Transformation

Khalifa University Launches 4+1 Accelerated Master of Science Programs, Encouraging Students at All Levels to Go for Higher Studies

March 9, 2020

Program Enables Exceptional Students to Jump-Start Graduate Education and Integrating and Aligning Different Educational Levels

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has announced the launch of 4+1 Accelerated Master of Science Programs to 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 lower expenses. 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 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 3.7 (equivalent to A-), 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 AI Institute, in addition to 19 core research centers exploring sectors ranging from artificial intelligence 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 167 issued patents – the highest among universities in the UAE, as well as 228 filed patent applications, resulting from 417 invention disclosures.

Clarence Michael
News Writer
9 March 2020