Programs and Degree Plans

Design Program
IT Program
IBA Program
Bio Technology Program
Mass Communication Program
Engineering Program
English Teacher Program

Design Program

Program overview

The Bachelor of Design program at CAS offers a unique opportunity for Omani students to display ingenuity and innovation. It is a program that educates students in problem solving in the most inspired way, focusing on both the academic and applied aspects of design. Being closely linked with the local industry, the students are constantly being exposed to the latest trends and styles in design. In addition, the department enables them to keep abreast with the most current technical aspects in design in a variety of different mediums.
There are currently three design specialisations being offered at the Colleges of Applied Sciences. They are Graphic Design, Digital Design, and Spatial Design. These specialisations are being offered at the two Centers of Design in Ibri and Nizwa. They are four-year full-time degree programs leading to a Bachelor’s Degree in Design.

Vision

The Design Program at Colleges of Applied Sciences aspires to be a leading design education provider, by providing world class design education that will significantly add to the economic, social and cultural well begin of the people in Oman.

Mission

The Design Program at Colleges of Applied Sciences will provide high-quality program which is innovative, responsive and inspiring. Graduates of the Design Program will possess the knowledge and demonstrate the abilities which meet national and regional employment needs and contribute to Oman s economy and society.

Entry Requirements

Minimum requirement: General Education Diploma , Royal Guard Technical College Diploma

with ( Not less than C)in:

English language.
Arts or engineering drawing.

And with (Not less than D) in:

Pure or Applied Mathematics or Mathematics.
Arabic language.

Program structure

To complete the degree, students must accumulate 128 credit hours during the four years of the programme including: 36Hours of college requirements, 47 Hours of programme requirements and 45 Hours of major requirements.
The first two years of study design students will be doing common design foundation courses regardless of which specialization they choose.
Students will begin studies within their majors starting in year 3 during semester 5. The subject Design for Specialization offered in semester 4 helps students make their selection.

Graduate Attributes

A graduate with a Bachelor of Design degree will demonstrate the following competencies:

The ability to assess and effectively engage relevant technologies in the development of solutions.
The ability to critically evaluate their own work and the work of other practitioners.
The ability to think laterally and develop creative ideas.
The ability to effectively utilise a variety of approaches, including self-directed, collaborative and self-reflective processes.
The ability to undertake research in the areas of digital design, graphic design, spatial design or in areas in which these disciplines integrate or converge.

In addition to the outcomes noted above, the intent of the Bachelor of Design is to develop academic and professional capabilities that are needed to participate effectively in a variety design professions.

Personal Attributes

The intellectual and cognitive skills appropriate for a career in design.
Information literacy and technology skills to gather, use and communicate data in various settings.
Inquiry and research skills.
Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
A strong foundation for advanced study.

Interactive Attributes

Effective oral and written communication skills, which are responsive to different audiences.
The ability to interact with a range of people, from peers—both individually and in team situations—to designers, and to the wider community. A graduate of the program will be able to elucidate, analyse and discuss design and related issues in a manner that is clear and appropriate.

Graphic Design (IBRI- NIZWA)

The Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design program at CAS focuses on training students to generate new ideas, engage in creative problem solving, and provide innovative ideas that have real-world applications. The ability to visualize ideas and effectively communicate thoughts with potential clients is a crucial component of the program. Students are given extensive coaching in skill development and effective verbal training throughout the four-year program. Students are also trained to conduct research in the areas of design that will lead to creative solutions.

Career opportunities

Graphic designer, photographer, manual / digital illustrator, photo / image editor, print designer, layout artist, art director, design manager, packaging designer, creative director, art production manager, pre-press manager, brand identity designer / developer, visualiser, visual design journalist, information designer

Digital Design (IBRI- NIZWA)

The Bachelor of Design in Digital Design program at CAS is a program that emphasizes the technical and digital aspects of design production. A core team of locals as well as international full-time faculty develops the ideas students bring to the studio so that they can do the most creative and productive work possible. In addition to departmental faculty, students participate in various local and international design events and visits which broaden their awareness of the larger design world and offer varied models for critical practice.

Career opportunities

Interactive multimedia designer, web designer, interface designer, content developer, visual effects & motion graphics designer, design educator, 3D modeler, 2D/3D animator, flash designer, game art designer, desktop publisher, filmmaking and documentaries designer.

Spatial Design (NIZWA)

Spatial Design is a multifaceted profession in which creative and technical solutions are applied within a structured framework to achieve a built interior environment. These solutions are functional, enhancing the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive. Designs are created in response to and coordinated with the building shell, and acknowledge the physical location and social context of the project. Designs must adhere to code and regulatory requirements, and encourage the principles of environmental sustainability. The spatial design process follows a systematic and coordinated methodology, including research, analysis and integration of knowledge into the creative process, whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to produce an interior space that fulfills the project goals. Spatial Design includes a scope of services performed by a professional design practitioner, qualified by means of education, experience, and examination, to protect and enhance the life, health, safety and welfare of the public.

Career opportunities

Interior designer, interior architecture, simulation & virtual environment designer, furniture designer, exhibition designer, visual merchandiser, visual display designer, events design, or design for theatre, film, television or digital environments.

