Arkansas State University announced that it recently secured approval from the Higher Learning Commission for a campus in Doha, Qatar.
The move follows previous approvals by the Arkansas State University System board of trustees and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, the university in Jonesboro said in a news release.
The campus is a partnership between A-State and the Global Studies Institute, a private education entity not associated with the Qatari government. A-State said it’s generating revenue solely through tuition and fees aligned with international student tuition.
The Ministry of Education in Qatar has recognized three A-State degree programs that students can complete in Doha: the bachelor’s in digital technology and design, bachelor’s in engineering management systems, and master’s in educational leadership.
More than 60 students are currently enrolled in the undergraduate programs. Students complete their coursework via livestream, using real-time face-to-face interaction with instructors, similar to a classroom setting on the traditional campus.
“Using a classroom setting in Doha, the instructor is livestreamed in conjunction with a real-time whiteboard to enhance interaction,” Chris Boothman, senior associate vice chancellor for distance education and technology, said in a statement. “A second screen is utilized to share other materials, and a third screen to show other curriculum resources.”
A-State said the program helps foster cross-cultural collaboration and academic exchange, and that it’s exploring the possibility of expanding the portfolio of available programs.
“We are working on creating pathways for Qatar students to complete their first year or two in Doha before coming to the Jonesboro campus to complete any of the degree offerings,” Boothman said. “This enhances the overall partnership and will create a cultural experience for students here in the United States.”
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