The landscape of tech education is undergoing a seismic transformation. At University of California campuses, computer science enrollment has dropped for the first time since the dot-com crash, falling 6% this year after a 3% decline in 2024. While overall college enrollment nationally increased by 2%, students are increasingly moving away from traditional computer science degrees.

This trend isn’t just a temporary blip but potentially a fundamental reimagining of tech education. Unlike U.S. universities, which have been cautious about AI integration, Chinese universities are enthusiastically embracing artificial intelligence as essential infrastructure. Nearly 60% of Chinese students and faculty now use AI tools daily, with some institutions like Zhejiang University making AI coursework mandatory.

American universities are now scrambling to catch up. Institutions are rapidly launching AI-specific programs to attract students. MIT’s “AI and decision-making” major is now the second-largest on campus, while the University of South Florida enrolled over 3,000 students in a new AI and cybersecurity college. The University at Buffalo launched an “AI and Society” department with seven specialized undergraduate programs, receiving over 200 applicants before officially opening.

Interestingly, parents are also playing a role in this educational shift. Admissions consultants report that parents who once pushed their children toward computer science are now steering them toward engineering disciplines perceived as more resistant to AI automation, such as mechanical and electrical engineering.

The data suggests a migration rather than an exodus. A survey by the Computing Research Association revealed that 62% of computing programs saw undergraduate enrollment declines. However, universities like the University of Southern California, Columbia University, Pace University, and New Mexico State University are launching new AI-focused degrees.

While it’s too early to declare this a permanent trend, it’s clear that the tech education landscape is rapidly evolving. The debate over AI in classrooms has moved far beyond whether to ban tools like ChatGPT. Now, the critical question is whether American universities can adapt quickly enough to meet the changing demands of students and the tech industry.