Information Technology Program

Program overview

The Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) degree is a 4 year 128 credit hour program taught in English, designed to produce graduates who are competent in their major disciplines, as well as IT in general; graduates who are ready to be involved in the development of Omani industry. As the name "Colleges of Applied Sciences" suggests, our students are exposed to significant practical work and, where possible, linkages with Omani industry are being developed and exploited.
The BIT is offered in the CAS campuses of Sohar, Ibri, Rustaq, Sur, and Salalah.
The BIT program contains a core of main stream IT courses which expose our graduates to the concepts and topics about which all who work in the IT field should be familiar. Typically, web design and development; software design and implementation; information systems analysis and design; operating systems; networks; database; IT security; professional ethics; and such analytical courses as discrete mathematics and data structures. IT is a fast moving field however, and so space has been left in the program which can be filled with the innovations of the time; ensuring our graduates are aware of the latest IT trends. Presently the four majors of the BIT are Software Development, Data Management, IT Security, and Networks. The majors permit our students to explore their chosen field in greater depth with the addition of highly focused and specialised courses.

Vision

The IT Faculty of The Colleges of Applied Sciences aspires to be the IT faculty of choice for school leavers in the Sultanate, to be a prime resource of expertise and training for Omani industry, and to be respected regionally and internationally for the quality of our staff, students and graduates.

Mission

We will graduate work-ready youth with a reliable work ethic and the knowledge and skills appropriate for industry; they will be the result of a modern, relevant, engaging and challenging programme delivered through a variety of learning methods.
We will provide an environment that encourages student, faculty, alumni, and public participation.
We will attain national and international accreditation in preparation for higher academic status.

Entry Requirements

General Education Diploma, Islamic Institutes Diploma and Royal Guard Technical College Diploma with (Not less than C)in:

English language.
Not less than (D) in Pure mathematics or Mathematics.

Program Structure

The IT Program requires students to accumulate 128 credit hours during four years of their study. The total 128 credit hours include: 36 hours college requirements, 53 Department requirements, and 39 Specialization requirements.
First two years, four-semester courses are common among all specialization (Software Development, Information Technology Security, Data Management, and Computer Networks).

Graduate Attributes

Graduates of the BIT program are intellectually developed; have advanced knowledge and practical abilities in a range of IT fields; are able to work in a team or unsupervised; have advanced problem solving skills; can pursue lifelong learning; and have multidisciplinary and multicultural perspectives.

Details of Majors

The majors of the BIT convert our students from those with general IT knowledge and skills, into graduates with in-depth understanding and practical abilities in their chosen field. Students develop greater independence of thought and action through project work, and are exposed to state-of-the-art equipment, concepts, and terminology.

Software development

pushes the students understanding of abstract concepts through advanced data structures and the latest software innovations. Graduates of this major will be experienced in both procedural as well as object oriented languages, and a full year project is undertaken in conjunction with a course on software project management. Electives such as concurrent programming, computer graphics and artificial intelligence challenge the students further whilst adding an extra layer of interest and motivation.

Data management

addresses the complexities of large-scale distributed data as is found in the world today. Graduates will have worked with large amounts of web-based data, and designed and analysed a number of data searching and mining techniques and algorithms.

IT security

prepares students to understand and combat threats to security in a rapidly changing world. More than any other major, it is important to keep up with the market evolution and to keep abreast of concepts and implementation techniques.

Computer networks

offers grounding in current technology in use in Oman as well as the latest innovations across the world. Network technology, network management, internetworking, and wireless networking are all very relevant to the expansion of Oman today: combined with the concepts of network security make graduates of this major very useful to industry.

Career opportunities

IT has found its way into almost every aspect of modern life, and so it is no surprise to find IT specialists in an enormous variety of occupations and enterprises. From multi-national conglomerates and government ministries to small businesses, IT specialists support and innovate, bringing information access to where it is needed. In general IT specialists will take responsibility for the selection of hardware and software products to suit the needs of an organization. They will be involved with detailed organisational systems analysis, the integration of products with organizational needs and infrastructure, and may be responsible for installing, customizing, maintaining, and upgrading those applications as the organization grows. Examples of these responsibilities include the design and installation of networks; network administration and security; the design and maintenance of web pages; the development of multimedia resources; the installation of communication components; the selection and management of email systems; securing the working environment; and the planning and management of the technology lifecycle by which an organization s technology is maintained, upgraded, and replaced.

There are entrepreneurial IT consultants, typically self-employed, who focus specifically on the development and maintenance of databases and/or websites for small businesses or schools. Simple stand-alone systems, or more complex systems where on-line sales automatically update an inventory database and interact with accounting software, or where on-line registration automatically updates student loading and timetabling information.

Those looking to work in larger teams might consider the IT sections of medium to large businesses where staff engage fulltime in installing, customising, and maintaining hardware and software, in addition to large-scale database and/or network design and administration. Software houses employ large numbers of developers, working in teams to create function-specific programs for such as mobile phones, or generic programs such as games and virus protection.

