Enrollment in computer science programs, once a highly sought-after major for its perceived career advantages, is experiencing a notable decline at Seoul National University. This trend is largely attributed to the rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are reshaping the job market and the skills employers value. Data indicates a significant drop in students choosing computer science as their major, while fields like philosophy, previously considered less career-oriented, are seeing increased interest.
Shifting Student Preferences in the Age of AI
In 2020, the emergence of the AI era led to a surge in students opting for computer science, driven by the growing demand for developers. However, the landscape is changing. As AI tools become capable of performing tasks like coding, the perceived necessity of a traditional computer science degree for certain roles is diminishing. This shift is reflected in Seoul National University’s data, which shows a dramatic decrease in students declaring computer science as their major.
According to figures submitted by Seoul National University to lawmaker Lee In-sun of the People Power Party on the 6th, the proportion of students from the university’s School of Liberal Arts who chose computer science as their major dropped from 28.8% in 2023 to 12.9% this year. The decline is even more pronounced when looking at the second semester of the current year, with the rate falling to just 3.5%. The School of Liberal Arts admits around 150 students annually, who initially enter without a declared major and select their specialization in their second year, with exceptions for medical and nursing schools.
The Rise and Fall of Computer Science Popularity
Prior to 2020, majors perceived as having strong employment prospects were highly favored. Computer science, in particular, saw a significant influx of students starting in 2021, with approximately 60 students annually choosing it as their major. This trend peaked in 2023, the year ChatGPT was released, when 69 students selected computer science. However, the rapid ascent was followed by an equally swift descent. In the second semester of this year, only three students opted for computer science as their major. Furthermore, eight students who had previously declared computer science as their major switched to other fields this year, indicating a broader disaffection with the discipline.
Analysis: AI’s Impact on Coding and Job Prospects
The prevailing analysis points to the rapid development of AI as the primary driver of these changes. AI tools are increasingly capable of assisting with or even automating coding tasks, which were once the domain of computer science graduates. This development is seen as diluting the competitive edge of computer science majors in the job market. The employment rate for computer science graduates from Seoul National University is projected to fall from 86.8% in 2021 to 72.6% by 2025, underscoring this concern.
The Resurgence of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
In contrast, departments such as Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Information Engineering at Seoul National University are experiencing a surge in popularity. This is largely due to their perceived advantage in securing employment at major semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Between 2021 and 2025, an average of 9 to 14 students from the School of Liberal Arts chose Electrical and Electronic Engineering annually. This year, however, 18 students made that choice, indicating a clear shift in student interest towards these fields.
Philosophy’s Unexpected Ascent
Even philosophy, a discipline traditionally viewed as having limited direct career pathways, is benefiting from the evolving landscape. The employment rate for philosophy majors at Seoul National University has risen from 55.6% in 2021 to a projected 77.3% by 2025. This figure notably surpasses the employment rate of the computer science department as of last year. The competitive landscape for admissions also reflects this trend. The early admission regular competition rate for Seoul National University’s computer science department decreased from 7.59:1 in the 2020 academic year to 4.31:1 this year. Conversely, the philosophy department saw its competition rate climb from 9.92:1 to 15.56:1 during the same period.
Expert Insights on Evolving Skill Demands
A representative from JobKorea commented on the phenomenon, stating, “Thanks to AI, computer programming is becoming easier even with everyday language. As a result, companies are increasingly prioritizing the ability to understand human language and logical reasoning for problem-solving over proficiency in computer languages alone.” This suggests a broader industry trend towards valuing critical thinking and communication skills, potentially augmented by AI, over highly specialized technical coding abilities.
Global Parallels: Declining CS Enrollment Abroad
This trend of declining computer science enrollment and the rise of humanities is not unique to South Korea. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSC), first-year computer science enrollment in U.S. four-year universities for the 2025-2026 academic year has decreased by 8.1% compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, major international tech companies are increasingly hiring individuals with humanities backgrounds for key roles. For instance, Google DeepMind hired Cambridge University professor Henry Sheblein in May for a ‘philosopher’ position. Anthropic has also hired philosopher Amanda Askell to lead its AI ethics policy development.
Student Perspectives on Career Paths
A graduate student in Seoul National University’s computer science department, identified as ‘A’ (27), expressed a sense of disillusionment. “It feels like choosing a major that will be obsolete, like choosing a ‘prince’ in the era of electronic calculators,” he remarked. “If I had known this would happen, I might have been better off choosing philosophy.” His sentiment reflects a growing uncertainty among students about the long-term viability of traditional computer science careers in the face of rapid AI advancements and the evolving demands of the job market.
Conclusion: Adapting to the AI-Driven Future
The shift in academic preferences at Seoul National University, mirroring global trends, highlights a significant re-evaluation of career paths in the AI era. As AI continues to evolve, the skills that are most valued by employers are changing. While technical proficiency remains important, there is a growing emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and ethical reasoning. This necessitates a broader approach to education, encouraging students to explore diverse fields and develop a versatile skill set that can adapt to the dynamic future of work.
