Build your future

Go out for a drive. Take a look around you. What do you see? Probably construction site after construction site. And this is not just referring to road works; it's referring to all projects currently underway in the UAE, from the Metro to Dubailand. It's impossible not to wonder who is behind all of this. Who are the individuals implementing what once were just designs on paper? After all, the UAE was just sand a little more than 30 years ago.

These individuals are engineers. They are literally constructing the building blocks that are sustaining the country's continuous development. To meet the demand of the engineering industry for skilled individuals, the American University of Sharjah has launched five new master's programmes in engineering.

In addition to providing a high-quality alternative to graduate education abroad, these programmes are expected to meet the rapidly-growing need for specialised engineers who can cope with the expanding regional industrial base.

According to Jamal A. Abdullah, professor and director of graduate programmes at the College of Engineering in AUS, the five master's programmes will "serve the local and regional industries with engineers who are prepared to solve industrial problems and carry out mission-driven research."

60,000 engineers

"There are approximately 60,000 practising engineers in the UAE, and to distinguish themselves from the norm of just having a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, market surveys have confirmed that a number of these engineers would like to pursue graduate studies while continuing to work," he said.

According to Abdullah, the UAE currently has few research degrees that provide a steady supply of skilled researchers and scientists, and it is unlikely that newly-established institutions will provide these degrees in the foreseeable future.

He explained that the scarcity of research-based degrees in the region would likely result in a continued dependence on imported professionals in order to meet the country's current and future research and development needs.

"In the UAE, several Sharjah and Dubai industrial parks are examples of local efforts to build a critical mass in strategic industries. This cluster-based development requires a number of key elements to be successful, including the availability of a highly-skilled workforce of engineers, technicians and scientists, and a strong research infrastructure within nearby universities," he said.

"A concerted effort is needed to develop university, industry and government interaction to establish a coherent, prioritised, well-funded research strategy. This can be achieved by developing research-based graduate programmes within these countries."

Want to be tomorrow's engineer?

Notes answers your questions.
What are the five new master's in engineering programmes at the American University of Sharjah?
The five new Master's of Science programmes are:
- Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

When is the first intake?
The expected official launch date for these programmes is August 2008.

What kind of experience and knowledge will students absorb through the programmes?
Graduates will gain experience and knowledge to achieve the following outcomes:
- Apply advanced mathematics and engineering science in identifying, formulating, and solving engineering problems.
- Use modern engineering tools.
- Demonstrate proficiency in planning, designing, and conducting experimental studies and research.
- Write a research thesis and defend research results.
- Attend to professional and ethical responsibilities and understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.
- Recognise the need for and engage in lifelong learning with knowledge of contemporary issues.
What are the eligibility criteria for applicants?
- Four-year bachelor of science degree in engineering or a related field
- Minimum GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 out of 4.0 for full admission and 2.5 out of 4.0 for conditional admission
- Minimum computer-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 213 (80 internet-based and 550 paper-based) for full admission and a minimum computer based TOFEL score of 197 (71 internet-based and 530 paper-based) for conditional admission.
Are scholarships or financial aid available?
There are a limited number of graduate assistantships for students with high GPAs. The assistantship usually covers all or part of the tuition and provides the eligible students with stipends as well. The assistantships are offered on a yearly basis.
How much is the average tuition?
The tuition per credit hour is Dh2,550. To complete any of the master's programmes the student should complete 30 credit hours.

When is the deadline for application?
The application deadline is August 1. However, earlier submission of applications is always encouraged.
How can students apply?
Student can apply through the AUS admission office. The URL: http://www.aus.edu/admissions/aye_2008-2009/graduate/GraduateAdmissionProspectus.php
— Information provided by Jamal A. Abdullah, professor and director of graduate programmes at the College of Engineering at AUS