A Bachelor Degree Program in IoT Engineering

Accreditation Constraints and Market Demand

Abstract

In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, technology is advancing at a pace much faster than what individuals, societies and nations can cope with. Internet of Things (IoT) is one such technology that is sweeping the economic, business and service landscapes with its disruption mechanisms that influence areas such as smart homes, hospitals, cities, as well as transportation and energy utilization with many exciting and novel applications. Additionally, the job market is evolving at a rate that makes it difficult for universities to sustain a stable programme structure, especially in engineering and information and communication technology disciplines as well as specializations and domains associated with technology. While several universities worldwide have established IoT degree programs at bachelor and master levels, institutions in developing countries are still contemplating the idea of pioneering such venture due to a number of reasons related to technology vacillation as well as market and social acceptance.  Princess Sumaya University for Technology has therefore designed a bachelor degree programme on IoT Engineering in order to bridge the gap in the Jordanian ICT market and to meet demands for specialized engineers in this rapidly evolving area. The university adapted an optimization design process of the program including a cycle of consultation with stakeholders, followed by a formal procedure of rectification and accreditation. The proposed program was successfully a launched at the beginning of the academic year 2021/2022 with an intake cohort of 50 students.