Construction project management has proved to be the most popular course offered by Michigan State University Dubai, which has now opened its doors in Academic City.
MSU Dubai has admitted 55 students, after accepting 120 applications through its tough entry policy.
The faculty will teach degree courses in computer engineering, construction project management, early childhood education, telecommunications and media management, and youth development.
Post-graduate Masters degrees in Human Resources Management, Retailing, and Education Technology and Executive Development, and Professional Certificate programmes will be phased in throughout the 2008-09 academic year and beyond.
But it is the construction project management course that has proved most popular. Dr Brendan Mullan, Executive Director of MSU Dubai, said:
'MSU Dubai will provide undergraduates with a broad intellectual background that will give them the habits of thought and analysis needed to live in a rapidly-changing modern world.'
He added: 'MSU Dubai will also offer courses in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences that examine the rich historical, cultural, and scientific heritage of the Gulf region.'
Dr John Hudzik, MSU Vice-President for Global Engagement, stressed MSU's commitment to Dubai. He said: 'We will expand and strengthen the high-quality programmes we offer over the years to come.'
The faculty, housed in purpose-built facilties in Academic City, are teachers, scholars, and researchers from Michigan State University academic departments.
All of the academic staff are appointed in the home academic departments at Michigan State University in East Lansing, USA.
MSU Dubai, a non-profit US higher education institution, promotes world-class research, teaching and scholarship and was ranked 83rd worldwide in a recent survey by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Licensed by the Dubai Government's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), MSU Dubai's degrees and certificates are recognised internationally.
MSU Dubai replicates the campus atmosphere and the level of academic and student support that is an established tradition on the main campus in East Lansing.
It is integrated with the main MSU campus, which will give Dubai students opportunities to enrich their academic and student life experiences through MSU main campus resources.