI and decision-making” major has become the second-largest program on campus. The University of South Florida enrolled over 3,000 students in a new AI and cybersecurity college, while the University at Buffalo introduced a new “AI and Society” department offering specialized undergraduate degrees. Despite some challenges in implementing AI integration across campuses, the trend is clear – students are gravitating towards AI-focused programs.

Parents are also influencing this transition. Some are steering their children away from traditional computer science majors towards fields like mechanical and electrical engineering, perceived as less susceptible to AI automation.

While enrollment in traditional computing programs may be declining, AI programs are witnessing significant growth. A survey by the Computing Research Association revealed that 62% of computing programs experienced undergraduate enrollment declines this semester. However, with the rise of AI programs, it appears to be more of a shift than an exodus. Universities like the University of Southern California, Columbia University, Pace University, and New Mexico State University are launching AI degrees to meet the demand.

The future of this shift remains uncertain – whether it’s a permanent change or a temporary reaction. However, it serves as a wake-up call for administrators grappling with AI integration in education. The focus has shifted from debating the use of technologies like ChatGPT to the urgency of adapting to the evolving landscape. American universities must act swiftly to keep pace or risk losing students to institutions that are already embracing AI.