Program Aims at Reducing Study Duration for Distinguished Students and Obtaining BSc Credit Hours at High School Level as well as Master’s Credits during Bachelor’s Course
Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced the launch of an accelerated educational program which reflects the University’s efforts towards accelerating, integrating and aligning different educational levels, by allowing outstanding high school students to take Bachelor-level courses for credit, and brilliant Bachelor’s students to take Master’s level courses for credit. This is expected to bridge the gap between educational levels, providing an opportunity for exceptional students to obtain their degrees within a shorter duration.
Khalifa University collaborated with the Ministry of Education to select elite students from grades 11 and 12 to join this dual-credit program where they will be able to take one course per semester within the 2020-2021 academic year. For the Fall semester, 18 exceptional students were selected after excelling in rigorous entrance tests and personal interviews. The students were given a selection of five courses to choose from including calculus, physics as well as introduction to programming (C++ or Matlab). More High School students are expected to join in the Spring semester in addition to this first cohort.
On the other hand, the 4+1 Accelerated Master of Science Programs enable exceptional senior undergraduate students in the College of Engineering to start their Master’s studies even while pursuing their undergraduate education. Through the Accelerated MSc program option, a highly motivated student, with the help of her/his academic advisor, can finish undergraduate and Master’s degrees within a nominal period of five-years. The accelerated program targets students for whom a Master’s degree will provide the necessary preparation to achieve career goals, or for pursuing a doctorate degree.
In parallel, the accelerated program also reflects Khalifa University’s efforts towards accelerating, integrating and aligning different educational levels, by allowing outstanding high school students to take Bachelor-level courses for credit, and brilliant Bachelor’s students to take Master’s level courses for credit. This is expected to bridge the gap between educational levels, providing an opportunity for exceptional students to obtain their degrees in a shorter duration.
Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University, said: “The accelerated Master’s program at Khalifa University enables excellent students to jump-start graduate education with significant advantages such as saving on time and and efforts. Through this program, Khalifa University facilitates students right from the high-school and undergraduate levels, to continue learning right up to their Master’s, either to be eligible to join a workplace or continue their journey towards a PhD. We welcome the 18 newly enrolled dual-credit students and believe this program will encourage eligible students enthusiastic about pursuing their advanced degrees by offering them a fast-track option.”
In order to be eligible for the Accelerated MSc program, a student must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 out of 4 with a minimum of 90 credits of undergraduate study. A conditional admission may be granted, if an application is made during the student’s junior year of undergraduate study. However, the student must meet all the Master’s admission requirements, including finishing the Bachelor’s degree, before being granted full admissions to the program.
A student can register for up to six credits of Master’s level courses that can be used towards the elective courses during the undergraduate program. A Master’s-level course taken during the senior year of undergraduate studies will count towards the accelerated Master’s program courses requirement, provided the student achieves a minimum of B-grade in that course.
Through its three colleges – the College of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Medicine and Health Sciences – Khalifa University currently offers 16 bachelors and 17 Master’s degree programs, in addition to three doctoral degree (PhD) programs with 12 Concentrations.
Khalifa University has three research institutes – Masdar Institute, Petroleum Institute and the Robotics and Intelligent Systems Institute, in addition to 20 core research centers exploring sectors ranging from smart systems and robotics to clean energy, hydrocarbons and aerospace, as well as challenges of critical importance to the UAE’s knowledge economy transformation. The University has a strong IP portfolio – a total of over 140 issued patents – the highest among universities in the UAE, as well as around 360 filed patent applications, resulting from more than 400 invention disclosures.
Clarence Michael
English Editor Specialist
30 August 2020
