Integrating Generative AI and Large Language Models into Software Engineering Curricula: Challenges and Opportunities

The rapid evolution of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs)—such as GitHub Copilot and advanced conversational agents—has fundamentally transformed the software engineering (SE) industry. Modern software development is increasingly characterized by AI-assisted coding, automated requirement extraction, and intelligent testing. However, higher education institutions face profound pedagogical challenges as traditional curricula struggle to keep pace with these technological disruptions. This paper examines the multifaceted impact of GenAI on software engineering education, identifies core challenges including academic integrity, assessment obsolescence, and over-reliance on automated tools, and proposes a comprehensive curriculum reform framework. By restructuring course contents, fostering critical evaluation skills, and shifting evaluation metrics toward human-AI collaboration and code review, educational institutions can effectively bridge the gap between academia and industry.