Amman: The University of Jordan (UJ) has announced the launch of the Kingdom's first joint doctoral program in computer engineering in collaboration with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). This significant milestone was marked by a virtual signing ceremony.
According to Jordan News Agency, UJ President Nathir Obeidat praised the agreement as a pivotal development in academic and research partnerships, providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable insights from international experts. He emphasized the integration of internships into UJ's programs and highlighted the strong support from Jordan's Ministry of Higher Education and the Higher Education Council, describing the initiative as a critical advancement for UJ's global reputation.
Mark Button, Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer of UNL, noted that the agreement is the culmination of extensive collaboration between the two institutions. He stressed that the partnership goes beyond academic cooperation, reflecting a shared dedication to enhancing the future for students and their communities. This initiative marks the first of its kind in computer engineering in Jordan.
UJ Vice President for Scientific Schools, Ashraf Abu Karaki, described the program as a significant milestone in the university's development, with potential to enhance academic and cultural ties. Menwer Attarakih, Dean of the School of Engineering, added that this program is the first PhD of its kind in Jordan and the second international collaboration for the faculty, following a previous partnership with the University of Hamburg.
Under the agreement, students will spend three to four semesters at UJ before transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for five to six semesters. The program spans eight to ten semesters, including 90 credit hours of coursework and intensive research in joint focus areas, with faculty from both institutions providing supervision.
Participants will have the same rights and privileges as regular PhD candidates and will be eligible for teaching or research assistantships at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, along with full tuition waivers. Admission criteria include strong academic performance in computer engineering at both bachelor's and master's levels, English language proficiency, passing qualifying exams, and publishing research papers in peer-reviewed journals.