The academic field may appeal to other graduates in terms of teaching and/or further study and research. After the appropriate pedagogical course BIT holders could be competent “computer studies” teachers, and for those who attain the necessary GPA, the BIT degree makes CAS graduates eligible for entry into post-graduate programs in many universities at home and abroad

International Business Administration Program

Program overview

The Colleges of Applied Sciences (CAS), under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), award Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) in International Business Administration (BIBA). The following specializations are currently offered in Nizwa, Rustaq, and Salalah campuses:

International Business Administration
Tourism Management
Hospitality Management
Accounting

The BIBA program provides students with a multicultural understanding of business and its environments grounded on solid moral and ethical values. It is dedicated to the well-rounded development of students and in shaping them to be responsible and informed citizens of the Sultanate of Oman.

Vision

The International Business Administration Program seeks to be distinctive in providing applied education relevant to the International Business Administration discipline through high quality teaching, learning and research experiences and to become a pioneer in offering market-driven specializations in the Sultanate of Oman.

Mission

The mission of the International Business Administration Programis to deliver competitive and high quality education related to international business administration and its allied disciplines (such as Accounting, Hospitality Management, and Tourism Management) and to educate students and develop their competencies to become business professionals who can contribute positively to the economic and social development of the Sultanate of Oman.

Entry Requirements

General Education Diploma, Islamic Institutes Diploma or Royal Guard Technical College Diploma with the following grades:

(Not less than C) in:

English language

(Not less than D) in:

Pure or Applied Mathematics or Mathematics.
Social Studies or Business Administration.

Program Structure

The BIBA Program requires students to accumulate 128 credit hours during four years of their study. The total 128 credit hours include: 36 hours College requirements, 35 Department requirements, and 57 Specialization requirements (18 credit hours as electives).

The first two years, four-semester courses are common among all specializations (International Business Administration, Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, and Accounting).

Graduates Attributes

The BIBA degree has been developed to impart business knowledge and build-up professional, intellectual and personal skills such as decision making, problem solving and time management. Graduates will acquire comprehensive knowledge of their chosen specialization which will enable them to maintain lifelong learning.

The key graduate attributes/skills are:

Academic and Professional Knowledge: With academic and professional knowledge, the graduates will be able to work confidently.
Communication Skills: Graduates will be in command of oral and written communication.
Teamwork and Leadership: Graduates will have good interpersonal and leadership skills which will enable them to work independently and in teams.
Information Technology (IT) Literacy: Graduates will be able to manage information successfully and acquire adequate IT skills.
Global Perspective and Cross-cultural Adaptability: Graduates will learn how to think globally and act locally as well as adapt to any different business environments.
Critical and Analytical Thinking: Graduates will be able to analyze critically and solve the day-to-day business-related problems.
Social Responsibility and Ethics: Graduates will gain high standards of integrity, social responsibility and ethical actions.
Entrepreneurial Aptitude: Graduates will develop all required entrepreneurial skills.
Life-Long Learning: Graduates will be able to recognize opportunities for ongoing learning.
Research Skills: Graduates will poses skills required for recognizing problem situations, gathering, analyzing and interpreting data as well as reaching reliable findings and recommendations.

International Business Administration Specialization

International Business Administration is the field of management which deals with business activities that cross national boundaries. Specializing in this field promises an exciting world of teaching and learning that combine contemporary theories and real-life practice through, but not limited to, company visits, case studies and guest lectures. The specialization is a forward-looking area of study that magnifies local issues and how they are intertwined with global challenges in business administration such as globalization and liberalization which are the engines for international trade and economic growth. Specializing in international business administration will provide students a competitive advantage to prepare students both for management and career options.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the International Business Administration Program fit into different business settings, ranging from large multinational corporations to small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs). They will be able to successfully work for local and international corporations such as in manufacturing firms, banks, oil companies, government agencies, financial institutions and tourism and hospitality projects.

Tourism Management Specialization

Tourism industry is one of the rapidly growing and widely spread global industries. In Oman, it is considered one of the most promising industries with a wide range of job opportunities. Therefore, the Tourism Management specialization has been developed at CAS to qualify undergraduate students with all knowledge and practical skills highly required by the tourism career. The objective of the tourism management specialization is to enable students to develop rational and practical competencies, critical and analytical thinking, public relation skills, self-confidence and capability to face the challenges and successfully work in domestic as well as international tourism environments.

Career Opportunities

There is a huge range of career opportunities for the tourism management graduates such as travel agents, tour operators, tourism marketers, airline marketing executives, cruise operators, event planners and organizers, tourism entrepreneurs, and outdoor recreation/leisure planner. Meanwhile, graduates have the potential after gaining the required work experience to become tourism marketing managers, tourism consultants and regional and national tourism planners and developers.

Hospitality Management Specialization

Hospitality Management involves the management of hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, resorts, clubs, events, entertainments activities and so on. Hospitality Management degree is considered to present lucrative opportunities for inspiring careers and rewarding jobs. In Oman, there is a growing demand for hospitality and hotels professionals to fill in the highly demanded jobs required by the catering and lodging industries. The Hospitality Management specialization aims at preparing students for administrative, operational and management positions in the hospitality industry.

Career Opportunities

The hospitality industry can provide huge career opportunities for Hospitality Management graduates. First, graduates will start with lower to middle level positions and then (after gaining work experience) can be promoted to higher positions such as rooms division managers, hotel managers, food and beverage managers, operation managers, hospitality specialists, catering managers, restaurant managers, event organizers and planners, guest relation mangers and cruise director. The Hospitality Management specialization qualifies students to fit into the requirements of both governmental as well as private sector hospitality entities.

