On 7 April 2026, the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Science at Khon Kaen University hosted a press conference to officially launch the “Dual-Degree Programme between the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Engineering.” This initiative marks a significant step towards educational reform through an interdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge across scientific and engineering fields to produce high-calibre graduates ready for the digital era. The event was attended by Associate Professor Ratchaphon Suntivarakorn, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Assistant Professor Angkana Boonyued, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Science; along with executives, faculty members, and students at Seminar Room 2, 9th Floor, Piensirivijitr Building, Faculty of Engineering.
Associate Professor Ratchaphon Suntivarakorn, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, stated that in a world of rapid technological and economic change, single-discipline education is no longer sufficient to meet industry demands. In response, the Faculty of Engineering has collaborated with the Faculty of Science to design this programme as a “learning platform” that fosters students’ systematic growth.
“We believe that nurturing talent to drive national development requires a fusion of pure science from the Faculty of Science and applied science from the Faculty of Engineering. This programme will deliver enhanced value to students, broadening their knowledge, expanding their career opportunities, and accelerating their entry into advanced technology professions. Our goal is to produce graduates who are the ‘Digital Talent’ of Asia, which aligns with the award we received from Taiwan last year,” added Associate Professor Suntivarakorn.
Assistant Professor Angkana Boonyued, Dean of the Faculty of Science, revealed that the initiative, developed under the “Science KKU Plus” project, allows students with a strong scientific foundation to apply their knowledge in practical engineering and innovation contexts.
“Science students possess a distinct strength in theoretical knowledge, which is the bedrock of technological advancement. This collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering bridges the gap to real-world application, enabling students to become researchers, innovators, and ‘city-builders’ who can address national challenges. This programme helps students who discover a passion for applied sciences to save time and earn two degrees in just five years,” Assistant Professor Boonyued explained.
Associate Professor Panitas Sureeyatanapas, Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies and International Relations at the Faculty of Engineering, provided details on the curriculum, highlighting two main streams:
- Industrial Management and Logistics Engineering: This stream focuses on planning, managing production systems, and supply chains, ideal for students in statistics, data science, and other science disciplines aspiring to planning-oriented roles in industry.
- Innovation Engineering: This stream offers three specialisations aligned with global trends: BCG Innovation (Energy and Environment), Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation, and Financial Innovation (Fintech/Blockchain).
The programme will be co-taught by faculty from both faculties, ensuring close student supervision. Students can begin enrolling in Master’s level courses during their third and fourth undergraduate years, with classes held on weekends to avoid scheduling conflicts. Their undergraduate senior project can be designed to seamlessly transition into a Master’s thesis, reducing both time and overall costs.
Associate Professor Sureeyatanapas elaborated on the benefits: “In addition to saving a full year of study, students in this programme receive a special tuition fee discount. In the first year, credit fees will be reduced to improve accessibility. Research grants ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 THB are available, along with teaching assistantships (TA) of 5,000 THB per month for fifth-year students and opportunities for international exchange through the Faculty of Engineering’s partnership network.”
Beyond academic advancement, the programme is dedicated to fostering “innovation entrepreneurs.” The Faculty of Engineering has a robust ecosystem, including its own holding company, ready to identify and commercialise promising student innovations into start-up ventures. This helps graduates transition from being employees to becoming employers and technology business owners.
To ensure the quality of graduates, Associate Professor Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Faculty of Science, outlined the selection criteria, which will prioritise student dedication and determination.
“The interview process will consider both past academic performance and future aspirations. We want to ensure that every student can succeed in this intensive programme, guided by the principles of critical thinking, practical application, and resilience—essential traits for both scientists and engineers in solving problems and creating new solutions,” stated Associate Professor Pornpongrungrueng.
Concluding the press conference, Associate Professor Ratchaphon Suntivarakorn emphasised the significance of this dual qualification. “This is the most effective combination for the modern era. Graduates holding both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Engineering will be highly sought after by industry due to their diverse expertise and broader perspective. These qualities are crucial for rapid career advancement and promotion, whether in top organisations or as founders of their own start-ups.”
The Dual-Degree Programme (Bachelor’s-Master’s) will open its first application round for students of the Faculty of Science from 20 April to 15 May 2026. Interested individuals can find further details and apply online via the websites of the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University.
