The Great Computer Science Exodus and Where Students Are Going Instead
Computer science enrollment drops at UC campuses while AI programs surge, reflecting a major shift in tech education priorities.
Santa Clara: Something strange is happening at University of California schools. Fewer students want to study computer science. Last year, CS enrollment dropped 6% across all UC campuses after falling 3% in 2024. This is surprising because more students are going to college overall – national enrollment went up 2%.
San Diego: Not every school is seeing drops. UC San Diego is different because it has a special major just for artificial intelligence. This shows that students aren’t leaving tech entirely – they’re moving toward AI-focused programs instead. Chinese universities already get this. Schools like Zhejiang University now require all students to take AI classes, and top schools like Tsinghua created whole new departments just for AI studies.
Los Angeles: American colleges are trying to catch up quickly. MIT’s new AI and decision-making major is now their second-biggest program. The University of South Florida had over 3,000 students sign up for its new AI and cybersecurity college in one semester. Buffalo started an “AI and Society” department last summer with seven new degree options, and got 200 applicants before even opening.
Raleigh: Some schools are having trouble making this switch. At UNC Chapel Hill, some teachers welcome AI while others resist it completely. The chancellor had to merge departments to create an AI-focused program, which made faculty unhappy. He also hired someone whose only job is handling AI issues. Parents are confused too – many who once pushed kids toward CS now want them to study mechanical or electrical engineering instead, thinking those fields will be safer from AI changes.
New York: The data tells the real story. In a survey of computer science departments across many universities, 62% reported fewer undergraduate students this fall. But AI programs are growing fast. Schools from USC to Columbia University to New Mexico State are launching new AI degrees. Students aren’t leaving technology – they’re picking programs that teach them about artificial intelligence so they can get good jobs.