Accounting Specialization

Accounting is an ever-growing field of study. There is no organization, whether it is large or small, private or public, local, national or multinational, that can run its business without an efficient accounting and finance department. The accounting specialization is suitable for students who plan to work for accounting and finance career. Its main objective is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the different accounting and finance fields. It also aims at providing students with required knowledge and technical skills suitable for todays’ accounting and finance applications.

Career Opportunities

Accounting is the leading qualification which equips students, with the necessary skills sought by employers within Oman and worldwide. The BIBA Program in Accounting provides a range of career opportunities to the students to work in accounting, banking, finance, insurance and corporate houses, in the government as well as in the private sectors. Graduates also have potential to work as cost accountants, financial accountants, auditors, financial planners and so on. Upon successful graduation in accounting, ambitious graduates can further pursue any international accounting/auditing professional certificates such as CA, ACCA, CPA, ACPA, CMA, ICWA, CIMA, CFA, CFM awarded by specialized professional bodies.

Biotechnology Program

Program overview

Biotechnology is an important modern science in applied biological sciences with the emphasis of microbiology, animal and plant cell culture, molecular biology, genetics, recombinant DNA technology, biochemistry, cell biology, proteomics and other relevant fields of biology with wide applications in agriculture, environment, medicine and industry. Microbes, plants and animals are important elements in applications of scientific and technical knowledge in biotechnology to process raw material into valuable products and solving environmental and ecological problems. The combination of biological sciences with high-end technology applications is predicted to provide solutions to major national problems in Oman by creating new generations with great potential for a positive economic impact. The role of biotechnology in providing new employment and improvement of the economy of both developing and developed nations is well known. The economy from bio-base industry is responsible for one third of the world’s economy. Many nations move toward this discipline of biological sciences to create new promising sources of income as well as to provide new job opportunities. The program is designed to evolve continuously, to reflect new directions according to the needs of the Omani society and the workplace, and to equip graduates with the intellectual and technical skills to respond to these changes over their lives through lifelong learning enabling them to compete in international arena. The Applied Biotechnology Program was initiated in 2011 in Sur College of Applied Sciences (CAS-Sur), Sur, Oman. There are three Applied biotechnology specializations that will be offered by CAS-Sur. These are Marine Applied Biotechnology, Food and Agriculture Applied Biotechnology and Environmental Applied Biotechnology.

Vision

Biotechnology Program is to implement, to impart, to create and to disseminate knowledge and support the applications in biotechnology. To be and to remain a leading center in education, research and entrepreneurship in Biotechnology, guided by outstanding scientific and ethical principles, and committed to the virtues of quality and relevance and thus contribute to the dynamic socio-economic and cultural development of that meet the needs of the Sultanate of Oman and Arabian Gulf countries.

Mission

Through Applied Biotechnology Program, the College has the responsibility of ensuring that the graduating generations of scientists are trained to have a strong and holistic bioscience – training that is relevant to the needs of our society. The graduates need to be equipped with problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as possess good communication and interpersonal skills.

Entry Requirements

Minimum requirement for Application: General Education Diploma with ( Not less than C)in English language And with (Not less than D) in

Pure Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry

Program structure

The program structure is as follows:

Duration: 4 year, excluding Foundation Year Level of qualification: Bachelor Degree in Applied Biotechnology (B.Sc. in Applied Biotechnology)
Number of credit hours required: 126 (College requirements = 30, Program requirements = 52 and Specialization requirements = 44) Medium of instruction: English Language except for some culture courses.
CAS Colleges offering this program: Only Sur College of Applied Sciences.
Study System: In the first two years students will tackle Prerequisite and Core subjects to ensure that they receive a solid grounding in the fundamentals. Students will then specialize in Applied Biotechnology in the final two years. Final year students are expected to take a project in subjects involving a significant element of biotechnology.

Graduate Attributes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students of Applied Biotechnology:

Demonstrate proficiency in biotechnology techniques.
Demonstrates professional conduct and strong interpersonal communication skills.
Adhere to professional and ethical standards in the biotechnology profession.
Performs basic biotechnology techniques according to safe practices.
Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve problems.
Functions as a contributing team member.
Communicates effectively through writing, speaking, listening, and reading with students and supervisors.
Demonstrate the ability to implement safety protocols in the laboratory.
Plan, execute, and interpret an experiment following scientific method.

Details of Majors Marine Applied Biotechnology

Marine biotechnology is the creation of products and processes from marine organisms through the application of the techniques of biotechnology, molecular and cellular biology, and bioinformatics. This is a scientifically fascinating and economically expanding field of science. No ecosystems provide greater genetic diversity or possibilities for new products and processes than the world s marine environments. Marine organisms, from bacteria to eukaryotes are certainly a source of molecules of great interest in biotechnology. Today, marine biotechnology has numerous applications from the production of lifesaving drugs to better food and conservation of organic waste. Gathering and harnessing the information on marine resources in Oman and the Gulf countries focusing on discovery of specific molecules that could improve human health, biofuels and or bioremediation would substantially improve the economy of the Sultanate.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work as a marine biotechnologist in different governmental and private sectors.

