Academic Partnerships

The Pratt School of ​Engineering and Effat University have been partners since 2004, when they collaborated to develop the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) curriculum and establish the program, the first of its kind for women in Saudia Arabia​. Every year, faculty from Duke visit the department to monitor its development and interact with students and faculty. ECE graduates each receive a personal letter of congratulations from the Dean of the Pratt School, Dean Tom Katsouleas.

Since the inception of the King Abdullah Scholarship Program, many Saudis have gone abroad to complete their graduate studies. In order to maximize their success in these demanding programs, Effat University has collaborated with Syracuse University to develop a preparatory program to enhance not only their academic English skills but also their analytical and critical thinking skills as well as boosting their academic foundations in their chosen disciplines.

The Computer Science department’s international partner is Tokai University, in the land of technical innovation, Japan. Tokai collaborates with Effat in ensuring that the curriculum remains up-to-date in this rapidly changing field. Professors from Tokai visit on an annual basis, giving not only lectures and courses relevant to the field, but also insights into the fascinating Japanese culture. students have also taken research internship courses in Tokai.

Western Sydney University is one of Effat’s newest partners and many exciting collaborative projects between students and faculty are planned. Like Effat, UWS has a strong English/Arabic translation studies department, and the collaboration will focus not only the Bachelor program but also on the Master of Science in Translation Studies (MTS).

In line with Effat’s emphasis on a holistic approach to personal development, the General Education Program at Effat Universityis designed to prepare all students for a constructive and satisfying personal, social and civic life, as well as enhancing their professional skills. The partnership with Boston University ensures that the program is in line with NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) recommendations as well as the high impact practices advocated by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), the recognized authorities in the field. In their program review, Boston University state that they are “impressed by Effat’s focus on ethical thinking, global citizenship and character building”

Auburn University’s undergraduate design program was ranked in June 2016 as one of the top 5 programs in the USA by DesignIntelligence, the definitive school ranking for architecture, landscape architecture, interior design and industrial design. Effat University’s newest academic partnership will add value to the Design program, ensuring quality and opening up possibilities for collaboration at all levels.