HCT celebrates its first Master of Information Technology graduates 

(MENAFN Press) Abu Dhabi, March 22, 2012: The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) recently celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of students in its Master of Information Technology degree.

The eight students completed 10-taught courses on subjects in Information Technology and Management after starting the program in October 2009. Some of the graduates undertook the Project Management concentration, while others took the IT Management concentration. As part of the program all students completed a research dissertation.

The graduates, who were all employed in the IT field during their studies, and continue to rise in their professions, are Abdulla Al Khouri, Basmah Al Zaabi, Hadi Al Menhali, Mohamed Al Mulla, Mohamed Al Ali, Samaha Mufleh, Shaikha Al Ameri and Yousef Al Reyami.

Their research dissertations covered topics ranging from Marketing in the Mobile Phone Industry and IT-Business Alignment through to Wireless Network Security and Service Oriented Architecture.

HCT Provost Dr Mark Drummond congratulated the Masters graduates saying it was a watershed day for HCT's graduate programs.

"The Master of IT program gives these graduates in-demand and work-force relevant knowledge and experience, which they can use in the current employment, or future jobs, here in the UAE or on a global scale. We are equipping them with the relevant IT and management tools to be able to make worthy contributions to this nation," Dr Drummond said.

Dr. Peter Heath, HCT's Graduate Program Chair of Engineering & IT said the program addresses a gap within the UAE's Information Technology sector.

"We are very proud of these eight new graduates as they herald in the new Master program which combines the best technical knowledge with up-to-date management skills to give them relevant, job-ready qualifications to meet the needs of the local and regional market and to take them to the next level in their careers," Dr Heath said.

"This new program has been new and challenging for the students, but as the first cohort they have given us a lot of input into running the program," he added.

The graduates, including three women, agreed the Master degree provided them with greater opportunities.

"The professionalism and student focus of the HCT Master's program faculty enhanced my skills and widened my knowledge. The knowledge captured from the program has empowered my capabilities and strengthened my confidence," graduate Hadi Al Menhali said.

Fellow student Yousef Al Reyami said: "Unlike other Master programs offered locally, the HCT Master of IT program covers subjects that are relevant to the IT work environment in most government and private companies in the UAE. Subjects like enterprise architecture, service management, project management; information security and IT strategy are all required in any IT organization."

The Master of Information Technology degree is one of seven graduate programs taught by the HCT. It is a profession-oriented graduate program, designed to provide specialized information technology expertise, project management and information security competencies, and leadership skills.

These skills are in high demand in the business, government, and industrial sectors of the rapidly developing UAE economy. Graduates of the HCT Master of IT Program will be key IT leaders and decision makers within the public and private sectors of the UAE.

Upon completion of the Master of IT graduates will be able to:
Comprehend complex emerging technologies and assess their suitability for solving local business problems, within the global context;
Develop operational and management strategies incorporating an understanding of social responsibility, ethical standards, and with a global perspective;
Contribute to the accumulated knowledge in the field of IT, with special emphasis on issues & technologies relevant to the Gulf region and the UAE.

Master of IT graduates will also acquire advanced technical skills to be able to design and select optimal IT solutions; align IT with business goals and respond to emerging information security issues.

For more information please visit http://www.hct.ac.ae/graduate-studies/