Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announcedstarting Fall semester 2012 its existing Master of Science programs will accept enrolments frompracticing professionals in the local industry.

The degree path for practicing professionals has been customized to allow the option to use an industry-based engineering project as the basis for the research thesis. In addition, Masdar Institutewill relax the normal rate-of-progress and course load expectations.Students in the program may opt to take only one or two courses per semester and will have the option to include a mentor from their home company as a member of the thesis committee.Coursework requirements will be identical to the current requirements.

Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President of Masdar Institute, said: “As an institution mandated to develop human capital through specialized academic and outreach programs, Masdar Institute remains committed to creating adequate opportunities for the youth. By opening our academic programs to practicing professionals, we expand the scope of our offerings to Emiratis who are keen to acquire additional knowledge in sustainable fields. We believe UAE professionals will take advantage of this opportunity to enroll in our programs. We thank the country’s wise leadership for creating fresh avenues for the youth to strengthen their knowledge capabilities.”

Academic requirements will remain the same with 48 credit hours – 24 credit hours each for coursework and thesis – for completion of the MSc. Coursework requirementsare normally met with eight courses including the four core courses required in each program and four elective courses chosen with the assistance and advice of the student’s academic advisor.

The topic for thesis can be based on an industrial project, drawn either from the student’s current work productor in a related area the company is interested in exploring further. The student will be required to prepare a written thesis and give a formal oral presentation on his/her thesis project as a requirement for graduation.Students participating in this program will be required to pay tuition and other fees.

Dr Joe Cecchi, Provost, Masdar Institute, said: “Our cross-disciplinary course of study and research focusing on sustainable technologies and policies offer immense value to students for launching a successful future career. Integrating education and research, our academic programs also prepare the graduates to be innovators, creative scientists and critical thinkers. We are confident the program for practicing professionals will benefit a wider cross-section of the youth, contributing further to developing a knowledge-based economy in the UAE.”

Admission requirements are identical to the regular degree programs. However,applicants who are practicing professionals must send a message of intent to the Masdar Institute Registrar (registrar@masdar.ac.ae)before applying for admission.The message must clearly specify the intent to enroll, thename of the employer/industry and the MSc program forenrolment.

Established as an ongoing collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Masdar Institute integrates theory and practice to incubate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, working to develop the critical thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. With its world-class faculty and top-tier students, the Institute is committed to finding solutions to the challenges of clean energy and climate change through education and research.

 

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