Recognition Marks Growing Stature of Masdar Institute among Higher Education Institutions Worldwide
Abu Dhabi-UAE: 07 April, 2013 – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, announced the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) at the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has granted initial accreditation to its Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree Program (IDDP).
The PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering aims to maintain breadth, while emphasizing the necessary depth to produce consummate experts in one or more fields of specialization.
A three-member External Review Team recently held discussions with officials and faculty members of Masdar Institute. The team was received by Dr. Youssef Shatilla, Dean of Academic Programs, Masdar Institute, Dr. Mohamed Sassi, Coordinator of the IDDP Program, and others who presented details about the institution’s role in supporting faculty, staff and students in teaching and research activities.
The External Review Team’s assessment covered Masdar Institute’s governance, policies and procedures, quality assurance measures, education program, fiscal resources and community engagement. The CAA assessment utilizes standards-based quality assurance processes to evaluate educational quality and offer an assurance to the community that licensed academic institutions and their accredited programs truly meet internationally recognized benchmarks.
Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute, said: “The Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree Program is designed to allow students the flexibility to respond to complex problems by crossing the boundaries of more than one scientific or technical academic program. With the support of the country’s leadership, we have gradually increased the number of highly specialized programs offered to students. The accreditation for the doctoral program reflects the growing stature of Masdar Institute among the higher education institutions and we encourage students to fully utilize the academic options we provide.”
The PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering will be awarded by Masdar Institute to all PhD candidates who have completed the IDDP requirements. The specific title of the PhD thesis will be determined by the IDDP Research Supervisory Committee (RSC) of the PhD candidate and will also be included in the PhD degree.