Examples are Marine Sector.
Marine Products.
Laboratory Analysts.
Instrumentation/Calibration Technicians.
Quality Assurance Auditors, Quality Control Analysts, Quality Control Inspectors.
Biosafety Specialists.
Data Entry Clerks.
Research Associates, Statistical Biotechnologists.
Marine environmental monitoring and remediation.
Aquaculture.
Materials Recycling.

Graduates will be qualified to work independently allowing them to enter free market works.

They be well- prepared to continue with postgraduate studies.

Food and Agriculture Applied Biotechnology Major

Biotechnology provides powerful tools for the sustainable development of agriculture as well as the food industry. When appropriately integrated with other technologies for the production of food, agricultural products and services, biotechnology can be of significant assistance in meeting the needs of an expanding and increasingly urbanized population in the next millennium. Biotechnology covers many of the tools and techniques that are commonplace in agriculture and food production. Interpreted in a narrow sense, which considers only the new DNA techniques, molecular biology and reproductive technological applications, the definition covers a range of different technologies such as gene manipulation and gene transfer, DNA typing and cloning of plants and animals.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work as Food and Agriculture biotechnologist in different governmental and private sectors. Examples are :

Food Industrial Sector.
Research Sector.
Biosafety Specialists.
Laboratory Analysts.
Plant Breeders.
Greenhouse Assistants.
Instrumentation/Calibration Technicians.
Quality Assurance Auditors, Quality Control Analysts, Quality Control Inspectors.
Environmental monitoring and remediation, materials recycling.

Graduates will be qualified to work independently allowing them to enter free food and agriculture market works.

They be well- prepared to continue with postgraduate studies.

Environmental Applied Biotechnology

Environmental biotechnology uses nature, in the form of plants, animals, bacteria, fungi and algae, to produce renewable energy, food and nutrients in a synergistic integrated cycle of profit making processes where the waste of each process becomes the feedstock for another process. Environmental biotechnology employs scientific and engineering knowledge related to the use of microorganisms and their products in the prevention of environmental pollution through biotreatment of solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes, bioremediation of polluted environments, and biomonitoring of environment and treatment processes. This specialization focuses on equipping the students to understand the key principles and strategies of Environmental Applied Biotechnology to build and maintain a sustainable environment for life on earth.

Graduates are prepared to work as environmental biotechnologist in different governmental and private sectors.
Examples are Environmental Sector:

Environmental management.
Environmental monitoring and remediation.
Animal Technicians.
Food Monitoring Specialists.
Greenhouse Assistants.
Biosafety Specialists.
Laboratory Analysts.
Instrumentation/Calibration Technicians.
Quality Assurance Auditors, Quality Control Analysts, Quality Control Inspectors.
esearch Associates, Statistical Biotechnologists.
Materials recycling.

Graduates will be qualified to work independently allowing them to enter free market works.

They be well- prepared to continue with postgraduate studies.

Mass Communication Programme:

Program overview

The Mass Communication program offers five majors in the College of Nizwa, Salalah and Tire. The specialties are:

• Digital media

• Journalism

• Public relations

• Media Management

• Advertising

Vision

Our vision is to become a leading mass communication programme delivered in English in the region by educating and preparing skilled professionals for the industry; focusing on applied research and capable of providing practical and innovative solutions for both local and regional needs.

Mission

Our mission is to provide high quality graduates, who are capable to meet national and regional employment needs.

The programme aspires to offer premier specialities in media education that will prepare students for postgraduate studies and lifelong learning through provision of knowledge and skills, as well as create and sustain a competent workforce in the dynamic and multicultural work environment of media and communication in the Sultanate of Oman and the broader regional labour market.

Program Structure

Mass Communication Programme:

College Requirement - 30

Department Requirement - 50

Major Requirements - 48

Total Credit Hours - 128

Entry Requirements

General Education Diploma & General Education Diploma and Islamic Studies

with: (60% ) in basic English language

And with ( succeed) in - Arabic language

Graduate Attributes

The programme aims to provide graduates with a level of tertiary education that is commensurate with International Standards. The graduates of the program are expected to:

Have the fundamental knowledge and experience in communication that will enable them to be practicing professionals in the industry.
Develop mastery in a major field of study that will enable them to contribute to the economic and cultural development of Oman.
Develop and maintain technological competence to internationally recognized standards.
Be equipped with superior communication skills, professional competence and leadership skills within an environment that nurtures ethical behavior.
Be able to pursue self-learning and personal development experiences through the rigorous study program, and participation in problem solving scenarios.
Be able to respond creatively to client requirements and demonstrate innovative ways to meet their needs.
Demonstrate ability to analyses communication problems and synthesize creative solutions.
Respond creatively to the social, cultural and economic needs of the community.
Practice in accordance with professional and ethical responsibility.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.
Critically evaluate their performance and the work of other scholars, practitioners and communication professionals.

Digital Media

Digital Media courses explore the practical and theoretical competencies in production of audio visual media and digital storytelling. Students acquire skills for planning and executing TV and video productions such as. Promotional video, short films, animation, interactive media and web media.

Career Opportunities in Digital Media

Digital Media graduates can be employed in broadcasting, video production companies and advertising agencies. They can work as audio visual specialists in the companies and organizations that use media in their external and internal communications. They can also work as content developers in interactive and web media.

