Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF) for Education, Science, and Community Development, will be introducing three groundbreaking graduate programs this fall through its College of Science and Engineering (CSE) that focus on increasing Qatar’s capacity in vital areas of computer science and engineering. The university’s multidisciplinary academic offerings will be extended with a Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity, an MS in Data Science and Engineering, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science and Engineering. Information sessions on the programs will be held at 4:30 PM on Monday, April 11th and Wednesday, April 27th at the HBKU Student Center within Education City.

“Our world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and is increasingly shaped by considerable advances in science and technology,” said Dr. Khaled B. Letaief, Provost of HBKU. “As Qatar continues its transition toward a knowledge-based economy, it will require capable professionals, versed in the latest knowledge, and equipped with an extensive skillset. The new programs launched by HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering respond to global developments, while targeting the needs of Qatar, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.”

The MS in Cybersecurity will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard the information held by organizations and individuals at a time when cyber threats are becoming ever more complex and aggressive. Students will learn about advanced technologies in the field of cybersecurity and how to apply them effectively, while also gaining an understanding about policies and ethics related to information technology. Delivered in partnership with HBKU’s prestigious research institutes, along with local and international industrial and government partners, the program complements theoretical instruction with practical learning, to best address global challenges and find solutions for a safer cyber world.

Students enrolled in the MS in Data Science and Engineering will be trained to think analytically and provided with the skills necessary to extract key information from the massive amounts of digital information generated every day by companies, users, and devices. The program will focus on in-depth explorations of how to efficiently and effectively collect data, and how to subsequently manage and analyze it.

Both of the new master’s programs will also offer students with the option of either completing a research thesis or working on an industrial project, affording students a way to further develop real-world problem-solving experience. In addition, program participants will be enrolled in a special core course in leadership and innovation, highlighting an emphasis of the programs to produce graduates who will take on senior roles within academic, governmental, and non-governmental organizations.

Dr. Mounir Hamdi, Dean of HBKU’s CSE, stated: “We are living in an information age which is changing our daily lives and the way we conduct business. However, there is still a shortage of qualified professionals in this arena. In order for countries to remain competitive in years to come, academia and industry require more specialists in the areas of data science, cyber security, and computer science and engineering. The programs HBKU offers aim to meet this need, building the knowledge and insight needed to foster innovation and enhance the local workforce with the tools to be at the forefront of this digital age.”

Those enrolled in HBKU’s Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, will not only be equipped with advanced, up-to-date knowledge of the field as whole, but also be given the opportunity to specialize in areas such as systems and computer security, software engineering, computer architecture, robotics machine perception, artificial intelligence, and wireless and mobile computing.

Students across all three programs will have access to state-of-the art laboratories and facilities, and be given the opportunity to conduct research alongside HBKU’s world-class faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields.

“The three new programs blend theory with practice, and bridge some of the most influential disciplines of the future,” noted Dr. Amine Bermak, Professor and Program Coordinator at the Information and Computing Technology Division at HBKU’s CSE. “Students will acquire what is needed to not only build a career in research, but also to excel in the private sector, either driving innovation within an established organization, or becoming an entrepreneur who builds their own company.”

In launching these programs, HBKU aims to continue to do its part in unlocking human potential and building capacity in an effort to help diversify Qatar’s economy. Those interested in learning more about the programs, as well as their admissions requirements, are encouraged to attend the upcoming information sessions on either April 11th or April 27th by registering at http://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/infosession.