PHOTO
Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Texas A&M University have signed an agreement to establish a dual Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Khaled B. Letaief, Hamad Bin Khalifa University provost, and Dr. Karan Watson, provost and executive vice president of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas (USA). The dual degree program will begin upon receipt of acceptance and agreement from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and approval of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Graduates of the program will receive two Ph.D.s, one in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University and the other from HBKU in either Sustainable Energy or Sustainable Environment.
HBKU provost Dr. Khaled B. Letaief said, “The dual Ph.D. program between Texas A&M and HBKU provides unparalleled opportunities for our students to work with exceptional faculty to explore a truly multidisciplinary journey of research and scholarship in the fields of chemical engineering, sustainable energy and sustainable environment. Our partnership with Texas A&M will create synergies in the classroom and research labs, providing the capabilities to deliver the highest quality of doctoral education, paving the way for a transformed knowledge-based Qatari economy.”
Dr. Letaief added, “Special thanks should go to Dr. Mounir Hamdi, dean of the College of Science and Engineering at HBKU, as well as to the faculty of the college's Division of Sustainable Development for their hard work and help in bringing this initiative to fruition."
The new dual-Ph.D. program is an exciting opportunity that combines Texas A&M and its branch campus’ strengths in chemical engineering and adds a new dimension through the focus on sustainability offered by HBKU.
Watson said, “Texas A&M University is a world leader in engineering and engineering education; however, this new program on the Texas A&M at Qatar campus significantly strengthens our core commitment to create transformational and unique experiences so our students are the most sought after new engineering graduates. We are proud to partner with our friends at Hamad Bin Khalifa University on this new dual degree program that will provide a world of expanded opportunities for our students and our faculty. This initiative engages each of the four development pillars put forward in Qatar National Vision 2030 and is the next step in Texas A&M at Qatar's efforts to enrich Qatar's greatest natural resource — its people.”
The dual-Ph.D. program also opens the door for faculty at both institutions to have Ph.D. students conducting research, an essential component of any successful research program. Through this program, faculty members from both institutions will co-supervise students to work on research projects with high relevance and impact on the State of Qatar and internationally. This capacity building and creation of new knowledge that happens through research is key in Qatar’s quest to become a knowledge-based economy.
The goal is for the new program to become a model for expanding Ph.D. studies to different areas and to provide opportunities to collaborate and combine expertise from both universities here in Qatar.
-Ends-
About Hamad Bin Khalifa University:
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is an emerging research university that is building its foundation upon unique collaborations with local and international partners. Located in Education City, HBKU delivers undergraduate and graduate programs through its College of Science and Engineering, College of Law and Public Policy, College of Health and Life Sciences, College of Islamic Studies, and its College of Humanities and Social Sciences. It also provides unparalleled opportunities for research and scholarship through its research institutes, and its Center of Executive Education delivers customized programs for the business community of Qatar and the region, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
About Texas A&M University at Qatar
Texas A&M University, recognized as having one of the premier engineering programs in the world, has offered undergraduate degrees in chemical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering at Qatar Foundation’s Education City campus since 2003, and graduate degrees in chemical engineering since fall 2011. Texas A&M at Qatar has awarded more than 750 degrees since 2007. In addition to engineering courses, Texas A&M at Qatar provides classes in science, mathematics, liberal arts and the humanities. All four of the engineering programs offered at Texas A&M at Qatar are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The curricula offered at Texas A&M at Qatar are materially the same as those offered at the main campus in College Station, Texas, and the courses in Doha are taught in English in a co-educational setting. The reputation for excellence is the same, as is the commitment to equip engineers to lead the next generation of engineering advancement. Faculty from around the world are attracted to Texas A&M at Qatar to provide this educational experience and to participate in research activities now valued at more than $236.4 million, and that address issues important to the State of Qatar. Visit www.qatar.tamu.edu.
© Press Release 2017
