Summary of Key Points
In the 2026 college entrance examination application process, engineering majors accounted for 7 out of the top 10 most popular choices (including Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Electronic Information), while liberal arts and science majors (such as Law, Economics, and Psychology) also made it into the top ten. The Electrical Engineering major has maintained high popularity and stable employment prospects for several years, earning it the status of a “green card” major. Artificial Intelligence has become popular due to industry demand and increased enrollment in universities, while Electronic Information is associated with high-paying job opportunities. However, not all popular majors guarantee stable employment—traditional engineering fields like Electrical Engineering and Communication continue to have strong employment prospects, whereas emerging majors like AI and Digital Media Technology require specific skills, and those without the necessary abilities face significant competition.
Top 10 Popular Majors: Engineering Dominates, but Liberal Arts and Sciences Also Make the Cut
This year, 7 of the top 10 popular majors are in engineering (Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Electronic Information, Computer Science, Communication Engineering, Biopharmaceuticals, and Digital Media), with the remaining 3 being from liberal arts and sciences (Law, Economics, and Psychology). This indicates that students consider both the strong employment prospects of engineering majors and the practical value of liberal arts and science majors (for example, Law for civil service careers or Economics for a career in finance). The overall trend is that engineering majors related to emerging industries are most favored, while liberal arts and science majors make it onto the list due to their versatility and clear career paths.
Electrical Engineering: Years of Popularity and Stable Employment
Electrical Engineering and Automation have been rated as “green card” majors for four consecutive years, meaning they offer high-quality employment opportunities with companies competing to hire graduates. With an 87% job satisfaction rate, it is one of the most stable majors. The reason for this is the strong industry demand for electrical engineers in areas such as new power systems (e.g., smart grids), renewable energy (wind and solar power), and grid digitization. Companies are in short supply of qualified candidates, making it easy for graduates to find jobs with good salaries and job stability.
Artificial Intelligence: Universities Are Adding These Programs Rapidly; “AI+” Is the Future Trend
The Artificial Intelligence major ranked second and saw the largest increase in new programs between 2020 and 2024, with 406 new program offerings added. Many universities, including Capital Normal University, Lanzhou University, and Central South University, have recently established AI colleges. The popularity of AI is due to its widespread application across various industries—e.g., in financial analysis and medical imaging using AI. In the future, “AI + other majors” (e.g., AI + Economics or AI + Management) will become even more common, making interdisciplinary talents highly sought after.
Electronic Information: High-Paying Jobs and Strong Industry Growth
Electronic Information Engineering ranked third, with graduates entering high-paying industries such as integrated circuit engineering, semiconductor processing, and automotive electronics. The rapid development of the semiconductor, electronics manufacturing, and new energy (automotive electronics) sectors creates a strong demand for electronic information professionals, making this major highly competitive in the job market.
Popular Majors Don’t Necessarily Equal Stable Employment: Skill Matchment Is Key
Not all popular majors guarantee easy employment. While traditional engineering fields like Electrical Engineering and Communication have consistently good employment prospects, emerging majors like AI and Digital Media Technology show a clear divide in demand. Graduates with deep knowledge and practical skills (e.g., the ability to write AI algorithms or create digital content) are in high demand, but those with only a degree without relevant skills face fierce competition. When choosing a major, it’s important to consider whether you can truly excel in that field; otherwise, the popularity of the major may not be as beneficial as you think.
In summary, when selecting a major, it’s essential to follow industry trends and match your personal abilities. While popular majors are attractive, success requires solid skills and dedication.