The University of Michigan-Flint has announced a pioneering collaboration with the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to establish a dual master’s degree program. Facilitated by U-M Flint's College of Innovation & Technology, this initiative seeks to broaden access to global higher education within the realms of computer science and engineering.
Under this partnership, graduate students from U-M Flint will have the opportunity to study abroad in Sharjah, situated approximately 19 miles from Dubai. Similarly, students from Sharjah will be able to complete their degree at U-M Flint through this program. It is inclusive of a wide array of subjects within engineering and computer science disciplines.
Marouane Kessentini, the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at U-M Flint's College of Innovation & Technology, elucidated the essence of this collaboration for graduate students. The program follows a 1-plus-1 model, wherein students spend their first year at the American University of Sharjah before transitioning to U-M Flint for their second year, culminating in a degree from U-M Flint. Kessentini emphasized the alignment of course equivalencies, facilitating a seamless transition for students.
Kessentini highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the program for students at both institutions. Apart from acquiring new skills and experiences, the program encourages students to explore diverse cultures and opens doors to a myriad of opportunities, fostering a spirit of global engagement.
In a press release from the American University of Sharjah, Fadi Aloul, the Dean of the College of Engineering, expressed optimism about the program's potential to enhance educational prospects. Leveraging the strengths of both institutions, the collaboration aims to furnish students with exceptional educational experiences, equipping them with the requisite skills to navigate the complexities of the globalized world. Kessentini expressed aspirations for the program to contribute to the influx of talent and diversity into Michigan's job market, thereby enriching its workforce.
