The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) announced the launch of two new bachelor’s degree programs, namely the Bachelor of Arts in Project Management and the Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management, starting from Fall 2021 – 2022. The new academic programs mark the first bachelor's level degree programs in PM and HRM offered by a higher education institution in Qatar, and come to complement CCQ’s Associate of Business Administration program.
The programs aim to equip PM and HR professionals with the skills they need at work to perform their best, and to provide entrepreneurs and businesspersons with the necessary knowledge and expertise to manage and develop their enterprises according to the international best practices.
The new additions to CCQ’s degree portfolio were introduced in response to Qatar’s ambitious development plans and the growing need for highly qualified national resources as the country moves towards a more knowledge-based economy. With many opportunities opening up, be it international or virtual organizations that come in different sizes, the need for innovative thinking becomes necessary to manage projects, especially those of high-tech enterprises. These new specializations are expected to support the local economy to attract more investments and give organizations a competitive advantage.
Commenting on this occasion, CCQ President, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Naemi said: “The Community College of Qatar has been working on launching new bachelor’s degree programs ever since the Emiri Decree No. 19 of 2017 on the reorganization of the College was issued to emphasize the vital role that CCQ plays in fulfilling the labor market’s needs of qualified cadres and bachelor’s degree holders.”
“In the process of developing these academic programs, CCQ had discussions with different stakeholders to ensure that the learning outcomes will meet the needs of the market. We are two years away from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. This means that more investment opportunities and projects are coming down the road. These opportunities will drive development for the nation and help achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. We are sure of the vital role these programs will have in enhancing the business environment and providing the market with specialized national cadres in project management and human resources management,” Al-Naemi added.
When developing the study plans and curricula for these unique programs, CCQ were keen on following international benchmarks and best practices in USA, UK and Australia universities. Moreover, graduates of the PM program will have the necessary knowledge that qualifies them to take the Project Management Institute’s exam towards the internationally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Graduates of the HRM program, on the other hand, will be ready for taking the Professional Human Resources Management (PHRM) certification exam, provided that they complete two years of work experience after graduation. Thus, the programs will contribute to empowering Qatari professionals and providing them with up-to-date knowledge that will prepare them to lead the future.
The new academic programs will follow CCQ’s 2 + 2 study plan, with a total of 120 credit hours (60 of which are dedicated to the Associate of Business Administration). These programs are expected to support the efforts of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) that target employing more qualified nationals in project management and HR management positions, among others.
It’s noteworthy that this year marked CCQ’s first hybrid format degree, namely the Associate of Business Administration, as part of its continuous endeavors to offer students educational alternatives that keep pace with global developments and enhance their chances to continue their higher education, especially those who are facing challenges that come with their personal and professional duties.
