Universities are growing by degree

This year has seen the introduction of numerous new degree programs at Prague's English-language universities and Czech universities offering degree programs in English. Along with new programs in business, the arts, journalism and international relations, a number of programs are offering focused studies on specific regions or on unique and specialized topics like European integration and law or geopolitical studies.

Why the deluge of choices? Many programs have been developed to prepare students with skills defined by the times - including IT, new media, an understanding of sustainability issues and working in a global environment. Also, concentrations have been added to existing programs to meet the demands of the job market, and new study options have been created via part-time study and distance learning to make the programs accessible to professionals. We've compiled a list of some of the most interesting new scholastic options.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK IN PRAGUE (UNYP)

University of New York, Prague: Unyp.cz

Bachelor's in IT management Introduced this year, the focus of this four-year degree is on blending a solid understanding of technology with business management skills. An American degree awarded by Empire State College, the program was initiated to meet demand for these skills on the job market.

Bachelor's in business administration - new concentrations in finance and marketing Along with the general business administration track, students now have the option of concentrating their three-year business administration degree on finance or marketing. Created to meet the requests of students and to satisfy employer demands for a deeper knowledge base in these subjects, these two concentrations were added to the bachelor's in business administration program last year.

MBA in project management and MBA in sustainability These two new concentrations in the MBA program were introduced this year. According to UNYP, project management is proving to have an increasing importance to companies, as the skills can be leveraged over a number of business functions and departments. The sustainability track focuses on the growing problem of diminishing resources worldwide and the resultant business impacts and strategies for increasing sustainability. This is the first program of its kind to be offered in this region.

Master's in European law and European integration Introduced this year but scheduled to begin in 2011, this unique program focuses on all aspects of European integration and European law. According to UNYP, there are great opportunities to be had with this degree as this is a new field with few qualified personnel.

Ph.D. by publication Introduced last year and offered in cooperation with Bolton University, this Ph.D. program is a major departure from traditional approaches. The main difference in this program is that in lieu of coursework, students carry out publishable research in their given field and are awarded the title after getting three pieces of work published, in addition to writing their dissertation.

CHARLES UNIVERSITY

Charles University: Fsveng.fsv.cuni.cz

The oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic, Charles University offers one fully accredited bachelor's degree program in English and seven fully accredited English-language master's degree programs. Several new programs are included in that lineup.

Bachelor's in economics and finance This three-year program - part of the faculty of social sciences and taught by members of the Institute of Economic Studies - aims to give students a thorough grounding in both theoretical and applied economics and finance. Emphasis is placed on developing abstract analytical reasoning, which allows graduates to solve complex economic and financial problems in various settings. With students expected to enroll in 2011, the program has been fully accredited.

Balkan, Eurasian and Central European studies Started in 2010, this fully accredited, two-year master's degree program provides a deep and versatile exploration of Central Europe, the Balkan peninsula and the post-Soviet area, including the Caucasus and Central Asia. Primary attention is paid to modern history, politics and diplomacy, as well as to fundamental social, cultural and economic problems. The program also offers students the chance to learn or improve their knowledge of the Czech language.

Central European comparative studies A two-year interdisciplinary master's program started in 2010, the CECS program offers a thorough comparative and multidisciplinary understanding of the historical, political, economic and cultural developments of the region composed of Germany, Austria and the Visegrad countries (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary) with an overlap into neighboring countries. The program is offered either in the form of full-time study or part-time study.

European studies This two-year interdisciplinary master's program provides students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of European history and politics, the European integration process and other EU-related issues from a legal, political and economic perspective from a Central European point of view. Designed especially for students who plan to enter positions in EU institutions, international organizations, national administration or nongovernmental organizations, the program was recently fully accredited and is expecting students to enroll in 2011.

Geopolitical studies Started in 2010, this two-year master's degree program explores the relationship between international politics and human geography, focusing on essential theories, thinkers and regions. Through the core courses, students will gain the theoretical tools and the historical background to develop a deeper analysis of the geography of the world, while through their elective classes they are free to strengthen their knowledge in related fields and concentrate on specific regions.

PRAGUE COLLEGE

Prague College: Praguecollege.cz

Master's in international management Started this year, with its first round of students set to graduate in fall 2011, this internationally focused master's management program offers participants the opportunity to earn their degree in one year or opt to attend for two years on a part-time basis. Offering a theoretical and practical management education, what sets this program apart from other management programs is its international emphasis, opening the program not only to those with a business background, but also to those who aspire to senior management positions in various cross-cultural environments. Another unique component of the program is the Master Speaker Series, which invites top professionals from various industries to inspire and educate. So far, the series has included well-known American science fiction writer Bruce Sterling and in the spring will invite the head of development of London's Serpentine Gallery.

BA(Hons) fine art experimental media An extension of the two-year HND (higher national diploma) Interactive Media Program, this practical, studio-based third year has a unique emphasis on digital media, including animation, digital video, Web and sound production. Students participate in international workshops and conferences, work with renowned international artists and are viewed as practicing artists with the opportunity to enter competitions and exhibit their work.

Distance learning courses This fall semester, Prague College has also started to offer distance learning courses in business.

Future plans The college's future plans include a BA degree program in computing. As with the BA fine arts degree, it will be an extension of the current HND program in computing.

UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS, PRAGUE

University of Economics, Prague: Vse.cz/index-en.php

This Czech university offers six master's degrees in English. Among the lineup are two new programs.

Economic and regional studies of Latin America Started in September, this two-year full-time master's program is part of the Faculty of Economics and Public Administration and managed by this faculty's research center, the Center for Latin American Studies. The degree is granted by the University of Economics, Prague and one of the university's prestigious partner universities in Latin America. 

International and diplomatic studies Also started in 2010, this two-year full-time master's program covers international politics, economy and law, comparative politics, diplomatic law and diplomatic theory and practice. The program places a strong emphasis on European Union issues and includes a semester abroad at one of the university's partner institutions.

ANGLO-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

Anglo-American University: Aauni.edu

B.A. in journalism and communications Accredited by the Education Ministry in January 2010, AAU's new journalism degree program has been going strong since its commencement this fall semester. Preparing students for careers in both traditional and new media, the program's core courses include reporting, broadcast news and video production, digital tools for new media, ethics and documentary photography. The program also places emphasis on providing a comprehensive understanding of political, economic and social issues through relevant foundation courses.

Distance learning master's in international relations and diplomacy The full-time MA in international relations and diplomacy program has become the fastest-growing program of study at AAU, producing numerous graduates. To provide access to those who are unable to attend the program full time, the university created the option to complete the program via distance learning. Accredited this fall, the distance MA in international relations and diplomacy program consists of five weekend sessions per semester with intensive interactive teaching and learning, and larger amount of independent, but guided work using the online learning system. AAU is currently accepting applications for the program and will open it from February 2011.

Bachelor's in Central and East European studies A planned addition to the School of International Relations and Diplomacy, the BA in Central and East European studies program will soon be reviewed for accreditation with plans to start the program in the fall of 2011. The program will consist of several sections, including history, politics and security, economy, public policy, environmental issues and media, arts and culture, philosophy, religion and ideology, and literature.

Bachelor's in Jewish studies AAU plans to begin this program in the fall of 2011. Accreditation is currently pending.

Joann Plocková can be reached at
features@praguepost.com