Journalism

The Journalism major looks at the principles and theory of journalism practice, emphasizing basic journalism skills and formats such as structuring and developing content, researching and writing news stories for appropriate target audiences. They are exposed to all the relevant platforms of news media: print media, broadcasting and new media and they achieve basic design and technical skills for publishing stories in convergent media.

Career Opportunities in Journalism

Journalism graduates can find employment in newspapers, periodicals and magazines. They can also work in central information services, press information bureaus, websites and TV channels. One can also take up their career as part time employment along with any other field of work. Career options in journalism: journalists can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents, staff or freelance writers, photo journalists, proof readers, news analysts in newspapers, electronic media and web pages.

Public Relations

The Public Relations major examines the theories and principles of PR with specific emphasis on common issues of business communication. It introduces key concepts of audience analysis, strategic planning and decision-making within the context of events management, marketing, advertising and the media. The students will also explore organizational communication and communication strategies from a business-oriented viewpoint. Human resource communication is also a part of this major which deals with issues of employment and industrial relations, employer and employee rights, etc.

Career Opportunities in Public Relations

Public Relations graduates can work as PR officers in corporate sector, public sector, government agencies, tourist agencies, hotels, banks and other financial institutions, private consultancy firms etc.

Media Management

There is a growing need for professionals who can apply management principles in media context. The media management major combines theories of media culture, content production for different delivery channels, communication skills, project management skills, organizational knowledge and staff management principles. Creative thinking and entrepreneurial skills are emphasized. The program provides a path to management career. The graduates can work as assistant officers or coordinators in the management departments of companies, organizations or individual projects. After work experience they can get managerial jobs.

Career Opportunities in Media Management

Media Management graduates have an opportunity to work in communication industries: television, movies, music, advertising, news, electronic services and social media. While they explore the principles of responsible and effective management, they will be competent enough to be in the middle management of large media organizations or even manage a small newly established media organization. Other job potentials include positions in events management, corporate communication and human resources management.

Advertising

The advertising major brings together the academic and professional perspectives of advertising. It explores how advertising works in a society, especially in a developing economy, and examines the relationship between consumer behaviour and advertising. The socio-cultural aspects of advertising in the Arab world and especially in Oman are discussed. The students will understand the importance of marketing research in advertising. They will learn to develop advertising strategies and campaigns as well as how to work with customers. They know the production process of advertising from idea generation and copywriting to artistic and technical realization of advertisements and commercials in print and electronic media.

Career Opportunities in Advertising

Advertising graduates can find work in advertising and promotional agencies or marketing departments of public and private corporations. They can also work in media companies specialized in commercial productions.

Nature of Job: The Job is both field work as well as office work.

Engineering Program

Program overview

The Engineering program, which developed for the College of Applied Sciences in Sohar by faculty of Engineering/Sultan Qaboos University, is based on international standards to facilitate national and international recognition through accreditation in the future. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) criteria are adopted. Our graduates are well-Educated, highly skilled, and socially and professionally responsible engineer’s who represent a diverse population. We utilize input from employers, alumni and an industry advisory board to keep our programs real-world and real time.
Our curricula stress the application of established engineer- ing and computer knowledge as well as the methods, processes, skills and materials used in applied technology. Our programs emphasize both theory and application of scientific and engineering methods, preparing students for immediate employment or continued graduate education.

Vision

Our vision is to be the premier institute in the region and national wide for engineering human resource development through innovation, research and technological advancement so as to serve the industrial community.

Mission

Our mission is to provide an innovative and creative learning experience for those who seek technological education.

Goals

The main provider of technological education in terms of quality (ABET), global relevance, socio-economic development and strategic human resource planning in the Sultan- ate of Oman and the region as a whole.
An institution with an expanded portfolio of programmes, developed from existing provision, with the added dimension of self-awarding degrees according to the Oman Qualifications Framework; the portfolio will include diversified multi-disciplinary areas integrating business, technology, ethics and environmental and social impact.
A gateway to industry in terms of innovative, strategic and applied research and development, consultancy and corporate training, encompassing a Centre of Excellence in engineering and sustainable technologies.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the College :

A- Admission to the College is done through the Higher Education Admission Centre (HEAC) in accordance the admission criteria and valid mechanisms.
B- Bachelor Programes require that students successfully complete a Foundation Program. The duration of such a Foundation Program is of four semesters as a maximum. Students failing to achieve the requiring level of the Foundation Program after this period will have their enrollment withdrawn.
C- Neither a Semester Grade Point Average, nor a Cumula- tive Grade Point Average is calculated for the Foundation Program. Instead, a "P" or "NP" (Pass/Not Passed) will be assigned on the transcript.

Program structure

The credit hours required are summarized below:

Summary of The course	Chemical Engineering	Electrical Engineering	Mechanical Engineering
College requirements	25	25	25
Mathematics and basic science	32	38	32
Program Requirements	78	72	78
Program Core	72	66	66
Technical Electric	6	6	12
Industrial Training	0	0	0
Total	135	135	135

Graduate Attributes

Graduating students from Engineering are expected to exhibit the following attributes:

a. Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
b. Maintain awareness of environmental safety within the social and economic context of your profession.
c. Have the knowledge and skills required to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environ- mental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, man- ufacturability, and sustainability.
d. The ability to be a team player working in multi-disciplinary fields.
e. Identify, formulate and solve engineering problems.
f. Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
g. Communicate ideas effectively in both oral and writ- ten form and be able to work with modern multimedia tools.
h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global economical, environmental, and societal context.
i. Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
j. Knowledge of relevant contemporary issues.
k. Be able to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools.

