A New Milestone for Oceanology program After Being Accredited by the International Accreditation Organization ASIIN

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in the development of the Oceanology program under the Department of Oceanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology at the University of Science, VNU-HCM, as the program has been accredited by the international accreditation organization ASIIN (Accreditation Agency for Degree Programmes in Engineering, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics). This achievement not only affirms the quality of the program at an international standard but also opens a new chapter, elevating the program’s position in various aspects.

Firstly, in terms of education quality, achieving ASIIN accreditation is a strong testament to the university’s commitment to providing a world-class education. This means the Oceanology program meets strict standards in curriculum content, teaching methods, facilities, and faculty. Students enrolled in this program will gain access to the most up-to-date knowledge and skills, aligned with global trends in the field of Oceanography.

This recognition also opens up broader opportunities for students to pursue further studies. Specifically, graduates are given priority for exam exemptions and can directly transition to graduate programs in Oceanography and Meteorology at the University of Science, VNU-HCM. Moreover, opportunities for studying abroad and transferring to prestigious universities worldwide have become more accessible. Students can apply for scholarships or be admitted to postgraduate programs at esteemed institutions such as Academia Sinica (Taiwan), Hokkaido University (Japan), National Central University (Taiwan), University of Tasmania (Australia), Kiel University (Germany), National Weather Center – The University of Oklahoma (USA), Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland), and University of Bialystok (Poland).

Regarding career opportunities, a degree recognized by ASIIN will open many new doors for graduates. Employers, especially international organizations and multinational companies, will highly value this degree. This not only increases job opportunities domestically but also expands the possibility of seeking employment abroad. Graduates can confidently apply for positions in marine research organizations, environmental consulting firms, marine resource management agencies, or sustainable development projects related to oceans.

ASIIN accreditation also facilitates international collaboration in academia and research. Foreign universities and research institutes will more easily recognize the quality of the program, paving the way for joint research projects, and student and faculty exchanges. This not only enhances the quality of research but also provides opportunities for students and faculty to access advanced global resources, knowledge, and technology in Oceanography. Currently, the department is collaborating in research and training with Scripps Institution of Oceanography (USA), Hokkaido University (Japan), Kiel University (Germany), University of Tasmania (Australia), and University of Bialystok (Poland).

Additionally, achieving ASIIN accreditation enhances the department’s ability to attract resources and investment in Oceanography. Sponsors, NGOs, and businesses will have greater confidence in the quality of the program and research, leading to more willingness to invest in projects, equipment, and scholarships (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA). This creates a positive cycle, continuously improving the quality of education and research in the department.

In terms of internationalization, ASIIN accreditation opens up opportunities for students to participate in exchange programs and short-term study abroad at prestigious universities around the world. Short courses such as “Survey Skills and Basic First Aid Skills” and “Drowning Prevention Skills” by the Department of Oceanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology, the short online course Ocean Data Analysis with R Programming for Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) – Asia, and the course on “Global Changes and Their Biological Consequences” by Professor Piotr Zieliński (University of Bialystok, Poland)… Notably, in November 2023, the Department of Oceanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology, in collaboration with the University of Tasmania (Australia), organized the “Changing Coast” course for Oceanology students of the department and students from Tasmania. The students had an exciting two-week course with practical fieldwork(https://oceanology.hcmus.edu.vn/2023/11/13/lop-hoc-quoc-te-changing-coast-2023-khoi-dong-voi-nhieu-hoat-dong-thu-vi/). This not only helps students broaden their horizons, and improve their language skills but also allows them to experience different cultures, building international networks – crucial elements for their future careers in global Oceanography.

ASIIN accreditation also enhances the status of Oceanology program within the scientific and social community. It affirms the importance of this field to sustainable development, especially in the context of climate change and the growing need for marine environmental protection. This could lead to increased attention and investment from the government and international organizations in Oceanography research and development (https://oceanology.hcmus.edu.vn/huong-nghien-cuu/huong-nghien-cuu/)

ASIIN accreditation also motivates continuous improvement in the curriculum. To maintain the accreditation, the program must regularly update, innovate, and meet increasingly higher standards. This ensures that the quality of education will continuously be enhanced, and students will always have access to the latest knowledge and skills in Oceanography. Many subjects have been updated and added, such as Groundwater Hydrology, Application of AI in Earth Science, Coastal and Marine Geography, Environmental Engineering for Climate Change, and Statistics and Machine Learning Applications in Earth Sciences.

Furthermore, achieving ASIIN accreditation also enhances the reputation of the University of Science, VNU-HCM. This can lead to a positive spillover effect, attracting interest and investment in other disciplines, as well as strengthening the university’s position in the national and international higher education system.

Finally, the new status of Oceanology program after achieving ASIIN accreditation is also reflected in its ability to contribute more significantly to the socio-economic development of the country. With its training quality internationally recognized, this program will provide high-quality human resources, meeting the growing demand of sustainable development projects, marine resource management, and marine environmental protection. This not only contributes to the development of the marine economy but also supports Vietnam in fulfilling its international commitments on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Achieving ASIIN accreditation has brought a new status to the Oceanology program under the Department of Oceanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology at the University of Science, VNU-HCM. It not only enhances education quality, expands career and study opportunities for students but also strengthens international cooperation, attracts investment, and contributes positively to the sustainable development of the country. This is an important step forward, laying the foundation for the long-term and sustainable development of Oceanography in Vietnam in the context of deeper international integration.

Figure 1: ASIIN Accreditation in December 2023

Figure 2: International Cooperation with
(a) Scripps Institution of Oceanography (USA), (b) University of Bialystok (Poland), (c) Kiel University (Germany), (d) University of Tasmania (Australia)