Unlike the current university entrance system which allows students to select a specific department, “Hanyang Intercollege” allows students to choose a career path in their second year after entering the school without choosing a major. Hanyang Intercollege system is set to be implemented starting with the recruitment of new students for the 2025 school year. Approximately 330 new students will enroll without declared majors and then graduate with the degree of their choice. Furthermore, other universities are also establishing and expanding free major undergraduate programs. Seoul National University plans to expand its free major. Yonsei University has reportedly formed an in-school committee to discuss the selection of students for a free major program. Korea University is also contemplating on expanding its free major program from the current 95 students. These universities are moving quickly to expand their free major departments in response to government policy. The government aims to guarantee a wide choice of majors for students while also creating convergence-type students believed to be needed for society in the future. According to the government’s latest proposal, universities can receive subsidies from the government only if they establish or expand free major departments.
Reasons Behind the Controversies
However, some are concerned that the previous side effects seen in other universities that have already introduced the free major system may reappear. Hanyang Intercollege is expected to impact students the most. Therefore, we must focus on whether freshmen will be able to adapt without seniors in the department or if problems may arise due to differences in major knowledge between free and non-free majors when they take the same class as regular sophomores.
Students’ Stance
Some students are having difficulties because their departments do not align with their talents or interests. Lee Na-young, a sophomore majoring in Finance, says she lacked a good understanding of the department and realized her major was not suitable for her after taking a major class. She said, “ In high school, everyone tends to study similar subjects and focus only on grades, so students around me seem to struggle after entering university. They did not have many opportunities to consider which majors would suit them best.” Consequently, she believes that Hanyang Intercollege will guarantee the students’ right to choose their major. However, she was also concerned about the absence of seniors, as freshmen rely on them for information about school life. She noted, “I received a lot of help from sophomore students in Finance last year. To ensure free major students adapt well, it is necessary to establish a program that provides freshmen with information about campus life.”
Professor’s Stance
Professors are most likely the individuals who understand the students’ concerns best. Associate Professor and Assistant Director Yoon Soo-kyung from the Innovation Center of Engineering Education said, “Many students are concerned about their majors, and I frequently provide advice to students considering to transfer to another department at the end of their first semester.” Regarding potential disparities in knowledge levels between free majors and existing students, Professor Yoon suggested that free major students should also be guided by courses such as “Career Development.” In the case of the mechanical engineering department, students must complete the “Engineering Entrance Design Course ” and basic major courses. Professor Yoon also stressed that the need for a system to prevent disparities in knowledge levels between students with free majors and those who entered the university by choosing a major.
HYU’s Stance
Hanyang University Education Innovation Center is the school institution in charge of the Hanyang Intercollege. Ryu Ho-kyoung, Vice President for Education (Seoul), stated that they are preparing a global standard-level “Hanyang FYE (First Year Experience)” program. This enables free major students to develop basic learning skills, establish criteria for choosing a major, and benefit from professional guidance and career development programs. Vice president Ryu also announced that Hanyang University (HYU) will educate key convergence talent through field trips, experiential learning projects for major selection, and overseas exploration and research projects before selecting a major. In addition, HYU will train and operate “Hanyang Intercollege Advisor” for students’ life, career, and learning guidance. To assist students in mastering their majors, the university will create and provide a curriculum covering fundamental subjects. Conclusion Under the dichotomous structure of liberal arts and natural sciences, it is impossible to solve various challenges combined with social/science fields. The Ministry of Education is striving to reorganize the university entrance examination system and break down interdisciplinary barriers to flexibly respond to the changing future alongside rapid technological development. As it is now, students’ choice of major is limited to a single-line structure, and it is difficult to cultivate the integrated thinking skills required by the Artificial Intelligence era. However, it is essential to minimize side effects by considering all possible situations when making such changes. Hanyang Intercollege is expected to have the most significant impact on students. Therefore, if not operated properly, the first-year students may bear the brunt of any negative consequences. The system should be designed carefully to prevent issues that various specialists are concerned about.
