AUS Launches MSc in Data Analytics Engineering for 2026

Sharjah, UAE – January 27, 2026:

The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has officially announced the launch of a new graduate program, the Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering (MSDAE), with its first student intake scheduled for Fall 2026. The program is introduced to meet the rising global demand for professionals capable of transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive business performance, strategic planning, and digital innovation.

The MSDAE will be offered through the Department of Industrial Engineering in the AUS College of Engineering and is designed for individuals seeking advanced analytical expertise combined with engineering knowledge and managerial skills. As industries worldwide continue to adopt artificial intelligence and digital transformation initiatives, the program aims to prepare graduates for leadership roles in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain, finance, and government.

Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, stated that the program reflects the evolving nature of engineering leadership. He emphasized that modern organizations require professionals who can go beyond data visualization and predictive models to create real-world impact, improve operational efficiency, strengthen organizational resilience, and support informed decision-making. The MSDAE integrates advanced analytics, engineering principles, and managerial insight to develop future data-driven leaders.

The program focuses on developing strong data interpretation skills, effective communication of insights, and the ability to convert analytics results into strategic and operational actions. Students will engage in applied projects, collaborative learning activities, and real-world case studies, ensuring practical exposure to industry challenges. The program also supports research aligned with the UAE’s national digital transformation strategy and provides a pathway for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies.

Students can choose between two academic tracks: a course-based option consisting of 10 courses or a thesis-based option with 7 courses and a research thesis. This flexible structure allows students to tailor their academic journey according to professional or research-oriented career goals. The program can be completed within five years of initial enrollment and will be delivered through a blended learning model, combining in-person and online instruction.

The curriculum includes core courses in data analytics and visualization, optimization, predictive analytics, and machine learning, supported by a range of electives such as big data analytics, supply chain analytics, quality engineering analytics, AI in industrial systems, engineering consulting, customer analytics, and emerging technologies, along with approved courses in related fields like deep learning.

Dr. Abdulrahim Shamayleh, Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering, highlighted that the program adopts an engineering-first approach to analytics, ensuring students understand how to apply advanced methods in real decision-making environments. Graduates will be trained to design data-driven solutions while considering performance, social, environmental, and economic factors, making them highly valuable to both industry and government sectors.

The MSDAE program is designed to accommodate working professionals with full-time and part-time study options and flexible scheduling. AUS will also provide Graduate Research Assistantships, Graduate Teaching Assistantships, and work-study opportunities to support students financially while offering hands-on academic and research experience. Additionally, eligible AUS undergraduate students can enroll through an Accelerated Master’s Program pathway, allowing them to count selected graduate courses toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

With the introduction of the MSDAE, the AUS College of Engineering expands its academic portfolio to 10 undergraduate programs, 11 master’s programs, and 4 PhD programs. More details about the program are available on the university’s official website at www.aus.edu/cen.