Discussion of Approving Academic and Professional Master's Programs in Engineering Project Management at Thamar University

□ Thamar University Media / Rabi Al-Thani 4, 1448. September 15, 2026

■ In a move reflecting Thamar University's commitment to developing its postgraduate programs and aligning their outcomes with the evolving needs of the labor market, the university discussed today the program descriptions for the Master of Science in Engineering Project Management, Academic Track, and the Master of Science in Engineering Project Management, Professional Track, both offered by the Faculty of Engineering. The programs were approved and adopted in accordance with academic quality standards and approved regulations.

The discussion took place during a workshop organized by the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance and the Faculty of Engineering, under the patronage of the University Rector, Professor Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Hassan Al-Haifi. The workshop was hosted by the Center for Economic Consulting and Administrative Training at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, with the participation of university leaders, academics, project management and engineering specialists, and representatives from the labor market and relevant professional bodies.

In his opening remarks, the University Rector emphasized the importance of developing graduate programs on a scientific basis that responds to the rapid transformations in knowledge and the labor market. He stressed the necessity for academic programs to adhere to quality and accreditation standards and to combine theoretical grounding with practical application, thereby enhancing the ability of university graduates to contribute effectively to development.

From his part, the Vice-Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Professor Dr. Abdulkareem Ismail Zabiba, explained that developing graduate programs is a key path to advancing the educational and research process. He pointed out the importance of new programs being characterized by clarity in their objectives and outcomes, and their alignment with academic standards and the needs of society and the labor market.

The workshop addressed the two program descriptions, including their vision, mission, objectives, learning outcomes, study plans, and academic and professional references. It also discussed teaching, assessment, and supervision mechanisms, admission and graduation requirements, and the degree of alignment between the components of each program and its academic or professional nature.

The academic program (MSc EPM) represents a research track focused on building scientific and analytical capabilities and producing knowledge in the field of engineering project management through coursework and a master's thesis. The professional track (MEPM), on the other hand, offers practical training aimed at practitioners and project managers, focusing on applying knowledge and modern tools to address professional problems and manage real-world projects.

Both programs share a core knowledge base specializing in engineering project management, while maintaining the distinction between the nature of the final output for each track. The academic track culminates in a research thesis, while the professional track culminates in an applied project that addresses a practical professional problem or need.

The workshop's themes and scientific presentations were led by Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Saleh Yafa'a, the Head of the Development Unit and Rector of the University's Faculty Union, who reviewed the program descriptions and their academic components. Dr. Abdulkareem Al-Mawshki, the Head of the Programs Unit at the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, moderated the scientific discussion sessions, reviewing participants' comments and suggestions on the two documents. Dr.

Walid Ahmed Dahya, the Dean of the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, presented the workshop's general framework, work mechanism, discussion process, and follow-up on suggested comments and amendments, culminating in the final versions of the two documents.

The workshop witnessed extensive scientific discussion among participants regarding the components of the two documents. Comments and suggestions related to courses, learning outcomes, assessment mechanisms, the nature of the thesis and professional project were reviewed, leading to the incorporation of necessary amendments and the formulation of final recommendations in preparation for completing the approval and accreditation procedures.

The workshop was attended by the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Professor Adel Abdulghani Al-Ansi, the Assistant to the Rector for Centers Affairs, Professor Essam Wasel, the University General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Hutrum, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, his deputies, and the Faculty General Secretary, the Dean of the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, Heads of Units, and the Center's General Secretary, in addition to a number of faculty members, specialists, experts, and professionals.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Sana'a University, Dr. Adel Raweh, the Vice Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Yasser Al-Houri, Professor Wael Al-Aghbari, Professor of Project Management at Sana'a University and Rector of Tuntek International University of Technology, Professor Farouk Al-Faydi, Professor of Project Management at Sana'a and Ibb Universities, the Rector of Al-Saeeda University in Dhamar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Junaid, the Head of the Engineers Syndicate in Dhamar, Engineer Mohammed Al-Kholani, the General Director of Public Works in the governorate and his deputy, and a number of specialists and experts were also present.

https://t.me/tueduye/24997