Recently, the Ministry of Education announced the record and approval results for undergraduate majors at general higher education institutions for the year 2023. NEFU has been authorized to add five new majors: Marxist Theory, Agricultural and Forestry Intelligent Equipment Engineering, Intelligent Construction and Smart Transportation, National Park Construction and Management, and Smart Forestry. Notably, Agricultural and Forestry Intelligent Equipment Engineering is a “newly approved undergraduate major outside the existing catalog”, marking the first time this major has been established nationwide.

NEFU’s New Undergraduate Majors Catalog for 2023

In recent years, NEFU has steadfastly followed a development path focused on “quality, eco-friendliness, innovation, and cooperation”, emphasizing education with a forestry-centric approach and actively aligning with the national strategy of invigorating the country through science and education. We have initiated adjustments and optimizations in our academic disciplines and specialties. The approval of these new majors is a significant step for NEFU to proactively adapt to the needs of national and regional economic and social development, and to highlight our distinctive advantages and strengths.

In the future, NEFU will seize the opportunity presented by the introduction of new majors to continuously deepen the substance of these programs. We are committed to ongoing reforms in talent cultivation models and teaching methods. Relying on our two leading disciplines, Forestry Science and Forestry Engineering, we will intensify the reform of professional education from the supply side. This involves accelerating the adjustment, optimization, enhancement, and construction of our majors. Our focus is on creating a distinctive academic and professional layout characterized by a blend of forestry engineering, theoretical forestry, and cultural forestry. This approach aims at comprehensively improving the quality of independent talent development.

Marxist Theory Major

This major is grounded in Marxist Philosophy, Marxist Political Economy, Scientific Socialism, and the Modernization and Sinicization of Marxism. It aims for a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the scientific ideological system of Marxism. The program is dedicated to cultivating professionals with a firm belief in Marxism, a solid foundation in Marxist theory, a systematic grasp of Marxist scientific research methods, and familiarity with the classic original works of Marxism. The goal is to nurture individuals with a deep understanding of humanities and social sciences, broad international perspectives, strong theoretical thinking abilities, deep patriotic sentiments, a strong sense of social responsibility, and high moral standards. Graduates will be well-equipped for research in Marxist theory or practical work in national governance and policy-making, distinguishing themselves as high-quality, innovative talents.

Agricultural and Forestry Intelligent Equipment Engineering Major

This major focuses on the cutting-edge of science and key technological areas, aiming to contribute to the high-quality development of new productive forces and to elevate the digitalization, intelligence, and modernization of agricultural and forestry equipment. Leveraging NEFU’s academic strengths in the agricultural and forestry industries, with a deep foundation in forest engineering, timber machinery, and intelligent equipment, this program aims to cultivate professionals who possess a strong sense of national duty and social responsibility, good professional ethics, and a well-rounded education in humanities and science. Students will have a solid foundation in mathematics and physics, and mastery of multidisciplinary theoretical knowledge and skills in areas such as mechanical and electrical engineering, control systems, and artificial intelligence. The program is designed to develop individuals with a strong innovative mindset, outstanding engineering practical abilities, and skills in communication and teamwork. Graduates will be well-equipped to engage in scientific research, product design, technological development, and management in fields such as agricultural and forestry intelligent equipment, intelligent manufacturing equipment, robotics, and electromechanical products, making them high-quality, innovative talents suitable for these industries.

Intelligent Construction and Smart Transportation Major

This major is designed to meet the demands of national strategic initiatives and industry transformation and upgrades. It is based on civil engineering and transportation engineering, deeply integrating digitalization, informatization, and intelligence with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, digital twins, and the Internet of Things. The program aims to cultivate talents who can adapt to infrastructure construction needs and local economic and social development. These individuals will possess both scientific and humanistic knowledge, enabling them to work in the fields of construction and transportation, engaging in intelligent design, intelligent equipment, and construction, as well as intelligent operation and services. The major also equips students with multidisciplinary cross-knowledge and skills, preparing them for cross-sectoral development in areas like computer science, big data analysis, and information technology. Graduates will be high-quality applied talents capable of solving complex engineering problems and will be innovative, composite talents with international perspectives and lifelong learning abilities.

National Park Construction and Management Major

This major is developed to align with the national strategy for ecological civilization and the vision of building a beautiful China. It aims to meet the real-world development needs of the national park system, including the planning, construction, and management of national parks. The program is designed to cultivate talents with a deep sense of national duty and social responsibility, good professional ethics, and a broad humanistic education. These individuals will be equipped with innovative organizational and management skills, a broad international perspective, and the ability for lifelong learning. Students will gain mastery of the basic theories, methods, and skills required for national park construction and management. They will be trained to address key challenges in the development and management of national parks, contribute to rural revitalization, and promote regional sustainable development. Graduates will be capable of working in various aspects of national park construction and management, including conservation and management, scientific research, public education, and technological development. The major aims to produce interdisciplinary, comprehensively developed leaders in the field.

Smart Forestry Major

This major is committed to nurturing talents to meet the needs of national and regional strategies for modern forestry development. It focuses on holistic development in morality, intelligence, physique, aesthetics, and labor, promoting both mental and physical health. The program aims to cultivate individuals with strong moral character, national sentiments, and a spirit of responsibility and dedication. Students will acquire foundational knowledge in forestry and learn to integrate modern information technologies like 3S (GIS, GPS, and RS), big data, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, as well as modern biotechnology and forestry intelligent equipment with forestry science. Graduates will be capable of working in forestry production and management departments, enterprises, and other entities, engaging in intelligent tree breeding, precision forest cultivation, forest resource monitoring and sustainable management, forest disaster and health monitoring and early warning, and evaluation of forest ecosystem service functions. They will be involved in teaching, research, industrial planning, management, and technical services, emerging as top innovative talents and comprehensive experts in forestry.