Details of Majors

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering is key to many issues affecting our quality of life. Industry is increasingly focused on high value chemicals and products, which deliver the right time.
Such products may be a molecule added to an aviation or automotive fuel to improve engine performance and economy or the components within a chocolate bar that makes it taste delicious.
Chemical engineers are responsible for the availability of the modern high-quality materials that are essential for running an industrial economy. It is a broad field that encompasses many subfields, such as petroleum, nano-technogy, mineral processing, fluid dynamics, environmental science, materials science and thermodynamics.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of the chemical engineering program, you will have a broad foundation for career opportunities in As a graduate of the chemical engineering program, you will have a broad foundation for career opportunities in many critical technologies, including:

Electronics: chip manufacture, semiconductors, networking, databases.
Energy: petrochemicals, fuel cells, photovoltaic devices.
Advanced materials: polymers and textiles, composite materials, ceramics and coatings.
Food: agriculture productivity, packaging and preservation, genetic modification.
Environment: green processing, aquatic engineering, waste.

The chemical engineering graduates can work in the operation, development, design, construction, and management of these industrial processes. They can also work in research institutions and government. They are also well-prepared to continue with postgraduate education.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering Electrical engineering is one of the engineering disciplines that is growing at fast rate. Electrical engineering continues to transform the way we live - from the latest consumer products through to sophisticated scientific, industrial and healthcare technologies. The subject area encompasses an exciting range of topics and develops a variety of skills that are in great demand by employers. As an electrical engineer, you will be involved in development and design of systems for transfer of electrical energy as well as information.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this program are envisaged to work as engineers in the industry, with electrical power generation and distribution companies as well as consultancy houses. A graduate can prove his expertise by either working in the public or private sector. Prospective employers in Oman include: Ministries, Municipalities, PDO, Telecommunications companies, computer and IT businesses, Refineries, Oil companies, and consulting companies.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines. Is an engineering discipline that involves the application of principles of mathematics and basic sciences for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of various systems. It requires a solid understanding of core concepts including mechanics, and energy. Mechanical engineering use the core principles as well as other knowledge in the field to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, motor vehicles, aircraft, robotics, medical devices and more.

Career opportunities

The professional breadth of Mechanical Engineers enables the graduated students to find a place in all sectors of industry, commerce and government.

No other specialty given its graduates more job opportunity than mechanical engineering.

English Program

Program overview

The Department of English Language and Literature (DELL) was established in 1987. It started offering courses for both foundation students and other students majoring in English Language and Literature in the College of Education. In 2006, the college of Education was transformed to the College of Applied Sciences under the Ministry of Higher Education (MoH) and it is still offering the degree course in English Language and Literature specialization. At present DELL offers courses in three main streams namely. ELT, EAP/ESP and General Foundation programme. It has a total of 65 teaching staff from all around the globe. The B.Ed English program aims to prepare qualified teachers academically and educationally to teach English in Omani schools and across the region. A graduate of this program can expect career opportunities in both government and private educational sectors where English is an academic programme.As an extension of service to the Omani community at Rustaq, English department also conducts IELTS exam at the college on every month in collaboration with British Council Muscat and other International organizations.‘Community English Language teaching Programme’ is another service from the English Department to the local community in which we offer free English courses ranging from basics to highly advanced level of local employees.

Vision

The vision of the department is for a faculty that is an active part of the Omani and Global Education Community. To achieve this, DELL seeks to provide the support to teachers to further their professional development and through this aid in the higher education of our students.

Mission

Department of English Language and Literature aims to prepare academically and educationally qualified teachers to teach English in Omani schools. It also aims to provide a well-resourced English Language learning environment for students to graduate as professionally qualified for the job market and be prepared to take their place as key players in advancing the future of Oman.

Goals

To provide students with a comprehensive grounding in English language education to support their future career.
To graduate professionally qualified and trained teachers as key players in advancing the future of Oman.
To afford the opportunity for Omani students to pursues their studies internationally.
To provide an international standard and quality of education to the students of the Sultanate of Oman.
To train English literate IT and Business graduates.
To provide a professional faculty of teachers and lecturers.
To provide delineated lines of professional development for faculty members.
To provide relevant and professional assistance to students in the pursuit of their studies.
To provide a 21st century technology class-room.
To provide a sound pedagogical base to the English Language Programme.
To continue to develop all facets of the department, faculty and the teaching progress to afford student and faculty member alike with an international environment.
To continue to explore external Oman and international connections and associations designed to further enhance current and future English language programmes.

Important comments for Accepted Students:

Program Structure:

The Foundation Program offers an integrated English and Study Skills course, and separate Maths and Computer Skills courses. These components are described below.

