Summary of Key Points
Recently, several universities have announced their plans for adjusting undergraduate programs in 2026. Traditional management majors, such as Public Affairs Management and Human Resource Management, have become the main targets for elimination. At the same time, a new batch of majors has been introduced that focus on industry needs, cutting-edge technologies, or national strategies. The rationale behind this change is that traditional majors are being phased out due to poor employment prospects and a disconnect between education and market demands. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), are driving interdisciplinary approaches, as universities adjust their programs to reflect socio-economic changes and move towards more targeted, innovative, and practical offerings.
Why Are Management Majors Being Targeted for Cancellation?
Management-related majors account for a significant proportion in the list of eliminated programs. For example, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics has removed Engineering Management and Public Affairs Management; Nanchang University has removed Human Resource Management and E-commerce; Yunnan University has removed Human Resource Management, and Donghua University has removed Exhibition Economy and Management. Data from MyCOS shows that Marketing and Public Affairs Management were among the top two majors proposed for cancellation.
Why have these majors become less attractive? Some university teachers explain that they cover too broad a range of topics—such as public policy, administration, and social services—but without delving deeply into any one area, graduates end up with a general understanding that lacks specialization, making them less competitive in the job market compared to those with more focused skills (e.g., in social security or urban governance).
The Job Market as a Driving Force
The primary reason for the cancellation of these majors is their poor performance in the job market. Many management programs are listed on “professional warning lists” in provinces such as Shandong, Hunan, and Hebei, indicating low employment rates and low salaries for graduates, with some even facing immediate unemployment after graduation.
A deeper issue is the disconnect between what these majors teach and what the market requires. Traditional management courses still focus on traditional skills (e.g., writing administrative reports, traditional marketing techniques), while companies are transitioning to digital systems and need talents with knowledge of “digital management” and “AI marketing.” As a result, these old programs are no longer meeting market needs.
New Majors: What Makes Them Different?
While eliminating outdated majors, universities are also introducing new ones with three distinct characteristics:
1. Targeted at Specific Industries: For instance, Customs Inspection and International Cruise Management are designed to train professionals for specific industries, ensuring graduates are immediately ready to meet job requirements without the need for cross-industry transitions.
2. Focusing on Cutting-Edge Technologies: Programs like Business Artificial Intelligence and Digital Public Governance address the new demands of digital transformation, helping companies and governments solve problems related to AI applications and data management.
3. Aligned with National Strategies: Majors such as Rural Governance and Accessible Management directly support national policies on rural revitalization and barrier-free environments, creating clear employment prospects.
The Role of AI in Driving Change
AI has played a crucial role in these changes. Associate Professor Ding Changfa from Xiamen University noted that “AI has transformed industry ecosystems and penetrated various disciplines.” For example, the combination of AI and management has led to the creation of majors like Business Artificial Intelligence and Digital Public Governance.
Universities are now developing “intelligent+” interdisciplinary programs. As new technologies continue to evolve, they must cultivate graduates who can adapt to the AI-era, otherwise, they will become obsolete.
Trends Revealed by These Changes
These adjustments indicate three key trends:
1. More Practical Program Design: Majors are becoming more focused and tailored to meet market needs and national strategies, rather than being broad and generalistic.
2. Interdisciplinary Approaches Becoming the Norm: Single-discipline majors are no longer sufficient; combining different fields (e.g., management with AI or management with specific industries) is essential.
3. Technology-Enabled Education: New technologies like AI will increasingly influence program design, meaning almost all majors will need to incorporate technological elements to stay relevant.
In summary, university programs are shifting from being organized by discipline to being designed to solve real-world problems and adapt to new technologies. Only those that can address practical challenges and keep up with technological advancements will have a promising future.