Harvard CS professor sees the dip in enrollment as part of an 'ebb and flow' that existed before AI

The discussion surrounding the future of computer science is intensifying, as notable figures in the field weigh in on current enrollment trends. David J. Malan, a distinguished professor of computer science at Harvard, recently shared his insights during a conversation with podcaster Ryan Petterman. He emphasized that the decline in computer science enrollment cannot be solely attributed to the rise of artificial intelligence. Malan pointed out that the downturn in interest began before the surge in popularity of AI-driven technologies like ChatGPT. He noted that a previous decrease in tech job offerings has played a significant role in shaping student interest. "It absolutely seems to be the case that AI is affecting interest in CS," Malan stated, while recognizing that the trend had already started before the advent of generative AI. Additionally, Malan highlighted a shift in recruiting patterns among tech companies, which have shown less enthusiasm for visiting campuses due to a scarcity of entry-level positions. He remarked on the noticeable decline in opportunities for students, saying, "There were just fewer opportunities, and there was less of an appetite among some of the big tech companies to even bother coming to campus if they just didn't have many entry-level roles for students." Despite the current dip, Malan believes that interest in computer science will eventually rebound. He predicts fluctuations in enrollment, akin to waves, stating, "I think what we're going to see is that there's going to be these ebbs and flows over the years, much like we've seen." He expressed hope for a balanced perspective on technology's value, advocating for an appreciation of its genuine benefits rather than just opportunistic gains. Recent statistics indicate a notable decrease in computer science enrollment across U.S. universities, with an 8.1% decline reported for the fall of 2025, marking the largest drop among all major disciplines since at least 2020. This trend is being closely monitored by leaders in AI and tech, who continue to see the importance of computer science education, emphasizing that foundational skills extend beyond mere programming. Malan, known for his engaging CS50 course, reiterated that computer science is fundamentally about enhancing problem-solving abilities, a skill that is indispensable across all fields, whether within tech or beyond. "The whole point of so many of these courses has been about getting better at problem solving," he concluded, reinforcing the idea that such skills are vital for navigating various challenges in life.