AURAK Poised to Build on Robust Reputation for Quality with New Programs

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), ranked as one of the top ten UAE universities by the Quacquarelli Symonds agency (QS), is poised to build on its robust standing for quality by increasing its program offerings.

As universities return to the new normal, AURAK is preparing to present four new cutting-edge academic programs. These encompass a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, a Master of Science in Infrastructure Engineering, and a Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy.

Were bringing out new and innovative programs that are speaking to the future, predominantly with artificial intelligence and data science. Were looking to the future workstation what that might look like and what the jobs of the future are going to be and were meeting those needs, said Ms. Amanda Forte, Chief Strategy and Excellence Officer at AURAK. Moreover, all nine of AURAKs engineering programs are accredited by the American Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the School of Business is pursuing accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

The University and its programs have an inspiring list of accreditations from local and global bodies, which assure that its programs meet the highest standards and that they benefit students. In spite of its successes, AURAK is not resting on its laurels. AURAK is always seeking to validate the quality of delivery and of the institution, Ms. Forte said. As an example, AURAK is currently working with the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) in the UK to undertake an International Quality Review. In addition, AURAK has asked QS to carry out an valuation against the QS Stars criteria.

Like other institutes in the UAE, AURAK is licensed by the UAEs Ministry of Education (MoE), which also accredits all the Universitys programs. Though, unlike the other UAE universities, AURAK is one of only two accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in the United States. AURAK is rightly gratified of this accomplishment as SACSCOC has one of the most challenging institutional accreditation systems open to universities.

When talking about SACSCOC accreditation, AURAKs President, Prof. Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, emphasized the benefits for AURAK students by pointing out

that SACSCOC accreditation opens up a wealth of chances for our students abroad, especially in the United States, whose universities still lead the world. It is clear that AURAKs worldwide partnerships are a gateway to a successful future providing students with an selection of opportunities to spend a summer session, semester or year abroad with AURAKs partner institutions in places such as the United States, France, Canada, Spain, Malaysia, Germany, The Netherlands, and South Korea.

Similarly, AURAK has negotiated 3+2 arrangements with partner institutions in the United States so that AURAK students can study their first three years at AURAK and complete their final years for their bachelors and masters abroad cutting the normal total time for the masters by one year.

AURAK offers life-changing education with a global reach and is completely dedicated on student achievement and career opportunities. Not only does the University offer a North American-style, undergraduate, and graduate educational experience, with a strong focus on the local indigenous culture; an AURAK education also challenges students and makes them feel a sense of achievement after graduating. The University continues to develop the range of education it offers so that its students can fast track their careers.

AURAK is a not-for-profit, public university, 100% owned by the government of Ras Al Khaimah, assuring a confident and stable future for students.

AURAKs international ranking also exhibits the quality of the education and experience it offers. According to the World University Rankings Arab World 2020 report released by the UK-based Quacquarelli Symonds agency, AURAK has reached the Top 50 in the Arab world and tenth in the United Arab Emirates. AURAK is not content with the status quo and in striving continuously to improve the quality of education within the University and the UAE, AURAK is an active member of the Council for Higher Education (CHEA), the Association of ARAB Universities and the Hanseatic League of Universities.