China Media University Cuts 16 Undergraduate Majors in Response to AI Transformation: Not Simple Cancellation but Systemic Optimization

China Media University’s decision to cut 16 undergraduate majors and directions (including translation and photography) last year sparked online discussions. Liao Xiangzhong, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and secretary of the university's Party Committee, responded that this was not a simple cancellation but systemic optimization—over the past 8 years, the university has updated its professional structure through "closing, merging, upgrading" and other methods, and laid out new interdisciplinary majors like intelligent film and television, intelligent media to respond to AI challenges.

Public discussions included concerns, as people only saw "closures" and ignored the underlying layout. The university has issued AI teaching, academic and other norms; key courses assess human-machine separation abilities (such as handwritten answers, closed-book exams) to maintain the bottom line of independent thinking. Liao believes that AI's real threat is depriving people of thinking interest and ability, leading to "alienation", which is a fundamental impact on education. The Ministry of Education has also introduced policies to promote AI application in exams and vocational education major adjustments.