College Students Prefer AI Majors Over Traditional Computer Science

MIT’s “Artificial Intelligence and Decision‑Making” Program Becomes a Top Choice

At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the brand‑new undergraduate track titled Artificial Intelligence and Decision‑Making has quickly risen to become the second‑most‑popular major among incoming students, edging out many long‑standing engineering and computer‑science programs.

According to the university’s latest enrollment data, more than 1,200 freshmen selected the AI‑focused curriculum this fall, a figure that represents a 45% increase compared with its inaugural year. The only program that attracted a larger cohort was the traditional Computer Science major, which still remains the most sought‑after field of study.

Why Students Are Turning to AI

Several factors appear to be driving this shift:

• Career prospects: Graduates with expertise in artificial intelligence are projected to command higher starting salaries and enjoy broader job opportunities across sectors ranging from healthcare to finance.
• Interdisciplinary appeal: The program blends technical fundamentals—such as machine learning, data analytics, and algorithm design—with real‑world decision‑making frameworks, attracting students who want to apply AI to societal challenges.
• Industry partnerships: MIT has secured collaborations with leading tech firms and research labs, offering students hands‑on projects, internships, and mentorship that are not always available in conventional computer‑science tracks.

Student Voices

“I chose the AI and Decision‑Making major because I want to learn how to build systems that actually solve problems, not just write code,” said Maya Patel, a first‑year student from Chicago. “The interdisciplinary nature of the program lets me explore ethics, economics, and psychology alongside technical coursework.”

Another student, Javier Morales from San Diego, added, “The chance to work on real‑world projects with companies like Google and IBM right from sophomore year is a game‑changer. It feels like a direct pipeline into the future of tech.”

Implications for the Future of Computing Education

Educators and industry leaders are watching MIT’s enrollment trends closely. Dr. Elena Rossi, dean of the School of Engineering, noted, “The surge in interest for AI‑centric curricula signals a broader transformation in how we think about computing education. Students are no longer satisfied with learning to code; they want to understand how intelligent systems make decisions and impact society.”

As more universities contemplate launching similar programs, the competition for talent in artificial intelligence is set to intensify, potentially reshaping the academic landscape for years to come.