College of Arts and Sciences offers the following five-degree programs:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
· Our Computer Science program will produce graduates who will engage in productive careers in a broad range of computer science areas such as software development, database systems and networking and/or obtain an advanced degree.
· Potential positions for a computer science graduate include computer programmer, software developer, system analyst, software engineer, web designer, database analyst/developer/administrator, network engineer/administrator, games developer and IT consultant.
· Our graduates will apply the core knowledge of the discipline, teamwork and communication skills to solve problems and build computing systems of varying levels of complexity to meet customer business objectives in local, regional or global markets. In addition, our graduates will practice their profession ethically, and remain current and involved as full participants in our profession and our society.
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
Literature, according to C.S. Lewis, "adds to reality, it does not simply describe it." Additionally, Lewis states that "it enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become." Today, the study of literature provides direct access to the cultural capital of billions. In practical terms, students taking a degree in English Literature become equipped for an enormous range of careers and postgraduate opportunities. Students of Literature can go on to work and study in teaching and academics, arts and media, journalism, law, welfare, administration, public relations, international relations, business, and marketing. Skills acquired during the course of the degree (such as critical thinking, clarity of expression in written and oral forms, self-management and planning, independent research, organization of time, cooperation with others, attention to detail, and ability to grasp the larger picture) will be invaluable regardless of one’s chosen career path.
Bachelor of Arts in English Secondary Education
In 2005, GUST established a major of English/Certification in Secondary Education (ECSE) as the first such education program in Kuwait. The ECSE faculty works with all public school districts and private schools to facilitate both student internships and student teaching assignments. The ECSE also offers to students at all levels necessary experience in both public and private sector schools in Kuwait. The emphasis of ECSE is to continue the development of the learning process in the field of education, to prepare English secondary education teachers to achieve all standards and objectives designed for modern teacher education preparation programs, and to enhance the quality of education, especially in Kuwait. ECSE offers education courses in areas of educational, historical, and philosophical foundations; school administration; curriculum, teaching and learning methods; classroom management, psychology, assessment, research, technology, and material development; as well as internships and student teaching experiences.
Bachelor of Arts in English Linguistics/Translation
The Linguistics/Translation concentration trains and prepares students to understand, experience, and apply language concepts. As an applied linguistic activity, the program qualifies students to further their studies in translation, and to use the subject matter in other areas, such as sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, speech therapy, and computational linguistics. Students leave equipped with knowledge that will enhance their linguistic abilities, enabling them to translate any text from English into Arabic or vice versa effectively. As a result, they can find opportunities to work as translators in numerous institutions in Kuwait, where the need for professional translators is vital. Translation is an applied linguistic activity; therefore, this program accentuates the theoretical background, qualifying students to further their studies not only in translation, but also in other linguistic sciences such as socio-linguistics, forensic linguistics, psycho-linguistics, speech therapy, and computational linguistics.
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
Digital Media Production (DMP) refers to the making of a wide range of media that work across different platforms from TV to smartphones.
As the first degree of its kind in Kuwait, students in this emphasis will learn how to create, and effectively communicate information to its intended audiences. This mainly includes producing digital video and audio content on set, on location or online. DMP students explore rapidly developing technologies and learn how to make digital content that can work across different platforms and serve a range of purposes, from advertising, to documentaries, to social media content.
DMP graduates gain first-hand experience in radio and TV broadcasting, as well as in all aspects of single camera and multi-camera production including shooting, audio recording, editing, writing, directing, and other advanced audio/video techniques.
Digital Media Production graduates can work in a wide range of careers from radio and TV broadcasting companies, independent studios and production houses, advertising companies, or even freelancers. Some possible job titles for
graduates could include:
• Art Director
• Audio Editor
• Broadcaster
• Cinematographer
• Editor
• Film Director
• Multimedia Editor
• News Anchor
• Photojournalist
• Producer
• Production Manager
• Reporter
• Script Writer
• Sound Technician
• Television Director
• Videographer
Public Relations (PR) refers to the relationship between an organization and various groups of people who might have any relationship with that organization, known as stakeholders. PR involves ensuring that an organization maintains a positive brand image with its stakeholders in ways that help promote products, ideas, or positions. To do this, people working in PR communicate through press releases, speeches, special events, social media, and much more.
One of the main ways an organization communicates with its stakeholders is through advertising. Therefore, students must also learn about the principles and processes related to the production, socio- economic aspects, effects, and future of advertising.
Public Relations and Advertising graduates have the opportunity to fulfill many job requirements, including:
• Art Director
• Creative Director
• Brand Ambassador
• Content Manager
• Content Strategist
• Corporate Communication Officer
• Executive Assistant
• Event Coordinator
• Public Affairs Officer
• Event Manager
• Integrated Marketing Manager
• Public Relations Coordinator
• Public Relations Manager or Director
• Public Relations Specialist
• Social Media Analyst
• Social Media Manager
• Social Media Specialist
• Media Buyer or Planner
Visual Communication (VC) refers to the creative process that combines the visual arts and technology in order to communicate ideas. It begins with a message that, in the hands of a talented designer, is transformed into a form of a visual message that transcends words and pictures.
Students will learn about various forms of visual media and industries, including still images, moving images, animation, motion graphics, and other forms of both traditional and new media, such as graphic design, and website design.
They will also learn the general principles and techniques for effectively communicating ideas and information visually, packaging products in digital and other formats to different audiences, and that may prepare individuals in any of the applied media arts.
Visual Communication graduates can pursue a variety of jobs, such as:
• Art/Creative Director
• Animator
• Communication Manager
• Desktop Publisher
• Digital Photographer
• Graphic Designer
• Illustrator
• Layout Artist
• Marketing Designer/Director
• Multimedia Artist
• Photo Editor
• Photojournalist
• Print Production Artist
• Production Designer
• Visual Artist
• Web Specialist
Each program has been identified as essential for meeting specific demands of future Kuwaiti growth and development. In addition to providing solid academic frameworks in their respective disciplines, these programs provide GUST students with in-depth instruction in the integration of Information Technology into their specific fields. Each of these degree programs is designed to prepare students to achieve professional and personal success through their acquisition of lifelong learning skills, enabling them to achieve optimal personal development and to contribute to the development of their community and humanity.
