In a major bid to strengthen its tech capabilities, China has announced the introduction of 29 new undergraduate majors focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and related areas. This move, led by the Ministry of Education, is aimed at developing a strong talent pool capable of addressing the country's increasing need for skills in AI and other emerging technologies.
A Spreading Wave at Top Universities
Leading institutions like Tsinghua University, Peking University, Renmin University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are leading this expansion. Tsinghua University will expand its undergraduate student enrollment by around 150 students in 2025, with the opening of a new school that focuses on bringing AI into other disciplines. This 'AI+' strategy aims to create interdisciplinary experts who can foster innovation across industries.
In the same vein, Peking University and Renmin University are strengthening their programs related to AI. Peking University will incorporate 150 more positions on information science and engineering, while Renmin University is launching more than 100 fresh opportunities in AI for developing innovation.
Reuters
Curriculum Innovations and Interdisciplinary Focus
The new majors cover a broad spectrum of AI applications, such as intelligent transportation, biomedical engineering, and AI-integrated education. Fudan University has established complete AI curricula, with more than 100 courses from basic to advanced levels. Shanghai Jiao Tong University has launched a multimodal AI teaching system, incorporating AI into medical education to investigate innovative teaching methods.
Global Times
Strategic Alignment with National Goals
Such educational expansion is in line with China's overall goals set forth in the '101 Plan', which centers on developing AI talent for national development plans. It also indicates China's determination to become a 'powerful education country' by 2035, with a focus on the nation's future based on AI and digital competencies.
