Developing a Dual Degree Curriculum to Enhance Cross-Disciplinary Skills and Meet the Needs of the Innovation-Driven Economy
The Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University (KKU), are advancing the development of a new curriculum model, “SCiKKU+EN,” a dual degree programme designed to equip students with strong interdisciplinary competencies. This initiative allows undergraduate students to simultaneously take postgraduate courses and progress towards a Master’s degree, completing both levels within five years. The goal is to produce personnel with an integrated scientific and engineering skillset, meeting the rising demand for advanced technology human resources in the innovation-driven economy.
On 19 November 2025, the management team of the Faculty of Science, led by Assistant Professor Angkana Boonyued, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Science, and accompanied by Associate Professor Pimwadee Pornpongrueng, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, welcomed Associate Professor Ratchaphon Suntivarakorn, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, to the Faculty of Science Administrative Meeting Room. The meeting focused on discussing collaborative guidelines for developing and implementing the aforementioned curriculum.
The Dual Degree Structure: Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees Within 5 Years
Assistant Professor Angkana explained that the SCiKKU+EN programme is designed to allow third-year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Science who have sufficient foundational knowledge to begin taking Master’s level courses offered by the Faculty of Engineering concurrently. These postgraduate classes will generally be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays to allow students adequate time management.
A key feature of the programme is the integration of undergraduate project courses with the Master’s thesis topic, enabling students to build deeper expertise and complete both degrees within five years. The pilot phase includes four majors from the Faculty of Science: Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science and Nanotechnology, and Statistics and Data Science, paired with the Master of Engineering programme in Industrial and Logistics Management.
Addressing Future Industries and the BCG Economy
The SCiKKU+EN programme is a strategic initiative designed to produce graduates with interdisciplinary knowledge required in critical national development sectors. These include Deep Technology, digital industries, logistics and supply chain management, the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) Economy, and innovative manufacturing. Such areas form the backbone of the future economy and demand personnel who understand both fundamental scientific principles and engineering applications.
Inter-Faculty Collaboration: Sharing Resources and Curriculum Development
Assistant Professor Angkana noted that the joint assessment revealed no constraints regarding personnel or infrastructure. Since the programme uses existing courses, there will be no additional burden on laboratories, research facilities, or teaching resources.
The key activities to be undertaken include establishing a project management structure, appointing a joint oversight committee with lecturers from both faculties, developing criteria for student selection and progress tracking, and ensuring the efficient connection between the undergraduate project and the Master’s thesis.
Regarding resource access, participating students will be issued both undergraduate (SC) and postgraduate (EN) student identification numbers. This allows them access to laboratories, research equipment, and services equivalent to regular students in both Faculties.
A Significant Step for Khon Kaen University Towards Producing High-Quality Graduates in the Digital Era
The SCiKKU+EN programme represents a critical milestone for Khon Kaen University in producing highly competent, cross-disciplinary personnel ready to support the industries of the future. This initiative will generate a competitive advantage for the nation and genuinely drive the innovation-driven economy in the digital age.
News by Suchart Theppukheow / Benjamaporn Mamook
Images by Faculty of Science, KKU
