The Ministry of Education has approved the addition of 38 new undergraduate majors this year, featuring emerging fields such as embodied intelligence, smart plant protection, and international organizations and global governance. These new programs are designed to align with contemporary societal and technological shifts.

Embodied Intelligence: A Premier Major in the Spotlight

Xi'an Jiaotong University is the only higher education institution in western China authorized to offer a major in embodied intelligence. The new program encompasses fields including robotics, intelligent manufacturing, and brain-computer interaction. Zhang Liqun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and president of Xi'an Jiaotong University, stated, "Humanoid robots may form a massive industry in the future, requiring talent from diverse fields such as mechanics, computer science, materials, electrical engineering, and energy."

Smart Plant Protection: AI Enters the Greenhouse

Chen Wei, president of China Agricultural University, noted, "Artificial intelligence has become a general education course at our university." This September, the university will launch an innovative class in smart plant protection, aiming to cultivate students who "understand agronomy, can write code, and operate drones." In the AI era, as execution becomes simpler, the ability to raise questions and define standards gains greater value. These new majors represent a precise response to the changing times. Rather than merely chasing popularity, students should select programs that match their personal interests and long-term trends to ensure a worthwhile investment in their education.

The new academic offerings are part of a broader effort to modernize higher education. The focus is on equipping students with skills that are both current and future-proof. As industries evolve, these programs aim to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. The introduction of these majors reflects a strategic move by educational authorities to keep pace with global advancements and domestic needs.