It seems like something interesting is happening in the university world, especially at the University of California campuses. For the first time in a while, the number of students signing up for computer science programs has actually dropped. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, there was a 6% decrease this year, following a 3% drop last year.

Even though more students are going to college overall, it looks like many are ditching the traditional computer science path. UC San Diego is the exception, as they introduced a special AI major this fall, which might explain why they're not seeing the same decline. I think this is a major sign, and not just some random event because people think CS grads are having a hard time finding jobs.

China seems to be ahead of the curve here. They're really pushing AI education, viewing it as something vital rather than a threat. According to MIT Technology Review, nearly 60% of Chinese students and teachers use AI tools regularly. Some universities in China are even making AI courses mandatory, and top schools are creating entire AI departments.

It's like being fluent in AI is becoming a basic requirement in China. Meanwhile, universities in the U.S. are trying to catch up. A bunch of them have started AI programs in the last couple of years. MIT's "AI and decision-making" major is super popular now. Also, the University of South Florida had a huge number of students enroll in its new AI and cybersecurity college.

However, it's not been a smooth transition everywhere. When I had a chat with UNC Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee Roberts, he mentioned that some professors are embracing AI, while others are resistant. Roberts is really pushing for AI integration, even with some pushback from the faculty. UNC is even merging two schools to focus on AI. I mean, you can't tell students they can't use AI after they graduate, but some faculty members are basically doing that now.

It is interesting to note that parents are also influencing these shifts. Some admissions consultants have said that parents who once encouraged their kids to study computer science are now guiding them towards fields that seem safer from AI automation, such as mechanical and electrical engineering.

The numbers speak for themselves. A survey by the Computing Research Association showed that most computing programs saw a decline in undergraduate enrollment this fall. But, because AI programs are growing, it seems like students aren't leaving tech, but simply changing focus.

Universities such as the University of Southern California, Columbia University, and others are launching AI degrees. Students are not giving up on technology; instead, they gravitate to programs focused on AI. Whether this shift is temporary or permanent is still uncertain. What's clear is that universities need to act fast. The question is if American universities will adapt fast enough, or whether they'll keep debating while students flock to schools that are already providing answers.