Talented bachelor’s degree holders to be directly admitted into AUS PhD program

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is the first university in the UAE to receive approval from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) to admit talented bachelor’s degree holders directly into one of its PhD programs. The new admissions process for the AUS PhD in Material Sciences and Engineering does not require applicants to hold a master’s degree.  This change serves to attract talented students and professionals to contribute to the field of material sciences and engineering, and further supports the UAE’s efforts to become a knowledge-based economy.  

Launched in Fall 2020, the PhD in Material Sciences and Engineering is delivered by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in collaboration with the College of Engineering (CEN) and the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at AUS. It focuses on four multidisciplinary research areas, namely advanced materials, materials for energy and environment, structures, and analytical and computational modeling and simulation.

“The program offers advanced education in four research areas that are aligned with the UAE Economic Vision 2030, and the new admissions process will support our vision in graduating future researchers, academics and entrepreneurs to enhance the knowledge economy of the UAE and region,” said Dr. Ali Alnaser, Professor and Head of the Department of Physics and the coordinator of the PhD in Material Sciences and Engineering program.

He added: “There are many leading universities in the United States that adopt this system, which—in our case—allows us to attract high-achieving and talented bachelor’s degree holders to become an integral part of the research and development efforts undertaken by the UAE. There are many qualified professionals who are keen to build a research career and remain in the Gulf region. This will not only have a positive impact on STEM undergraduate enrollment, but also offer qualified students who are primarily interested in research and a terminal PhD degree the opportunity to achieve their goals while contributing to the community and the field.”

Applicants must meet the university’s general minimum admissions requirements; hold a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in any branch of engineering, physics or chemistry with a minimum 3.5 GPA; and provide proof of research work.

“This is a great opportunity for students who are passionate about research in the field and want to commit to it fully. It provides high-achieving undergraduate students the freedom to pursue independent research and become experts in fields they are excited about. I am a physics student in my final year, and I am in the process of looking up PhD programs that would admit me directly, similar to what AUS is doing now. This opportunity offered at AUS is really great,” said student Mouza Almualla.

Currently, the PhD in Material Sciences and Engineering program boasts close to 30 students focusing on the production and optimization of new smart materials in various industries, including new energy, 3D printing, construction, oil and gas, environment protection as well as the biomedical sector. Students work with AUS faculty who are at the forefront of their fields of science, engineering and design, bringing knowledge and experience from some of the world’s best universities and institutions. The program is designed to equip and motivate future researchers and academics of engineering and sustainable materials with the advanced knowledge and skills required to address society’s present and future infrastructure needs.