Khalifa University and Hopkins launch an internationally accredited dual master’s program

Today, Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the Kerry Business School at Johns Hopkins University announced the signing of an agreement aimed at providing a dual master’s program starting in the first academic semester of 2026.

The program allows students to obtain two internationally accredited degrees in healthcare management and health systems management, which represents a major step forward in advancing health education and international academic cooperation.

According to the agreement, eligible students will be able to pursue a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from the Kerry Business School at Johns Hopkins University in the United States of America, and a Master of Science in Health Systems Management from the Department of Management Science Engineering at Khalifa University.

President of Khalifa University, Professor Ibrahim Al-Hajri, said: “We are pleased to enter into this partnership with Johns Hopkins University to expand the scope of our academic cooperation with leading global institutions, with the aim of preparing competencies of international standards in the UAE and the region in general.”

He explained that the combination of Khalifa University’s strengths in systems engineering and data-based health care, and Johns Hopkins University’s globally accredited expertise in health care management, contributes to preparing students to lead with confidence in global health care environments that are witnessing rapid changes, noting that this program is designed to qualify future leaders seeking to enhance their expertise in health care operations, policies, management, and systems innovation across international health environments.

For his part, Dean of the Kerry School of Business at Johns Hopkins University, Alex Triantis, said: “We are pleased to cooperate with Khalifa University. The combination of the Master of Healthcare Administration from the Kerry School of Business at Johns Hopkins University and the Master of Health Systems Management from Khalifa University will contribute to opening new horizons for students in the Middle East region, and will help develop the next generation of leaders in the healthcare sector globally.”

The structure of this dual degree allows students to benefit from two academic bodies, world-class research and resources from Khalifa University and Johns Hopkins University. Students wishing to join the dual program must obtain admission into the Master of Healthcare Systems Management program at Khalifa University, and then follow the admission procedures at the Johns Hopkins University Kerry Business School.

The first batch of this program will begin its studies at Johns Hopkins University starting from the first academic semester of 2026, and it is expected that the number of students in the program annually will range between 10 and 20 male and female students. Students will complete 30 credit hours from each university, with the possibility of crediting part of the hours between the two institutions.

Khalifa University will accept up to 12 credit hours from Johns Hopkins University for its Master of Health Systems Administration program, while Johns Hopkins University will accept up to 10 credit hours from Khalifa University for its Master of Healthcare Administration program.

Upon completion of all academic requirements, students will receive two master’s degrees from both institutions at the same time.

This cooperation aims to give Khalifa University students the opportunity to learn about the healthcare system in the United States through direct interaction with leaders and institutions.

The program provides two academic tracks to meet the diverse needs of students: The first track is a fully in-person study option on campus in Baltimore, USA, and one in-person semester at Johns Hopkins University Kerry Business School to complete 16 credit hours. In addition, another four Johns Hopkins credit hours will be offered online, while the remaining courses will be completed at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi.

The program also offers a partial online study option, which allows 20 Johns Hopkins credit hours to be completed entirely remotely, and is designed for professionals seeking flexibility. Students will be able to benefit from academic support, guidance and the digital learning environment at Kerry College.

The two tracks also provide an integrated curriculum developed by the two universities, along with comprehensive student services, career support, and graduate benefits across the two institutions.