The Applied College Discusses Expanding Priority Programs and Introducing Specialized Majors
Dr. Hassan Al-Fajam, Director General of the Authority, stated in a press release that the meeting discussed a comprehensive future vision for developing the system of disciplines and programs to keep pace with economic and technological transformations, as well as current and future labor market requirements.
Al-Fajam clarified that the meeting reviewed an integrated vision for developing the disciplines system, beginning with an analysis of the status of programs offered for the 2026/2027 academic and training year, and disciplines for which admission was temporarily suspended due to a lack of current demand. This process led to identifying priority areas in which the Authority could expand, reintroduce, or develop new programs.
He explained that the vision was based on an analysis of admission data over the past five years, trends in student interest in various disciplines, and their correlation with graduate data, career paths, employment opportunities, and labor market needs. This analysis was complemented by outcomes from coordination meetings with the Civil Service Bureau, the Public Authority for Manpower, and various government and private entities, with the participation of college deans, institute directors, and the Graduate Follow-up and Labor Market Department.
Al-Fajam added that the discussion included several future specialized tracks, including a distinctive program in railway systems maintenance to train national technical cadres in maintenance, operations, safety, and supporting systems. This aligns with the state’s direction toward implementing the railway project and its associated technical and human resource needs.
He noted that the proposed fields included disciplines in security, food and energy sustainability, and resource efficiency, which support national priorities, keep pace with transformations in economic and technological sectors, and enhance the capacity of national cadres to work in future-oriented fields.
He pointed out that the vision aims to open new career prospects for graduates of the Applied Science University by developing existing disciplines, reintroducing demanded programs, and expanding programs proven to meet labor market needs. Additionally, it involves reviewing the names of several colleges and institutes to reflect the nature of their programs and future directions.
During the meeting, the Authority’s Board of Directors recommended forming a specialized committee composed of board members to study the future vision, proposals for renaming certain colleges and institutes, expansion in priority disciplines and programs, and the development of programs linked to developmental projects and future jobs. The committee was also tasked with studying the proposal to merge the Nursing Institute into the College of Nursing, and to submit its recommendations to the Board of Directors for appropriate action.
