As the 2025 college entrance examination application season approaches, parents will notice a phenomenon when they open the list of majors: computer-related majors have been subdivided into 19 directions. However, what truly stands out are these four new majors that sound very “hardcore”.
Virtual Reality Technology, Blockchain Engineering, Cryptography and Security Technology, Industrial Software.
As soon as these major names appear, one can immediately feel a strong sense of technology. But for ordinary parents, what exactly do these majors entail? What can graduates do in the future? Is it worth it for their children to take a “gamble”?
Virtual Reality Technology: The Dream Makers of the Metaverse Era
Imagine this: your child puts on VR glasses and instantly enters a completely virtual world. This is what the Virtual Reality Technology major aims to achieve. Currently, only 37 universities in the country offer this major, making it a rare find. Students primarily learn Unity3D engine development, 3D modeling techniques, and human-computer interaction design. It looks very cool, but in reality, it requires a combination of programming and artistic skills.
The employment direction is quite clear. Companies like Pico, ByteDance’s VR department, and various game companies’ VR project teams are hiring. Starting salaries generally range from 8K to 15K. However, this industry has a characteristic: the technology iterates very quickly. The engine learned today may be obsolete by next year.
What kind of students are suitable? Those who love games and have a natural sensitivity to 3D worlds. They also need to have strong self-learning abilities because what teachers teach will never keep pace with industry development.
Blockchain Engineering: The Technological Revolution Behind Digital Currency
When it comes to blockchain, many people’s first reaction is Bitcoin. However, the Blockchain Engineering major covers much more than that.
Students need to master distributed ledger technology, smart contract development, and cryptographic algorithms. 30 universities nationwide offer this major, most of which have been added in the last three years, indicating the government’s emphasis on this field.
The real employment situation is as follows: companies like AntChain, Tencent Cloud, and Huawei’s blockchain departments have job demands. However, to be frank, this industry is highly volatile. When policies change, the entire industry can be shaken. The average salary for graduates is between 6K and 12K, but there is significant differentiation. Those entering top companies may earn over 20K, while those in smaller companies may only earn 5K. The key is to seize the right timing.
What kind of students are suitable? Those interested in financial technology who can withstand industry uncertainty. Additionally, it is crucial to have a strong legal awareness, as regulatory policies in this industry change frequently.
Cryptography and Security Technology: The Digital Guardians of National Security
This major sounds very mysterious, and indeed it is.
Students will study classical cryptography, modern encryption algorithms like RSA and AES, and quantum cryptography technology. Only 17 universities nationwide offer this major, most of which have strong military backgrounds.
Employment directions are quite specialized. Students may work in cryptography research departments of research institutes, security departments of military enterprises, or security teams of major internet companies. Although the starting salary is not the highest, around 6K to 10K, it is stable, and the salary growth rate increases significantly over time.
This major has high requirements for students. They must excel in mathematics, mastering calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory. They also need to have a strong sense of confidentiality, as many technologies they encounter involve national security.
What kind of students are suitable? Those with outstanding mathematical talent and a strong interest in cryptography, as well as a desire to contribute to national security. In short, this is a profession that requires passion and commitment.
Industrial Software: The Core Engine of Manufacturing Digitalization
The Industrial Software major may be the most “down-to-earth” of the four.
Students will learn CAD/CAM software development, industrial control systems, and manufacturing digitalization technologies. 21 universities nationwide offer this major, but truly capable institutions number fewer than 10.
The employment prospects are very clear. Manufacturing giants like SANY Heavy Industry, Huawei, and Siemens all need industrial software talent. The average salary ranges from 8K to 15K, and this field is a key technology supported by the state, with clear policy benefits.
What kind of students are suitable? Those interested in mechanical manufacturing who understand both software and hardware. Additionally, they need to have strong patience, as the development cycle of industrial software is long, with some projects taking two to three years.
Suggestions for Choosing: A Rational View of Emerging Majors
These four majors indeed represent the future direction of technological development. However, parents should view them rationally. Emerging majors mean opportunities, but they also mean risks. The curriculum is still being refined, and the teaching staff may not be mature enough. The job market is also still in a developmental stage.
It is recommended to consider the child’s interests and talents. If they are not interested in traditional computer science and technology or software engineering, it may be difficult for them to excel in these new majors.
Conversely, if a child has a clear talent in a certain area, such as being particularly fascinated by VR games or curious about cryptographic technology, then these majors are indeed worth trying.
After all, seizing the opportunities of the times is more important than steady progress.