Universities add new majors to meet labor demand
As the labor market changes rapidly, educational institutions in Hai Phong are introducing new majors to meet labor market demand.
Keeping pace with development trends
Amid growing demand for workers in technology, the digital economy, logistics and modern services, Sao Do University has introduced five new majors: Applied Mathematics, E-commerce, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management, with an enrollment target of 30 students for each major.
The university's total enrollment target for full-time undergraduate programmes this year is 2,310 students, about 700 more than last year. The new programmes have been developed to keep pace with digital transformation, the growth of the digital economy and businesses' demand for workers.
According to Dr. Vu Van Tan, head of the Training and Admissions Department at Sao Do University, surveys show strong demand for workers in all five new fields. Alongside introducing the new programmes, the university is strengthening its teaching staff, facilities and curricula to ensure students acquire the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace.
The university is updating its teaching methods, with greater emphasis on practical training and closer links with businesses. It currently offers 21 full-time undergraduate degree programmes across eight faculties. Adding new programmes will give applicants more choices while helping align training with workforce demand in Hai Phong and the surrounding region.
In line with this trend, Vietnam Maritime University plans to enroll 5,200 students in 2026 and introduce five new majors, bringing the total number of majors offered for admission to 55. The new majors are Smart Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, Automation and Intelligent Control, Maritime Logistics Services Management, Oil, Gas and Energy Mechanical Engineering, and Marine Environmental and Resources Management. Each new major has an enrollment target of 45 students.
Notably, the Smart Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, Automation and Intelligent Control, and Maritime Logistics Services Management majors will be offered under an integrated bachelor's-master's programme. Students can complete both degrees in about five years, compared with around six years if they study for the two degrees separately.
The move by universities to introduce new degree programmes and majors reflects a growing effort to align higher education with social and labor market needs. Expanding academic offerings, updating curricula, increasing practical training and strengthening links with businesses are important steps in helping students adapt to the job market after graduation.
More job opportunities for graduates
Universities are not the only institutions adjusting their training programmes to meet market demand. Vocational education institutions are also revising their fields of study and training programmes to reflect practical needs, giving learners more choices and improving their employment prospects.
Tang Anh Thu, a beauty care student at Hai Duong Central College of Pharmacy, chose the field after recognizing growing demand for workers in the sector.
Learners' choices of fields of study are also changing. Alongside personal interests and abilities, employment prospects, income, training duration and the ability to meet social needs are receiving increasing attention.
As digital transformation, modern industry and the service sector develop rapidly, demand for workers is also changing. This requires educational institutions to regularly update curricula, introduce new degree programmes and make training more practical.
Strengthening links with businesses is seen as an important solution. Through practical training, internships and exposure to real working environments, students can develop professional skills while studying, as businesses gain access to workers with relevant skills.