Code	Name	Contact hours /week	Prerequisite
ENGLISH & STUDY SKILLS
ENGL 3001 (Level ‘D’)	General English Skills: Beginner	20-24*	None
ENGL 4001 (Level ‘C’)	General English Skills: Elementary	20	Completion – not passing – of ENGL 3001 or equivalent PT entry score
ENGL 5001 (Level ‘B’)	General English Skills: Pre- intermediate	10/11**	Pass in ENGL 4001 or equivalent PT entry score
ENGL 5002 (Level ‘B’)	Academic English Skills: Pre- intermediate	9/10**	Pass in ENGL 4001 or equivalent PT entry score
ENGL 6001 (Level ‘A’)	General English Skills: Intermediate	10/11**	Overall pass in ENGL 5001 + 5002 or equivalent PT entry score
ENGL 6002 (Level ‘A’)	Academic English Skills: Intermediate	9/10**
COMPUTER SKILLS
COMP 4001	Computer Skills: Basic	2	None
COMP 5001	Computer Skills: Advanced	2	Pass in COMP 4001 or equivalent PT entry score
MATHS
MATH 4001	Basic Maths	4	None
MATH 5001	Applied Maths	3	Pass in MATH 4001 or equivalent PT entry score
MATH 5002	Pure Maths	3	Pass in MATH 4001 or equivalent PT entry score

Table 1: Foundation Course Structure

*No Maths or Computer Skills courses will be timetabled during the semester in which ENGL 3001 is taken so a further 4 hours per week would be available for ENGL 3001, if college circumstances permitted.

**The total allocation for English in Levels B and A is 20 hours. This may be divided between AES and GES as colleges see fit though the most likely division would be GES/AES 10/10 or 11/9.

Entry Requirements:

ENGLISH

Initial entry will be determined by placement testing carried out in September. Students will be sorted into five groups.

Beginner (equivalent of IELTS 2.5 or below)	ENGL 3001
Elementary (equivalent of IELTS 3.0)	ENGL 4001
Pre-intermediate (IELTS 3.5)	ENGL 5001 & 5002
Lower-intermediate (IELTS 4.0)	ENGL 6001 & 6002
Intermediate (IELTS 4.5)	To English Challenge Test. Students who pass the Challenge Test, (and have also satisfied the requirements for Maths and Computer Skills), will enter Year 1. Those who fail enter ENGL 6001 & 6002.

Table 2: Placement for English

Students who take and fail the English component of Foundation will be permitted to re-enter within one academic year on passing the English Challenge Test, which will be administered three times only per year, (September, January and May).

COMPUTER SKILLS

Initial entry will be determined by placement testing carried out in September. Students will be sorted into three groups.

Insufficient score in Basic Computer Skills Test

Computer Skills: Basic

Insufficient score in Advanced Computer Skills

Test

Computer Skills: Advanced

Sufficient score in Advanced Computer Skills

Test

To Computer Skills Challenge Test. Students who

pass the Challenge Test will enter Year 1. Those who fail enter Computer Skills: Advanced.

Table 3: Placement for Computer Skills

Students who take and fail the Computer Skills component of Foundation will be permitted to reenter within one academic year on passing the Computer Skills Challenge Test Which will be administered three times only per year, (September, January and May).

MATHS

Initial entry will be determined by placement testing carried out in September. Students will be sorted into three groups.

Insufficient score in Basic Maths Test

Basic Maths

Sufficient score in Basic Maths Test Insufficient

score in Applied/Pure Maths Test

Applied Maths or Pure Maths

Sufficient score in Basic Maths Test Sufficient

score in Applied/Pure Maths Test

To Maths Challenge Test. Those who pass the

Challenge Test will enter Year 1, assuming they have also met the requirements for English and IT. Those who fail enter Applied or Pure Maths.

Table 4: Placement for Maths

Students who take and fail the Maths component of Foundation will be permitted to re-enter within one academic year on passing the Maths Challenge Test, which will be administered three times only per year, (September, January and May).

Graduate Attributes:

Department of English Language & Literature (DELL)

DELL ELT Graduate Attributes (Transferable Skills) as follows:

GA1: Students can learn autonomously and work independently, and are equipped with skills to keep up with the trends of teaching and learning and good self-management skills and awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses in English language.

GA2: The ability to critically analyze, synthesize, appraise, interpret and evaluate information from a multitude of sources and perspectives to formulate new knowledge and understanding of English language and linguistics and pedagogy.

GA3: The ability highly articulate individuals capable of communicating and presenting sound and well-structured arguments and ideas effectively in oral, visual and written forms different purposes and context audience in English.

GA4: The ability to use technology in teaching and learning appropriately and to use different learning

GA5: The ability to think critically and to able to apply theoretical linguistic knowledge to unfamiliar situations, all issue within the field and cope with uncertainty.

GA6: Demonstrate highly developed team workers with excellent interpersonal skills and an appreciation for planning, sharing and working towards common goals and objectives.

GA7: A thorough and in-depth knowledge and understanding of English language, linguistics, teaching methodology and literature and their practical applications in an EFL classroom in an innovative way.

GA8: The ability to have high level of ethical and professional conduct and awareness of relevant codes and practices in teaching and learning and ability to apply professional skills.

GA9: The ability to have written, verbal communication, research and presentation skills in English.

GA10: The ability to identify problems and solve them independently.