HBKU Master of Public Policy Program Earns Prestigious EAPAA Accreditation. Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Master of Public Policy (MPP) program, offered by the College of Public Policy (CPP), has achieved a significant milestone by receiving accreditation from the European Association for Public Administration Accreditation (EAPAA).
This recognition not only solidifies HBKU’s position as a leader in public policy education in the region but also highlights the program’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation in policy design and evaluation.
The MPP program is the first of its kind in the Gulf region to receive this prestigious accreditation and only the second in the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This achievement underscores the quality of education provided by HBKU and its commitment to developing world-class public policy professionals who can contribute to policymaking in Qatar, the region, and beyond.
The Importance of EAPAA Accreditation
The EAPAA is a renowned authority in the field of public administration education in Europe, offering quality assurance through stringent accreditation processes. Since 1995, it has accredited over 70 programs across 18 countries, ensuring that institutions adhere to the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. By earning this accreditation, HBKU’s Master of Public Policy program now stands among a select group of institutions recognized for delivering high-quality public administration education.
Commenting on this remarkable achievement, Dr. Ala Al Fuqaha, Acting Provost of HBKU, remarked, “This latest milestone illustrates HBKU’s track record of developing multidisciplinary academic programs and national research capabilities that help facilitate expertise and build capacity in key fields for Qatar, the region, and beyond. It also underlines the CPP’s commitment to learning experiences with a distinct combination of interdisciplinarity, ethics, and innovation in policy design and evaluation.”
The EAPAA accreditation process is comprehensive, involving peer review and assessment by internationally recognized academics in the field of public administration. The rigorous evaluation considered multiple factors, including the program’s curriculum, research output, and the qualifications of its faculty. The EAPAA Accreditation Committee gave high ratings to several aspects of the MPP program, particularly highlighting the quality of teaching staff and their impressive track record.
A Testament to Excellence in Public Policy Education
The Master of Public Policy program at HBKU is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to understand, evaluate, and contribute to the policymaking process. With a curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, the program prepares students to tackle complex policy challenges in Qatar, the Gulf region, and the global stage.
Dr. Leslie Pal, Dean of HBKU’s College of Public Policy, expressed his pride in the accreditation and the efforts of the faculty and staff. “This achievement cements CPP’s reputation as one of the leading public policy schools and knowledge hubs in the world. It is a testament to our faculty and staff’s tireless efforts to provide students world-class academic and professional training where they can build the skills needed to understand, evaluate, and contribute to policymaking in Qatar and beyond,” said Dr. Pal.
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The program’s interdisciplinary approach, which integrates ethics and innovation in public policy, sets it apart from traditional public administration programs. This unique focus on addressing the multifaceted challenges of policy design, analysis, and implementation makes HBKU’s MPP program a leader in public policy education in the region.
A Significant Achievement for the Gulf Region
The accreditation of HBKU’s MPP program marks a major milestone not only for the university but also for public policy education in the Gulf. As the first program in the region to receive EAPAA accreditation, HBKU is setting a new standard for public policy education, ensuring that future policymakers are well-equipped to drive positive change in their societies.
By fostering critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a deep understanding of public policy dynamics, HBKU is contributing to Qatar’s broader national development goals. The university’s commitment to developing world-class academic programs aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of human development and innovation in education.
Conclusion
The EAPAA accreditation of HBKU’s Master of Public Policy program is a testament to the university’s dedication to academic excellence and its role as a pioneer in public policy education. As the first program in the Gulf region to achieve this prestigious accreditation, HBKU is shaping the future of public policy professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to address complex challenges on a local, regional, and global scale.
This achievement reflects the College of Public Policy’s commitment to providing students with a world-class education that integrates ethics, interdisciplinarity, and innovation in public policy. As HBKU continues to expand its academic offerings and research capabilities, the MPP program will remain a cornerstone of its efforts to build capacity and expertise in public policy for the betterment of Qatar and beyond.