Developing New Technology-Related Bachelor Programs in The Middle East

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the development of five recently launched bachelor programs at the University College of Applied Sciences in Gaza, Palestine. These programs are Technology Education, Business with Technology, Geographic Information Systems, Development Planning, and Building Technology. These programs are non-traditional academic programs where traditional curricula are hybrid with a varying degree of engineering and IT-related technology courses. These programs have been accredited by the local accreditation board and a few hundred students are currently enrolled in these programs, with the first batch of these students have already graduated in the summer of 2010-2011. The paper sheds some details on the curriculum of these programs. Though these engineering and technology-related academic programs were developed with both local and regional interests, universities worldwide could benefit from this experience.