Zayed University launches eight new graduate programs in collaboration with international universities

The new graduate programs are established in collaboration with several prestigious international partner universities, which aim to prepare experienced managers for senior leadership roles in their organizations, they include: the Master of Science in Finance in partnership with the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, the Master of Science in International Business program in partnership with Thunderbird School of Global Management, the Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program in partnership with Northeastern University, in addition to the Master of Arts in Tourism Communication program in partnership with Florida University, the Master of Education in Special Education program in partnership with the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington and the University of Connecticut, and the Master of Science in Information Technology (Specialization in Cyber Security), Graduate Certificate in High Technology Crime Investigation, Graduate Certificate in Information Security in partnership with The George Washington University.

Dr. Sulaiman Al Jassim Vice President of Zayed University spoke at the press conference announcing the new graduate programs. He said:

"Capitalizing on challenging academic programs and an exceptional international faculty, and driven by the needs of students looking for industry-relevant graduate education, this initiative implements the guidance and vision of The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahayan, and His Highness the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and President of Zayed University, to develop an international system of higher education and world-class undergraduate and graduate programs embodying the same rigorous standards and intellectual elements found in major universities throughout the world to achieve academic excellence and to attract high-calibre students to study at Zayed University."

On his part Dr. Chet Jablonski, Director Research and Interim Director Graduate Programs, said, "Admissions to the 8 graduate programs is open to males and females of all nationalities, and applicants will be evaluated by completion of an undergraduate degree in IT, MIS, Business or any related field from an accredited university, in addition to have English proficiency to manage a challenging, fast-paced program."

Dr. Leon Jololian Acting Dean of College of Information Technology, said, "The Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Technology (Specialization in Cyber Security) focuses on the development of concepts, knowledge and skills that will enable successful participants to become experts in the area of information security, internet crime prevention, and digital crime investigation. The goal of this program is to develop highly qualified technical experts to meet the demands of the national, regional and international workplace for information and network security."

He added, "The Graduate Certificate in Information Security aims to prepare IT professionals to develop and manage the physical and technical infrastructure necessary to secure critical information assets at all levels within an organization. In order for the U.A.E. to maintain its IT leadership in the region, this type of expertise will be essential for the expansion of e-commerce and e-government services in the region. Graduates of the program will be prepared to detect, prevent and mitigate threats to systems and data in order to protect the critical information infrastructure of the U.A.E."

"While the learning outcomes of the one year part time program of the Graduate Certificate in High Technology Crime Investigation will graduate students with the broad and in-depth knowledge that prepares IT professionals to perform computer forensic investigations". Dr. Leon explained : "The increase of high technology crime has generated an urgent need for a new type of investigator who can combine the science of information technology and forensic science with the art of investigations and critical thinking. Today, any crime that involves a computer as a part of the crime, as the crime itself or as the storage place for evidence, may be part of an investigation."

He added, "This is a critical need for the U.A.E. and the Gulf region. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in local, state, national and international organizations in the public and corporate sectors. They will have the skills to investigate a variety of cases that include identity theft, fraud, child exploitation, money laundering and violent crimes."

Dr. Micheal Owen Dean of the College of Business Sciences, explained, "The Master of Science in International Business program was tailored to offer students a broad introduction to the range of business and management disciplines. "The focus of the program is on developing an understanding of how organizations function internationally and the complex issues which managers encounter in a global environment."

He added that the learning outcomes of this two year program will graduate students with the broad and in-depth knowledge of the nature of managing business in an international context and the complex pressures toward globalization and internationalization of business; in addition to the ethical and cultural factors that impact business management in an international context, the dynamics of organizational change and development within an international context.

Dr. Owen added, "The Master of Science in Finance offered in collaboration with McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University will enable students to acquire a broad and in-depth knowledge of the tools and knowledge of finance, and prepare them for industry leadership in a wide spectrum of financial positions in the U.A.E. and beyond. The curriculum is designed to provide graduates with a firm grounding in the core aspects of finance and with an opportunity to focus their study in one of four areas of specialization: Corporate Finance, Banking, Wealth Management, or Equity Management". "While the Master of Science in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program offered in partnership with Northeastern University is unique in that it will draw upon concepts of creativity, innovation and communications utilizing the expertise of faculty from a variety of disciplines. The primary objective of this program is to enable students to acquire the necessary skills for recognizing, creating, assessing and then pursuing a new business, social, cultural or humanitarian venture opportunity that fills an identified product market niche or addresses a national priority. The program will provide in-depth knowledge about the tools necessary for assessing an entrepreneurial or innovation opportunity and the competencies to take that opportunity forward and build it into a successful venture. Students will demonstrate their understanding of and abilities to use the tools of the multiple disciplines required for a successful entrepreneurial venture by conducting a feasibility study and business plan for an entrepreneurial venture of their choosing."

On his part Dr. Kenneth Starck Dean of the College Of Communication and Media Sciences, said, "The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Tourism Communication program offered in partnership with the University of Florida empowers professionals who seek to advance to upper-middle management and senior management levels in tourism organizations with the necessary knowledge and skills required for their success. It will enable them to achieve academic and professional growth in their field, to contribute effectively to the growth of their profession, and to be active participants in the economic development of the country."

Dr. Kenneth added, "The program emphasizes a broad theoretical, empirical, and professional knowledge of mass communication and tourism principles and practices, and offers students the flexibility of pursuing a professional or academic degree."

As for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, Dr. Peggy Blackwell Dean of the College of Education, explained that the College and its partner universities, the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington and the University of Connecticut, is committed to inspiring and preparing professionals in special education who want to develop their knowledge and skills in order to improve educational outcomes for persons with special needs. Students are encouraged to develop their interests in educating learners and adults at risk across a wide range of disabilities incorporating a lifespan perspective."

Dr. Blackwell added, "Individuals who graduate with the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education will be prepared to assume roles as resource teachers, specialists in business and corporations, and leadership in education organizations. The program offers both learning and research opportunities that focus directly on the current and projected needs of the United Arab Emirates. The program is aligned with the goal of the United Arab Emirates to create and support inclusive education for students with special needs."