MSU Dubai Academy Designed to Make U.S. Higher Education More Accessible

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates—On March 30, Michigan State University announced the launch of the MSU Dubai Academy (MSUDA), designed to support and assist students looking to enter the United States higher education system and meet the admission criteria of world-class universities.

MSUDA will provide an integrated set of pre-university programs in English, mathematics, computer literacy, preparation for standardized tests, and critical thinking and learning skills. Successful students will be awarded a certificate of completion and a certified record of courses.

The academy and its faculty will adjoin MSU Dubai at Dubai International Academic City. Programs and classes begin in October 2009.

“We believe the MSU Dubai Academy will assist in preparing students for a top U.S. university education,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, a member of the Council on Competitiveness Executive Committee. “The academy is an initiative that supports access to world-class education for the region. Academy students will benefit from MSU’s substantial experience and expertise as one of the leading universities in the U.S.

“We have been very pleased and excited with the caliber of students who have joined our programs at MSU Dubai, and we want to actively encourage and assist more prospective students to consider the U.S. education system,” said Simon, who is visiting the UAE to speak on a panel discussion at the Education Without Borders 2009 conference in Abu Dhabi.

“Working with students on language skills and academic subjects is important, but also fundamental is the integration with critical thinking, learning, study and time management skills, and preparation for taking tests.”

Admission requirements for MSUDA are a high school diploma (preferred college preparatory curriculum and with solid grades) and a minimum score on an approved university English Language Test.

Full information on admission requirements is available online.

The standardized test scores and academic transcripts will be reviewed to ensure that each student receives appropriate placement and personalized instruction.

The philosophy behind MSU Dubai Academy reflects the university’s values of quality, inclusion and connectivity, said MSU Dubai Executive Director Brendan Mullan.

“MSU brings its status as a top American teaching and research university, its commitment to civic engagement and its tradition of global connectivity to Dubai,” Mullan said. “The MSU Dubai Academy is an extension of that.”

In September 2007, MSU announced its Dubai initiative partnership with Duba International Academic City, making it the first American university with a presence in DIAC. MSU classes began in August 2008.

Examples of degree options at MSU in Dubai include media, communications, computer engineering, construction management, family studies, business-related programs, human resource management and education technology.

MSU is fully accredited by the American North Central Association Higher Learning Commission and has full academic authority and quality control over courses and programs. MSU’s regular courses, program, degree, admissions and accreditation requirements are maintained. Diplomas are standard MSU diplomas.